21 Boiled Cabbage Recipes That Are Healthy, Cheap & Surprisingly Delicious

This classic recipe for buttered boiled cabbage is one of the easiest and healthiest side dishes to prepare for lunch or dinner. Tender cabbage is gently boiled, then tossed with butter, salt, and black pepper to create a comforting and low-calorie dish. Boiled cabbage is naturally high in fiber, which is very beneficial for weight loss diets, digestion, and gut health. Serve it with grilled chicken, fish, or eggs for a balanced meal. It's also ideal for people with diabetes and those following a heart-healthy diet. This dish proves that healthy food doesn't need expensive ingredients to be delicious.

Here's a simple and tasty recipe for Southern boiled cabbage! This dish uses soft cabbage and a little bit of smoky bacon, cooked in a yummy broth. It’s way better than plain cabbage because we add garlic, which makes it smell amazing and taste even better! Lots of people like this recipe because it’s healthy and low in calories.

First, you cook the fresh cabbage until it's nice and tender, then you fry it a little with garlic. Garlic is good for you because it has things that help keep your heart healthy! This cabbage goes really well with rice, quinoa, or even grilled tofu. It’s perfect for anyone looking to eat better and feel great!

Cabbage boiled with lemon and black pepper is refreshing, delicious, and perfect for those who want a healthy vegetable side dish without heavy sauces. The cabbage is boiled until tender and then finished with lemon juice, black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. This recipe is excellent for detox diets, low-carb meals, and weight loss, as it is low in calories yet filling. The lemon aids digestion and reduces the strong odor of cabbage that many people dislike. This dish pairs very well with grilled meats or plant-based proteins and is ideal for a heart-healthy diet. If you're tired of plain vegetables, this bright and simple recipe will change your mind.

Boiled cabbage with potatoes is a comforting, economical, and nutritious dinner recipe that is very filling. This dish combines tender cabbage and soft potatoes, making it ideal for budget-friendly family meals and meal prepping. It is naturally rich in fiber and potassium, which are beneficial for digestion and heart health. You can enhance its flavor by adding herbs, black pepper, or a drizzle of olive oil. When consumed in appropriate portions, this dish is quite popular in weight-loss diets and is an excellent alternative to processed foods.

This Asian-style boiled cabbage is light, delicious, and full of umami flavor. The cabbage is boiled and served with soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger. It's quick and inexpensive to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Ginger aids digestion, while cabbage is beneficial for gut health and weight management. Serve it with rice or tofu for a balanced meal. This dish is also suitable for vegetarians and makes a great low-fat dinner option.

Keto boiled cabbage is a favorite among people following low carb and ketogenic diets. Cabbage is naturally low in carbs and high in fiber, making it ideal for ketosis. This recipe uses butter, garlic, and herbs to keep it flavorful without added sugars. It’s perfect for weight loss, blood sugar control, and quick keto dinners. Serve it with grilled meat or eggs for a complete keto meal.

This vegan boiled cabbage bowl is a nutrient-dense, plant-based meal ideal for healthy vegan recipes and meal prep ideas. Boiled cabbage is combined with chickpeas, herbs, and lemon dressing for protein and flavor. It’s perfect for weight loss, gut health, and clean eating. This recipe is high in fiber, low in calories, and keeps you full longer. It’s easy to customize and great for busy lifestyles.

Detox boiled cabbage soup is one of the most searched weight loss soup recipes online. Made with cabbage, onions, celery, and herbs, this soup is low in calories and high in fiber. It aids digestion, reduces bloating, and helps with healthy weight management. Enjoy it as a light lunch or dinner. This recipe is budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and perfect for weekly meal prep.

Boiled cabbage with eggs is a high-protein, low-calorie meal ideal for weight loss and muscle maintenance. Soft cabbage pairs perfectly with boiled or scrambled eggs for a satisfying dish. This recipe is excellent for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and fits into keto, low carb, and diabetic-friendly diets. It’s quick, affordable, and very filling.

Boiled cabbage with lentils is a fiber-rich, plant-based meal perfect for vegetarian weight loss diets. Lentils add protein and make this dish filling and balanced. It’s ideal for heart health, digestion, and long-lasting energy. Serve it with rice or enjoy it on its own. It’s naturally low in fat and great for meal prep.

Irish-style boiled cabbage is a comforting, traditional dish often paired with potatoes. It’s simple, hearty, and ideal for family dinners. It’s filling, nutritious, and easy to prepare. Add herbs or butter for flavor. This dish works well for balanced diets and portion-controlled weight loss plans.

Boiled cabbage with carrots is colorful, mildly sweet, and packed with nutrients. This dish is rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it ideal for healthy side dishes. It’s perfect for low calorie meals and clean eating plans. Carrots balance cabbage’s flavor while boosting nutrition. Serve it with grilled protein or grains. This recipe is simple, affordable, and family-friendly.

Boiled cabbage with olive oil is Mediterranean-inspired and heart-friendly. Olive oil adds healthy fats and flavor. This dish is ideal for anti-inflammatory diets and cholesterol control. It’s simple, clean, and perfect for daily meals.

Beans add protein and fiber, making this a filling plant-based dinner. This recipe is excellent for budget meals and weight management. It keeps you full longer and supports digestion.

This light soup is designed for calorie control and detox. It’s perfect for diet plans and healthy weekly meal prep. Simple, nourishing, and affordable.

You should definitely try making sautéed cabbage with herbs. It’s a super easy and fancy vegetable side dish! When you shred the cabbage into tiny pieces and cook it in butter, it gets really soft and yummy. Adding fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and chives makes it taste even better!
This dish is quick to make, and you can enjoy it any time of the year. Also, it's a healthier choice with low salt, so it’s great for clean eating. Overall, it’s a refreshing and flexible recipe that you can pair with lots of different meals!

This vegan-friendly recipe combines protein-rich tofu with soft cabbage. It’s ideal for plant-based weight loss meals and high-protein vegan diets.

Sometimes simplicity wins. Salted boiled cabbage is minimal, light, and perfect for digestion. It’s ideal for detox diets, medical diets, and gut-friendly meals.

German-style boiled cabbage is a mildly sour, savory dish commonly enjoyed throughout Europe. The cabbage is braised until tender and finished with vinegar, pepper, and sometimes caraway seeds. The mild acidity helps balance the cabbage's natural sweetness and improves digestion. It's a great option for gut-healthy meals, low-fat meals, and easy home cooking. Serve it with potatoes or a lean protein for a satisfying meal. This dish is ideal for anyone who enjoys traditional flavors and keeps meals clean, affordable, and nutritious.

The sweetness of onions perfectly complements the mild flavor of cabbage, making this dish comforting and easy to enjoy. It’s especially popular among people looking for cheap healthy meals, easy vegetarian dinners, and quick home-cooked food. This recipe is low in calories, high in fiber, and supports digestion and heart health. It’s ideal for weight-conscious eaters and those following clean eating or diabetic-friendly diets. Serve it as a side dish or enjoy it on its own for a light, nourishing meal.

Baked cabbage with bacon is a very popular recipe that combines comfort and flavor. In this light version, a small amount of bacon is used mainly for flavor, which keeps the dish suitable for a balanced diet. The cabbage is baked until tender, then topped with crispy bacon pieces and black pepper. When portioned correctly, it can fit into a low-carb, high-protein meal plan. It's filling, satisfying, and perfect for those who want to switch from processed foods to healthy home cooking.