Warm Red Cabbage Salad with Garlic Herb Butter and Pistachios Recipe

Introduction

This Warm Red Cabbage Salad with Garlic Herb Butter is a deliciously savory side dish that combines tender cabbage and spinach with fragrant garlic and fresh herbs. Topped with crunchy pistachios, it’s a hearty and flavorful way to enjoy greens any time of year.

Ingredients

• 1/2 bunch English spinach leaves, sliced into 1cm (1/2 inch) strips
• 1/4 red cabbage, cut into 2.5 x 5cm (1 x 2 inch) rectangles
• 2 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh chopped herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley)
• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp pistachios, roughly chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the butter and minced garlic in a fry pan over medium-high heat.
2. Step 2: Once the butter has melted, let it sizzle for 15 seconds to infuse the garlic flavor. Add the salt and chopped herbs, then swirl the pan to evenly spread the mixture.
3. Step 3: Add the red cabbage to the pan, tossing it gently in the garlic herb butter to coat the leaves.
4. Step 4: Cook until the cabbage just starts to wilt, then remove the pan from heat. Add the spinach and balsamic vinegar, tossing quickly so the residual heat wilts the spinach slightly and the vinegar distributes evenly.
5. Step 5: Transfer the salad onto a serving plate, scatter over the chopped pistachios, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use any fresh herbs you like—basil or tarragon work well too.
• For extra crunch, toast the pistachios lightly before adding.
• You can substitute the pistachios with toasted almonds or walnuts if preferred.
• If you want a milder garlic flavor, reduce the garlic to half a clove.

Storage

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to avoid wilting the greens too much, or enjoy cold as a refreshing salad.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the components ahead. Store the cooked cabbage and herb butter separately and combine with spinach and pistachios just before serving.

What can I use if I don’t have pistachios?

Toasted almonds, walnuts, or even pumpkin seeds make great crunchy alternatives that complement the flavors well.

Warm Red Cabbage Salad with Garlic Herb Butter and Pistachios Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 118 reviews

This Warm Red Cabbage Salad with Garlic Herb Butter is a vibrant, flavorful dish featuring tender red cabbage and fresh spinach lightly wilted in a fragrant garlic herb butter. Enhanced with a splash of balsamic vinegar and crunchy pistachios, this warm salad is perfect as a nutritious side or light main.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Western
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 1/2 bunch English spinach leaves, sliced into 1cm (1/2 inch) strips
• 1/4 red cabbage, cut into 2.5 x 5cm (1 x 2 inch) rectangles

Butter & Seasonings

• 2 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 garlic clove, large, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh chopped herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar

Garnish

• 3 tbsp pistachios, roughly chopped

Instructions

1. Melt the butter and infuse garlic. Place the butter and minced garlic in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Let the butter melt and allow the garlic to sizzle for about 15 seconds to infuse its flavor into the butter.
2. Add salt and herbs. Sprinkle the salt and fresh chopped herbs into the pan and swirl to evenly distribute them throughout the melted butter, creating a fragrant herb butter base.
3. Cook the red cabbage. Add the red cabbage pieces to the pan. Toss and stir the cabbage in the herb butter to coat the leaves well as it begins to soften and wilt.
4. Wilt the spinach. Once the cabbage starts to wilt but still retains some crunch, remove the pan from heat. Add the sliced spinach and balsamic vinegar. Toss gently so the residual heat slightly wilts the spinach and incorporates the balsamic flavor.
5. Serve with pistachios. Transfer the warm salad to a serving plate and sprinkle roughly chopped pistachios on top for a crunchy finish. Serve immediately to enjoy the warm, fresh flavors.

Notes

• Use fresh herbs that you prefer or have on hand; thyme, rosemary, and parsley work beautifully.
• Be careful not to overcook the cabbage; it should remain slightly crisp to provide texture.
• This salad is best served warm and doesn’t hold as well if refrigerated and reheated.
• Toasting the pistachios lightly can enhance their flavor and crunch.

Keywords: warm red cabbage salad, garlic herb butter, spinach salad, easy vegetable side, pistachio garnish, quick warm salad, healthy salad