Get ready to fall in love with the simplicity and bold flavors of the Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe. Imagine smoky, caramelized sausage mingling with tender cabbage and sweet onions, all brought together by a tangy mustard vinaigrette that pops with every bite. This one-pan wonder is as easy as it is satisfying, making it a staple whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or wowing friends at a casual dinner. Trust me—this is the kind of vibrant, hearty cooking you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is brilliantly straightforward, letting each ingredient shine in its own right. The beauty is in how these classic, affordable ingredients come together for something far greater than the sum of their parts—delivering both comfort and a zing of flavor in each forkful.
- Smoked kielbasa (14 oz, sliced into rounds): Rich, savory, and packed with smoky flavor, this sausage is the soul of the dish.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps everything brown up beautifully and adds a hint of fruitiness.
- Onion (1 small, thinly sliced): Adds sweetness and depth that balance the sharpness of the cabbage.
- Green cabbage (1/2 head, shredded, about 5 cups): Brings freshness, crunch, and a lovely color contrast.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Elevates the flavor profile with that classic aromatic punch.
- Apple cider vinegar (1/4 cup): Offers tang that helps all the other flavors sparkle.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for bringing everything together—taste and tweak as you go.
- Dijon mustard (2 tablespoons): Creamy and sharp, forming the backbone of the vinaigrette.
- Whole grain mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds both texture and bursts of flavor to the dressing.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): A subtle sweetness elevates the vinaigrette and rounds out the tang.
- Apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons): More tang for the vinaigrette—double up for depth!
- Olive oil (1/4 cup): Emulsifies the vinaigrette, making it silky and luscious.
How to Make Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Kielbasa
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in your largest, sturdiest skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add your sliced kielbasa in a single layer. Let them sizzle undisturbed until they develop deep, caramelized edges—about 4 to 5 minutes. This bit of browning unlocks amazing smoky flavor, so don’t rush! Scoop the sausage out and set aside, but leave all those tasty bits behind in the pan.
Step 2: Soften the Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, drop in the sliced onions and give them a quick toss. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re just starting to turn translucent. Next, sprinkle in the minced garlic, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds. This releases a warm, savory aroma that instantly transforms your kitchen. Be careful not to let the garlic burn!
Step 3: Wilt the Cabbage
Add the shredded green cabbage to the skillet, along with the apple cider vinegar. As you stir, the cabbage will begin to soften and shrink down—don’t worry, what looks like a mountain will soon be the perfect amount. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and beautifully wilted. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Time to reunite the kielbasa with the veggies! Return the browned sausage to the skillet and toss everything together so the savory juices mingle with the cabbage and onion. Let the flavors meld for a minute or two, then turn off the heat—you’re nearly there!
Step 5: Whisk the Mustard Vinaigrette
While the skillet is finishing up, grab a small bowl and whisk together Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, then taste and adjust until the balance is just right—zippy, sweet, and vibrant.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Drizzle the mustard vinaigrette generously over the warm kielbasa and cabbage mélange. Give everything a gentle toss so the dressing evenly coats every nook and cranny. Serve your Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe immediately while it’s hot, aromatic, and utterly inviting.
How to Serve Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
To really make this skillet pop, sprinkle with a handful of fresh chopped parsley or dill just before serving. A light dusting of cracked black pepper or a few thinly sliced green onions adds both color and extra zing. It’s a simple way to make your Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but it shines even brighter with a side of roasted potatoes, buttery mashed potatoes, or thick slices of crusty bread to mop up every bit of that zesty vinaigrette. For something lighter, try pairing with a crisp cucumber salad or steamed green beans to keep things extra fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, pile the skillet mixture into toasted buns for the ultimate sausage and cabbage sandwiches, or scoop into tortilla wraps for an easy lunch. If you’re entertaining, serve the Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe right in the skillet with a set of tongs so everyone can help themselves family-style—it’s as inviting as it gets!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), let the skillet cool to room temperature, then transfer everything to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, your Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days. Be sure to keep any extra mustard vinaigrette in a separate jar for drizzling over reheated portions.
Freezing
The good news: you can freeze this recipe! Once cooled, portion out the skillet contents into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. It’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results—keep the vinaigrette separate and add after reheating for maximum punch.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply reheat the skillet mixture in a nonstick pan over medium heat, stirring gently until hot. You can also use the microwave, but cover loosely to prevent drying out. If the vinaigrette has thickened in the fridge, bring it to room temp and whisk with a splash of vinegar to loosen, then drizzle over your reheated meal.
FAQs
Can I use a different sausage if I don’t have kielbasa?
Absolutely! While kielbasa offers a signature smoky depth, you can substitute with any smoked sausage, andouille, or even bratwurst. Just remember, the seasoning level might change slightly, so taste and adjust as needed.
Is it possible to make the Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out the kielbasa for a plant-based sausage or sliced portobello mushrooms. The rest of the ingredients stay the same, and the tangy vinaigrette keeps the dish satisfying and punchy.
What’s the best way to shred cabbage for this recipe?
A sharp chef’s knife works wonderfully—just slice the cabbage as thinly as you can for tender, quick-cooking ribbons. If you prefer, a mandoline or food processor with a shredding blade makes easy work of it, especially if you’re prepping for a crowd!
Can I prep the vinaigrette ahead of time?
Yes—the vinaigrette can be whisked together up to a week in advance and stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake or stir before using, as the ingredients may settle or separate over time.
Will red cabbage work in the Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe?
Red cabbage is a fantastic substitution for green cabbage and adds a brilliant pop of color to the dish. The flavor is a touch earthier and slightly sweeter, but it will hold up just as well and look gorgeous on your plate.
Final Thoughts
There’s something deeply comforting and endlessly craveable about the Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe—it’s warm, zippy, and always satisfies. If you’re looking for a new family favorite or a dish that wows on busy evenings, don’t hesitate to give this one a try. You might just find yourself making it a regular in your meal rotation!
Print
Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Eastern European-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette recipe is a delicious and hearty one-pan meal that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The smoky kielbasa pairs perfectly with the tender cabbage, all tossed in a tangy mustard vinaigrette. It’s a flavorful dish that is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet:
- 14 oz smoked kielbasa (sliced into rounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 head green cabbage (shredded, about 5 cups)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mustard Vinaigrette:
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced kielbasa and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned, then remove from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add sliced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the shredded cabbage and vinegar, then cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is wilted and tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Return the kielbasa to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Mustard Vinaigrette: Whisk together Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the skillet mixture and toss gently to coat. Serve warm.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with roasted potatoes or crusty bread.
- For extra flavor, sauté the kielbasa with a splash of beer.
- Use red cabbage for a colorful twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
