There is something incredibly comforting about a skillet meal that offers big flavors with minimal fuss, which is exactly what this Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe delivers. Combining the smoky, hearty bite of browned kielbasa with tender, slightly crisp sautéed cabbage and a tangy, slightly spicy mustard vinaigrette, this dish strikes a perfect balance of richness and freshness. It’s a wonderfully approachable recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for any night of the week when you want a quick, satisfying meal without compromising on taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe lies in its simple, staple ingredients that come together to create a delicious dish. Each ingredient plays an important role, from the savory sausage and sweet onions to the tangy mustard dressing that ties everything together with a bright pop of flavor and colorful appeal.
- Olive oil (1/4 cup): A staple fat that adds richness and helps the vinaigrette emulsify perfectly.
- Red wine vinegar (2 Tbsp): Brings acidity and brightness to brighten up the dish.
- Stone ground or whole grain mustard (1.5 Tbsp): Adds a rustic, slightly spicy kick and texture to the vinaigrette.
- Garlic powder (1/4 tsp): Gives a subtle garlic depth without overpowering.
- Salt (1/4 tsp plus pinch): Enhances all the flavors naturally.
- Freshly cracked pepper (to taste): Adds a hint of warmth and complexity.
- Olive oil (1 Tbsp): Used for browning the kielbasa and sautéing the vegetables.
- Kielbasa (14 oz): The star protein, providing smoky, savory flavor with a satisfying bite.
- Yellow onion (1): Offers a sweet, aromatic base that softens beautifully when cooked.
- Chopped cabbage (6 cups, about 1 small head): Adds a crunchy texture and mild, earthy flavor that complements the sausage.
How to Make Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vinaigrette
Start by mixing the vinaigrette, which is the secret to giving this dish its vibrant flavor. Combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, stone ground mustard, garlic powder, salt, and freshly cracked pepper in a bowl or jar. Whisk it well or shake until the ingredients blend into a smooth, tangy dressing. Set it aside while you cook – this will be drizzled over the dish at the end to bring everything together.
Step 2: Brown the Kielbasa
Slice your kielbasa into medallions or half rounds, whichever you prefer for bite-size pieces. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the kielbasa slices. Cook them until they are nicely browned and edges get a bit crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. This browning step is crucial—it develops the smoky, savory depth that makes this recipe so irresistible.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions
While the sausage is browning, finely dice the yellow onion. Once the kielbasa is perfectly browned, push the sausage to the side and add onions to the skillet. Keep stirring frequently until the onions become soft and translucent, roughly 5 minutes. These soft onions bring a natural sweetness that balances the tangy vinaigrette beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the Cabbage
Chop the cabbage into long strips roughly 2 inches by 1/2 an inch—this size helps the cabbage cook evenly while maintaining a little bite. Toss the cabbage into the skillet alongside a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything to mix well, then add a few tablespoons of water to help steam and soften the cabbage more quickly. Cover the skillet loosely if you like, and sauté for 10 to 12 minutes until tender but with some texture. Let the water evaporate as it cooks to avoid sogginess.
Step 5: Add the Mustard Vinaigrette
Now the magic moment comes: drizzle half of the prepared mustard vinaigrette all over the warm kielbasa and cabbage mixture in the skillet. Stir until every piece is evenly coated so that the tangy, slightly spicy notes shine through. Taste and add more vinaigrette if you want to amp up the flavor. Serve it warm and enjoy the cozy comfort of this skillet meal!
How to Serve Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish can elevate this dish from great to unforgettable. Fresh parsley or chopped chives sprinkled on top adds a burst of green color and herbal freshness that contrasts nicely with the rich sausage and tangy cabbage. A few red pepper flakes also add a little heat if you want to play with contrasting flavors.
Side Dishes
This Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe shines as a complete meal, but pairing it with crusty bread makes it even heartier—perfect for sopping up any extra vinaigrette. Alternatively, a side of creamy mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables adds an extra layer of comfort and variety to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the kielbasa and cabbage over buttered noodles or grain bowls like quinoa or farro to soak up the vinaigrette. You can also stuff the mix into soft sandwich rolls for a handheld meal that’s bursting with flavor. For a festive touch, plate it alongside pickled vegetables or a dollop of sour cream to balance the acidity with a cooling creaminess.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe keeps really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze the leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results to preserve the textures and flavors.
Reheating
Reheat the skillet gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to warm through without drying out. Adding a splash of water or extra vinaigrette while reheating can help maintain moisture and refresh the flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage instead of kielbasa?
Absolutely! While kielbasa gives a traditional smoky flavor, you can swap in smoked sausage, bratwurst, or even chorizo for different flavor profiles. Each will bring its own unique taste while still pairing beautifully with the cabbage and mustard vinaigrette.
Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your kielbasa and mustard are gluten-free. Always check labels to be sure, especially with processed meats and condiments.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can easily adapt this dish by replacing the kielbasa with hearty smoked mushrooms, tempeh, or plant-based sausage alternatives. The mustard vinaigrette and cabbage remain just as delicious with these vegetarian swaps.
How can I make the cabbage more tender?
If you prefer softer cabbage, add a bit more water when cooking, cover the skillet tightly to trap steam, and increase cooking time slightly. Just be careful not to overcook it into mush—the goal is tender with a bit of bite.
What’s the best mustard to use in this vinaigrette?
Stone ground or whole grain mustard is recommended for its texture and robust flavor, which complements the smoky kielbasa perfectly. Dijon mustard can be used as a milder substitute but won’t have quite the same rustic character.
Final Thoughts
This Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients come together to create something truly special. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish with a wonderful balance of smoky, tangy, and savory notes that never fail to satisfy. So next time you’re wondering what to cook for a cozy dinner, give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to meal.
Print
Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette is a flavorful and hearty dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal. The juicy browned kielbasa paired with tender sautéed cabbage and sweet onions is elevated by a tangy mustard vinaigrette, creating a balanced and satisfying one-pan dish ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Mustard Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1.5 Tbsp stone ground or whole grain mustard
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Freshly cracked pepper, to taste
Skillet Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 14 oz kielbasa, sliced into medallions or half rounds
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 6 cups chopped cabbage (about 1 small head, 2.25 lbs)
- Pinch salt and pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the vinaigrette: In a bowl or jar, combine 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1.5 tablespoons stone ground mustard, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Whisk or shake vigorously until well emulsified. Set aside while preparing the rest of the dish.
- Brown the kielbasa: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large 12-inch or larger skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the pieces become well browned and slightly crisp on the edges, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Sauté the onions: While the kielbasa is browning, finely dice the yellow onion. Add the onion to the skillet with the kielbasa and cook, stirring frequently until the onions soften and turn translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Cook the cabbage: Chop the cabbage into strips about 2 inches long and 1/2 inch wide. Add the cabbage to the skillet along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine. To help soften the cabbage faster, add a few tablespoons of water to create steam and cover the skillet loosely if desired. Sauté the cabbage, stirring occasionally, until tender but still slightly crisp, around 10 to 12 minutes. Allow the water to evaporate as you cook.
- Add the mustard vinaigrette: Drizzle half of the prepared mustard vinaigrette over the cooked kielbasa and cabbage mixture. Stir well until everything is evenly coated. Taste and add more vinaigrette if desired. Serve the dish warm immediately.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette or while sautéing the cabbage.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the kielbasa is labeled gluten-free.
- The dish can be easily doubled for larger servings; just use a larger skillet.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if dryness occurs.
