Classic Warm Red Cabbage Salad
With Crispy Bacon & Shallot
Toasted Walnut & Blue Cheese
Warm Red Cabbage Salad
with Dijon-Lemon Dressing
The quickest, most elegant French way to enjoy red cabbage
A classic bistro side that takes just minutes — lightly steamed red cabbage stays bright and tender-crisp, then tossed in a sharp Dijon, lemon and garlic dressing. Perfect with roast pork, duck, sausages or grilled fish.
Bright, crunchy, tangy — the perfect 10-minute side.
Serves
4–6
4–6
Prep
5 min
5 min
Cook
8–10 min
8–10 min
Ready in
15 min
15 min
Ingredients – Classic Warm Red Cabbage Salad
- 700 g red cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
Method – Classic
1. Steam the shredded red cabbage for 8–10 minutes or until just softened but still with a little bite (do not overcook — it should stay bright purple).
2. Set aside to cool slightly, then transfer to a large serving bowl.
3. In a small jug, whisk together the Dijon mustard, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, a good pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper until emulsified.
4. Pour the dressing over the warm cabbage and toss very well to coat every piece.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning — it should be tangy and well seasoned. Serve immediately while still warm.
Pro tip: The warmth of the cabbage helps it absorb the dressing perfectly — serve straight away for maximum flavour.
Warm Red Cabbage with Crispy Bacon & Shallot
- Add 100 g diced bacon or lardons — fry until crisp
- Replace onion with 1 finely sliced shallot
- Add a splash of cider vinegar with the lemon
Fry bacon first, use the fat instead of some oil — pure bistro heaven.
Warm Red Cabbage with Toasted Walnuts & Blue Cheese
- Add 50 g toasted walnut pieces
- Crumble 60 g Roquefort or Stilton over at the end
- Use walnut oil instead of half the olive oil
Luxury version — perfect with roast beef or duck.
The fastest, most delicious way to enjoy red cabbage — French bistro style in 15 minutes flat.
