Mediterranean Diet Southern Fried Cabbage

Elevate a classic dish with this Mediterranean Diet Southern Fried Cabbage, a vibrant, health-conscious twist on a beloved Southern recipe. This veggie-packed delight combines tender green cabbage with bold flavors like smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, and garlic, all sautéed to perfection in heart-healthy extra virgin olive oil. Sweet red bell peppers and onions add a textured medley, while a finishing touch of fresh parsley and a squeeze of bright lemon juice enhance its zesty, aromatic profile. Perfect as a side dish or a satisfying plant-based main course, it’s both nourishing and incredibly flavorful. Ready in just 35 minutes, this Mediterranean-inspired favorite is a lighter yet no-less-delicious take on comfort food that seamlessly fits into your healthy lifestyle.

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 head (medium) green cabbage
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 large garlic cloves
• 1 large yellow onion
• 1 medium red bell pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 0.75 teaspoon sea salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons (chopped) fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Core and shred the head of cabbage into thin strips. Rinse under cold water and allow to drain.

Step 2

Mince the garlic cloves, dice the onion, and slice the red bell pepper into thin strips.

Step 3

In a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic and red bell pepper to the skillet, stirring frequently for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 6

Stir in the shredded cabbage, mixing well to combine with the vegetables and oil.

Step 7

Sprinkle the smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, sea salt, and ground black pepper over the cabbage. Toss well to distribute the spices evenly.

Step 8

Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but retains a slight crunch.

Step 9

Turn off the heat and stir in the freshly chopped parsley and lemon juice for a bright, fresh finish.

Step 10

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm as a side dish or plant-based main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1275.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	736.7

Total Fat 43.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1927.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 85.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 30.1g	0%
Total Sugars 40.4g
Protein 17.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 463.5mg	0%
Iron 6.7mg	0%
Potassium 2258.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.1%

Protein: 8.4%

Carbs: 42.5%