If you are looking for a dish that feels like a big, warm hug in a bowl, then the Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. This recipe combines smoky, browned kielbasa with tender, slightly crisp cabbage, all brought together by a tangy, zesty mustard vinaigrette that brightens every bite. It’s the perfect balance of savory and fresh, hearty yet light, and incredibly satisfying on those busy weeknights or anytime you want a simple yet unforgettable meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes the Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe so delicious is how straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen the ingredients are. Each one plays a key role—from the rich kielbasa providing savory goodness, to the mustard vinaigrette adding a lively punch, and the cabbage bringing crunch and freshness that keeps the dish vibrant.
- Olive oil (1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon): Essential for making the tangy vinaigrette and browning the kielbasa to perfection.
- Red wine vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds sharp acidity that balances the richness of the sausage.
- Stone ground or whole grain mustard (1.5 tablespoons): Gives the vinaigrette a rustic texture and bold flavor that wakes up the dish.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Brings subtle depth and a touch of warmth into the vinaigrette.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon plus pinch): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the natural components.
- Freshly cracked pepper: Adds a lively spice note, adjustable to your taste.
- Kielbasa (14 ounces): The star protein, sliced for perfect browning and flavor infusion throughout.
- Yellow onion (1 whole): Sautéed until translucent to add sweetness and a savory base to the dish.
- Cabbage (6 cups chopped, about 2.25 pounds): Provides crunch and bulk, cooked just enough so it retains texture yet softens nicely.
How to Make Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the vinaigrette
Start by mixing the olive oil, red wine vinegar, stone ground mustard, garlic powder, salt, and freshly cracked pepper in a bowl or jar. Whisking or shaking vigorously until everything comes together creates a beautifully emulsified vinaigrette that will give the dish its signature zing. Setting this aside allows the flavors to meld while you work on the rest of the skillet.
Step 2: Brown the kielbasa
Slice your kielbasa into medallions or half rounds, whichever you prefer. Heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the sausage slices. Cook them until they develop a gorgeous caramelized brown crust, about 5-7 minutes. This step is vital because these browned edges are where a lot of the incredible flavor comes from and will infuse the entire dish.
Step 3: Sauté the onions
While the kielbasa is sizzling away, finely dice your yellow onion. Once the kielbasa is browned, toss in the onions, stirring frequently until they soften and become translucent, around 5 minutes. This layer of sweetness and soft texture perfectly complements the smoky sausage and hearty cabbage.
Step 4: Cook the cabbage
Chop your cabbage into 2-inch by half-inch strips to ensure even cooking. Add it to the skillet along with a pinch of salt and pepper. To help the cabbage tenderize without turning mushy, add a splash of water and cover the pan loosely, creating steam inside. Sauté for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender yet still has a satisfying bite. Let any remaining water evaporate for the best texture.
Step 5: Add the mustard vinaigrette
Drizzle half of your prepared mustard vinaigrette over the hot kielbasa and cabbage, stirring to coat everything evenly. Taste and adjust by adding more vinaigrette if you’d like a brighter note or extra tang. This finishing step ties all those flavors together beautifully, making every forkful a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and fresh goodness. Serve immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnishes can elevate your Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe from great to unforgettable. Consider sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of green and a fresh herbal aroma. A few whole grain mustard seeds on top can bring an extra texture burst that pairs perfectly with the tangy vinaigrette.
Side Dishes
This skillet dish is wonderfully hearty on its own, but pairing it with some crunchy rye bread or buttery mashed potatoes can make your meal more filling and comforting. Pickled vegetables also complement the mustard vinaigrette beautifully, adding acidity that contrasts wonderfully with the warm, savory skillet flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or simply enjoy this recipe in new ways, try serving it over warm, buttered egg noodles for a twist on a classic. Alternatively, stuffing it inside warm pita pockets or wrapping it in soft tortillas turns it into a handheld delight that’s perfect for casual lunches or picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight as the vinaigrette continues to infuse the ingredients, making leftovers a tasty and convenient option.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is possible but keep in mind the cabbage’s texture may soften more upon thawing. To freeze, cool the skillet completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to warm everything through evenly without drying it out. If it seems dry, add a splash of water or a little more vinaigrette to restore moisture and bright flavor. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the browned edges crispy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage instead of kielbasa?
Absolutely! While kielbasa gives this recipe its signature smoky flavor, you can substitute with other smoked or even fresh sausages. Just be sure to slice them similarly for even cooking and adjust cooking times as needed.
Is it better to use whole grain mustard or smooth mustard?
Stone ground or whole grain mustard adds a wonderful texture and rustic flavor to the mustard vinaigrette, making it a perfect match here. Smooth mustard can work too but might result in a less textured dressing. It’s really about personal preference, but the original recipe’s charm lies in that grainy mustard bite.
Can this dish be made vegan or vegetarian?
You can easily adapt the recipe by swapping kielbasa for plant-based sausage options and using olive oil generously. Ensure the mustard vinaigrette stays the same for that essential tang, and consider adding smoked paprika to mimic the smoky richness.
How long should I cook the cabbage so it stays crisp?
Cooking the cabbage for 10-12 minutes while adding a little water to create steam ensures it softens enough to be enjoyable but still holds a slight crunch. Overcooking will make it mushy, so keep an eye on texture as you go.
Can I make the mustard vinaigrette ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mustard vinaigrette a day ahead and store it in the fridge. This actually helps the flavors marry beautifully. Just give it a good whisk or shake before using to recombine any separated ingredients.
Final Thoughts
I hope you get as much joy from making and eating this Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe as I do. It’s one of those simple, comforting dishes that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether for a cozy dinner or an impressive but easy lunch, this recipe delivers incredible flavor and warmth in every bite. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite to return to time and again.
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: Polish
Description
This Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring browned kielbasa sausage sautéed with tender cabbage and onions, all enhanced with a tangy mustard vinaigrette. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights, combining savory, tangy, and slightly crisp textures in one pan.
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
- 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 the 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 to emulsify and set aside while prepping the other ingredients.
- Brown the kielbasa: Slice the kielbasa into medallions or half rounds. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large (12-inch or larger) skillet or wide-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add kielbasa slices and sauté until they develop a deep brown color and slightly crisp edges, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Sauté the onions: While the kielbasa browns, finely dice the yellow onion. After the sausage is browned, add the onions to the skillet and stir frequently, cooking until the onions turn soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
- Cook the cabbage: Chop the cabbage into strips around 2 inches long and 1/2 inch wide. Add the cabbage to the skillet with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine, then add a few tablespoons of water to help create steam. Cover loosely if desired and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but retains some texture, about 10 to 12 minutes. Let the water evaporate as you cook.
- Add the mustard vinaigrette: Drizzle half of the prepared vinaigrette over the cooked kielbasa and cabbage mixture. Stir well to evenly coat all ingredients. Taste and add more vinaigrette if needed to achieve balanced flavors. Serve warm immediately.
Notes
- Use stone ground mustard for added texture and flavor; Dijon mustard can be a substitute if unavailable.
- Adjust the amount of vinegar and mustard in the vinaigrette according to your preferred tanginess.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions.
- Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in a skillet or microwave.
