If you love hearty, vibrant meals that don’t keep you tied up in the kitchen, this Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine caramelized kielbasa, sweet cabbage, and crisp-tender carrots, all coated in a zippy mustard vinaigrette that ties everything together beautifully. It’s a quick skillet dinner that’s as comforting as it is colorful, making your dinner routine both delicious and exciting!

Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role in flavor or texture. You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of pantry staples transforms into a meal with bold color and crave-worthy taste.

Smoked kielbasa (14 oz, sliced): Adds smoky, savory flavor and hearty protein to the skillet.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Ensures the kielbasa gets beautifully browned and gives the veggies a silky finish.
Onion (1 small, thinly sliced): Offers subtle sweetness and depth as a flavor base for the dish.
Green cabbage (4 cups, thinly sliced): Becomes tender and slightly caramelized, soaking up all the savory juices.
Carrot (1, julienned or shredded): Lends color, texture, and a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Make every ingredient sing with just the right amount of seasoning.
Dijon mustard (2 tablespoons): The star in the vinaigrette—brings zesty brightness and a gentle kick.
Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds tang and lifts the savory notes in the skillet.
Honey (1 tablespoon): Balances the sharpness of the mustard and vinegar with gentle sweetness.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons, for vinaigrette): Gives the vinaigrette a luscious, silky texture that coats every bite.
Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a touch of savory warmth without overpowering.
Salt and pepper (to taste, for vinaigrette): Ensures the vinaigrette is perfectly seasoned.

How to Make Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Kielbasa

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and let it sizzle, turning each piece so both sides develop that gorgeous golden-brown color. This not only boosts the flavor but also gives the sausage those irresistible crispy edges. Once browned, scoop them out of the pan and set them aside—you’ll need them again soon.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

With all those rich flavors left behind in the pan, toss in your sliced onion. Let it soften for about two minutes, just enough to mellow its bite and start to caramelize. Next, pile in the cabbage and carrot, season generously with salt and pepper, and sauté for 6 to 8 minutes. Stir every so often so the veggies cook evenly, turning tender and sweet while picking up some caramelized bits.

Step 3: Whisk the Mustard Vinaigrette

While your veggies cook down, grab a small bowl and whisk together the Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, two tablespoons of olive oil, garlic powder, plus a dash of salt and pepper. It’s a tangy, bright vinaigrette that’s the heart of our Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe—bringing everything together in delicious harmony.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Time for the grand finale! Return your browned kielbasa to the pan with the cabbage mix. Pour the mustard vinaigrette over everything and toss well, ensuring every slice and shred gets glossy and coated. Let it cook for another two minutes, just until heated through and fragrant. Dinner is ready—you can practically taste it!

How to Serve Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe

Garnishes

A shower of fresh chopped parsley or a quick squeeze of lemon over the top makes the colors pop and adds a touch of freshness that cuts through the richness. If you’re feeling fancy, a hint of extra cracked black pepper or even a scattering of dill can also elevate every bite.

Side Dishes

This dish is a superstar all on its own, but you can pair it with warm, crusty bread to soak up every bit of vinaigrette—heavenly! For a heartier meal, simple boiled potatoes or buttered noodles round things out and fit the Eastern European vibe perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Thinking outside the skillet? Serve your Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe in individual bowls with a rustic bread slice tucked in, or pile it on a platter for a “help yourself” dinner party. For a weeknight twist, spoon it into wraps or toss with greens for a bold main-dish salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge. Just transfer everything to an airtight container and chill—it’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. The flavors actually mellow and deepen as they sit, making leftovers a treat!

Freezing

If you like to meal prep, this recipe freezes well. Cool the dish completely, then pack it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’s best enjoyed within two months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, simply transfer the leftovers to a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth and stir frequently until heated through. You can also zap it in the microwave—just cover and heat in 1-minute increments, stirring in between, until hot and steamy.

FAQs

Can I substitute red cabbage for green cabbage?

Absolutely! Red cabbage brings a beautiful jewel tone and a slightly earthier flavor. Your Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe will be just as tasty—just expect a fun color shift!

Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

Yes! Try swapping in spicy brown mustard for part or all of the Dijon in the vinaigrette, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet with the veggies. Tailor the heat to your favorite spice level.

What’s the best way to slice the kielbasa?

Aim for uniform 1/2-inch rounds—this thickness lets the sausage brown nicely on each side without overcooking in the middle. You can even cut them on a diagonal for a little flair!

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely, this is a fantastic crowd-pleaser! Double all the ingredients and brown the kielbasa in batches for best results. Use your largest skillet or a Dutch oven so everything cooks evenly.

Is this Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe gluten-free?

It is! As long as your kielbasa and mustard don’t contain hidden gluten, this recipe is naturally gluten-free—making it a great option for a variety of eaters.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe—it’s the ultimate in quick comfort food with plenty of punchy flavor. From busy weeknights to cozy weekends, this skillet satisfies every time. So grab your ingredients, heat up that pan, and enjoy some skillet magic tonight!

Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A hearty and flavorful skillet dish featuring smoked kielbasa, tender cabbage, and a tangy mustard vinaigrette. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Skillet:

14 oz smoked kielbasa, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, thinly sliced
4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
1 carrot, julienned or shredded
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mustard Vinaigrette:

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the Kielbasa: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sliced kielbasa in olive oil until browned, about 5–6 minutes. Set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, cook onion until softened, then add cabbage and carrot. Season with salt and pepper, sauté until tender and caramelized.
Prepare Vinaigrette: Whisk together mustard, vinegar, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine: Return kielbasa to skillet, pour vinaigrette over everything, toss to combine. Cook for 2 minutes until heated through.
Serve: Garnish with parsley or lemon, and serve warm.