Old Fashion Sauerkraut Salad

There’s something incredibly comforting about revisiting old-fashioned recipes, especially ones that have stood the test of time. This Old Fashion Sauerkraut Salad is one of those dishes that brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy dinners. It’s a perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and crunchy flavors that can brighten up any meal. Whether you’re a sauerkraut enthusiast or just looking to try something new, this salad is a must-make.

What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity and versatility. It’s a no-fuss dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. The combination of sauerkraut, fresh vegetables, and a sweet-tangy dressing creates a harmony of textures and tastes that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate probiotics from the sauerkraut into your diet. Let’s dive into what you’ll need and how to make this delightful salad.

What You Need To Make This Recipe

Sauerkraut: The star of this recipe, sauerkraut is fermented cabbage that brings a tangy, slightly sour flavor to the salad. It’s packed with probiotics, which are great for gut health. Make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the salad.

Bell Peppers: These add a sweet, crunchy element to the salad. I like to use a mix of red and green bell peppers for a pop of color and a balance of flavors.

Onion: A small onion, finely chopped, adds a sharp, pungent kick that complements the tanginess of the sauerkraut. Red onions work particularly well for their mild sweetness.

Celery: Celery brings a refreshing crunch and a subtle earthy flavor to the salad. It’s a great way to add texture without overpowering the other ingredients.

Sugar: A bit of sugar balances the tanginess of the sauerkraut and vinegar, creating a harmonious sweet-and-sour flavor profile.

Vegetable Oil: This helps bind the dressing together and adds a smooth, rich texture to the salad.

Apple Cider Vinegar: The acidity of apple cider vinegar enhances the tanginess of the sauerkraut and adds a bright, fruity note to the dressing.

Salt and Pepper: These seasonings are essential for enhancing all the flavors in the salad. Adjust to taste, but don’t overdo it—the sauerkraut already has a salty edge.

Ingredients List

2 cups sauerkraut, drained
1 cup bell peppers (red and green), finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Old Fashion Sauerkraut Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by draining the sauerkraut thoroughly to remove excess liquid. Finely chop the bell peppers, onion, and celery. Having all your ingredients prepped and ready will make the process smooth and efficient.

Step 2: Combine the Vegetables

In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained sauerkraut, chopped bell peppers, onion, and celery. Toss them together gently to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, and apple cider vinegar until the sugar dissolves completely. This creates a simple yet flavorful dressing that will coat the vegetables beautifully.

Step 4: Toss the Salad

Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss everything together until well-coated. Make sure every bite is infused with the sweet-tangy flavors of the dressing.

Step 5: Season and Chill

Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Chilling also enhances the crunchiness of the vegetables.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once chilled, give the salad a final toss and serve it as a side dish or a light main course. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a topping for sandwiches.

Tips for Making This Recipe

Drain the Sauerkraut Well: Excess liquid can make the salad soggy, so take the time to drain the sauerkraut thoroughly.
Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh, crisp vegetables will give the salad the best texture and flavor.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the sugar slightly or add it gradually to taste.
Let It Marinate: Allowing the salad to chill for a few hours (or overnight) will deepen the flavors and make it even more delicious.
Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add other ingredients like shredded carrots, apples, or even a handful of raisins for extra sweetness and texture.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought sauerkraut?
Absolutely! Store-bought sauerkraut works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure it’s plain and not flavored with additional spices.

How long does this salad last in the fridge?
This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop over time.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is ideal for making ahead. In fact, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours or overnight.

Is this salad vegan-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as long as the sauerkraut you use doesn’t contain any animal-derived ingredients.

What can I serve with this salad?
This salad pairs well with grilled sausages, roasted chicken, or even as a topping for hot dogs. It’s also great on its own as a light, refreshing dish.

Enjoy making and savoring this Old Fashion Sauerkraut Salad—it’s a timeless recipe that’s sure to become a favorite!