Warm Red Cabbage Salad with Garlic Herb Butter and Pistachios Recipe
Introduction
This warm red cabbage salad with garlic herb butter is a flavorful, vibrant side dish perfect for any meal. The tender cabbage and spinach are coated in a fragrant garlic butter infused with fresh herbs, then topped with crunchy pistachios for added texture. It’s a simple, elegant salad that’s quick to prepare and full of character.
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 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley, or your choice)
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons pistachios, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the butter and minced garlic in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Once the butter melts, let it sizzle for about 15 seconds to infuse the garlic flavor.
- Step 3: Add the salt and fresh herbs, then swirl the pan gently to distribute them throughout the butter.
- Step 4: Add the red cabbage pieces and cook, tossing them in the garlic herb butter to coat evenly.
- Step 5: When the cabbage begins to wilt, remove the pan from heat.
- Step 6: Immediately add the spinach and balsamic vinegar, tossing to slightly wilt the spinach with residual heat and mix in the vinegar.
- Step 7: Transfer the salad to a serving plate and sprinkle with chopped pistachios. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of your favorite fresh herbs to customize the flavor—basil or tarragon can add a unique twist.
- Swap pistachios for toasted walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- For a vegan version, substitute the butter with olive oil and adjust herbs to taste.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to avoid overcooking the greens. The salad is best enjoyed fresh to maintain its texture and vibrant flavors.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cabbage for this salad?
Yes, green cabbage or savoy cabbage can be used as substitutes. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if the leaves are thicker.
Is it necessary to cook the spinach in the salad?
The spinach is added at the end to wilt slightly from residual heat, which softens it without losing its bright color. If you prefer fresh spinach, you can add it raw instead.
PrintWarm Red Cabbage Salad with Garlic Herb Butter and Pistachios Recipe
A warm, vibrant red cabbage salad tossed in a fragrant garlic herb butter with fresh spinach and crunchy pistachios, perfect as a flavorful and nutritious side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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
Seasoning and Flavorings
- 2 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped herbs (thyme, rosemary, and parsley)
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
Toppings
- 3 tbsp pistachios, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Infuse Butter: Place the butter and minced garlic in a fry pan over medium-high heat. Let the butter melt completely and sizzle for 15 seconds to infuse the garlic flavor.
- Add Herbs and Salt: Add the salt and fresh chopped herbs to the pan, then swirl the pan gently to evenly distribute the herbs throughout the garlic butter.
- Cook Cabbage: Add the cut red cabbage to the pan. Toss the cabbage leaves thoroughly so they coat well in the garlic herb butter. Cook until the cabbage just starts to wilt, ensuring it remains slightly crisp.
- Add Spinach and Vinegar: Remove the pan from heat, then add the sliced spinach and balsamic vinegar. Toss quickly so the residual heat wilts the spinach slightly and the vinegar evenly coats the vegetables.
- Serve: Transfer the warm salad onto a serving plate and scatter the roughly chopped pistachios over the top. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh and warm textures.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs of your choice for varying flavors; thyme, rosemary, and parsley work beautifully together in this recipe.
- Cut the cabbage into rectangles to help it cook evenly and retain some texture.
- The spinach is added at the end to preserve its delicate texture and nutritional value.
- Serve this salad warm for the best experience with the melted butter and infused garlic flavors.
Keywords: warm red cabbage salad, garlic herb butter, spinach salad, pistachio salad, easy side dish, healthy salad
