Charred Cabbage with Buttermilk-Herb Dressing

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Cabbage becomes slightly smoky and deeply flavorful when it hits the hot grill. Ready in just 20 minutes, this side dish, finished with a tangy buttermilk dressing, pairs perfectly with grilled meats, chicken or seafood.

By
Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD
A portrait of Breana Killeen, M.P.H., RD
Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD

Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H, RD, is a Chinese and Jewish chef and dietitian who has worked in all facets of the food world. She is a recipe developer, culinary nutritionist and marketing specialist with more than 15 years of experience creating editorial and digital content for top food and kitchen brands.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on August 22, 2025
Reviewed by Dietitian
Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD
Emily Lachtrupp Headshot
Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

Emily Lachtrupp is a registered dietitian experienced in nutritional counseling, recipe analysis and meal plans. She's worked with clients who struggle with diabetes, weight loss, digestive issues and more. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying all that Vermont has to offer with her family and her dog, Winston.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Charred Cabbage with Buttermilk-Herb Dressing
Credit:

Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek
Active Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
20 mins
Servings:
4
Nutrition Profile:
No Added Sugar Gut Healthy Mediterranean Diet Sesame-Free Nut-Free High-Fiber Vegetarian Gluten-Free
  • Charring adds a smoky flavor and sweetness to cabbage that transforms it into something special.
  • Buttermilk adds calcium for strong bones and probiotics for healthy digestion.
  • Leaving the core intact keeps the cabbage wedges together for easy grilling without falling apart.

Ready to take cabbage to a whole new level? This Charred Cabbage with Buttermilk-Herb Dressing will take you there. The grill imparts cabbage wedges with a wonderfully smoky flavor and enhances its natural sweetness. A drizzle of the creamy buttermilk-herb dressing provides the perfect counterpoint, with its tangy, refreshing taste and the vibrant flavors from your favorite fresh herbs. It’s not only a treat for your taste buds, but it will feel good knowing you’re eating something nutritious, packed with vitamins, fiber and antioxidants. Preparing it is surprisingly simple and quick, making it the perfect addition to any meal. With this combination of ease, nutrition and amazing flavor, it’s time to fire up that grill! Read on for our best tips and tricks for making this charred cabbage recipe a new favorite in your kitchen.

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too! 

  • Leaving the core intact is essential to keeping the wedges together on the grill. This is easily done by slicing the cabbage lengthwise directly through the middle. Once it's halved, slice each half through the core again. 
  • A light brush of olive oil on the outside of the wedges promotes more even browning and a better char, which adds to the overall taste and texture of the dish.
  • Grill with the top down. This allows heat to build up inside the grill, which will soften the cabbage wedges. Open it periodically to check for doneness or to flip the cabbage wedges. If the cabbage is cooking too quickly on the outside, move it to a cooler part of the grill.

Nutrition Notes

  • Cabbage is packed with antioxidants, including vitamin C, as well as the compounds sulforaphane and anthocyanins, which are known to tamp down inflammation. Cabbage is also a great source of prebiotics and dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion.
  • Buttermilk offers plenty of calcium that can help maintain strong bones and teeth. Buttermilk also contains gut-healthy probiotics that can help keep your digestive system running smoothly.
Charred Cabbage with Buttermilk-Herb Dressing

Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 1 small-to-medium head green cabbage (2–2½ pounds)

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise

  • 3 tablespoons buttermilk

  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar

  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs, such as chives, dill and/or parsley

Directions

  1. Preheat grill to medium.

  2. Cut cabbage in half through the core, leaving the core intact. Cut each half into quarters, trying to keep an equal portion of the core attached to each wedge—the core will help hold the wedges together on the grill. Brush both sides of the cabbage wedges with 2 tablespoons oil.

    Charred Cabbage with Buttermilk-Herb Dressing

    Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek

  3. Grill the cabbage, covered, until lightly charred on the outside and starting to soften, 6 to 8 minutes per side.

    Charred Cabbage with Buttermilk-Herb Dressing

    Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek

  4. Meanwhile, whisk ¼ cup mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons buttermilk, 1 tablespoon vinegar and ¼ teaspoon each garlic powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Stir in 3 tablespoons herbs. Serve the cabbage drizzled with the dressing.

    Charred Cabbage with Buttermilk-Herb Dressing

    Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek

To make ahead

Refrigerate dressing (Step 4) for up to 3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I make Charred Cabbage with Buttermilk-Herb Dressing ahead?

    The dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container. The cabbage is best served hot off the grill. Any leftovers can be chopped up and used as a topping for salad, sandwich filling or pizza topping.

  • Can I use a different type of cabbage?

    Yes! Swap out the green cabbage for another sturdy variety like purple cabbage or Savoy cabbage.

EatingWell.com, September 2024

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

217 Calories
17g Fat
14g Carbs
4g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 2 wedges & 2 Tbsp. dressing
Calories 217
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 14g 5%
Dietary Fiber 6g 21%
Total Sugars 8g
Added Sugars 0g 0%
Protein 4g 7%
Total Fat 17g 22%
Saturated Fat 3g 13%
Cholesterol 6mg 2%
Vitamin A 20µg
Vitamin C 83mg 93%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 2mg 12%
Folate 100µg
Vitamin K 207µg
Sodium 283mg 12%
Calcium 110mg 8%
Iron 1mg 7%
Magnesium 30mg 7%
Potassium 416mg 9%
Zinc 1mg 5%
Vitamin B12 0µg
Omega 3 1g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Additional reporting by
Hilary Meyer
Hilary Meyer
Hilary Meyer
Hilary Meyer is a recipe developer, tester, and content creator. After graduating from culinary school, she started working the EatingWell Test Kitchen in 2006, developing and testing recipes.
EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines