F-Factor Addictive Pickled Cabbage

By Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD

This quick pickled cabbage is one of the easiest ways to add fiber, crunch, and bold flavor to your meals. Cabbage is naturally high in fiber but extremely low in calories, making it a smart way to add volume and texture to salads, tacos, bowls, or grilled proteins while keeping meals balanced and satisfying.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Marinating Time: 4 hours
Servings: 10


INGREDIENTS (Serves 10)

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MAIN INGREDIENTS

• 1 small white cabbage, diced (about 7 cups)
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt (heaping)
• 3 medium carrots, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 3 garlic cloves

PICKLING BRINE

• 3 cups water
• 1¼ cups white vinegar
• ½ cup sugar


PREPARATION

  1. Prepare the cabbage
    Dice the cabbage into bite-size pieces and place in a large bowl.

  2. Salt the cabbage
    Sprinkle the cabbage with kosher salt. Toss well, press down slightly, and let sit for 30 minutes. This process draws out excess moisture and keeps the cabbage crisp.

  3. Prepare the pickling brine
    In a saucepan combine the water, vinegar, and sugar.

  4. Heat the brine
    Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer and stir until the sugar completely dissolves.

  5. Fill the jar
    Add the garlic cloves, cabbage, and chopped carrots to a large airtight jar.

  6. Add the brine
    Carefully pour the warm brine over the vegetables until fully covered.

  7. Cool and refrigerate
    Seal the jar tightly and allow the mixture to cool.

  8. Marinate
    Refrigerate and allow the vegetables to marinate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight for the best flavor.


F-FACTOR TIP

Think of pickled cabbage as your fiber-boosting flavor upgrade. Adding it to meals increases volume and fiber, which helps support fullness while making dishes more exciting.


NUTRITIONAL CONTENT PER SERVING

NUTRITIONAL CONTENT PER SERVING (Serves 10)

Serving Size: 1 cup

FOR JOURNALING ON THE F-FACTOR DIET
5g carbohydrate, 2g fiber

ACTUAL NUTRITIONAL CONTENT PER SERVING
35 calories, 7g carbohydrates, 2g fiber, 1g protein, 0g fat

(Carbs from non-starchy vegetables adjusted per F-Factor journaling guidelines. Fiber rounded down.)