Old Fashioned Sauerkraut Salad

Introduction

Old Fashioned Sauerkraut Salad is a classic, tangy, and refreshing dish that perfectly balances the rich flavors of savory ingredients with the zing of pickled goodness. The combination of crisp cabbage, creamy dressing, and a touch of sweetness makes this salad the ideal complement to any meal. The slightly tart sauerkraut is the star, its flavor enhanced by the smooth and slightly sweet dressing, creating a harmonious and satisfying bite every time.

This salad brings back memories of family gatherings and holiday meals, where it’s always one of the first dishes to disappear from the table. The crunch of the cabbage pairs beautifully with the soft creaminess of the dressing, while the sauerkraut adds that distinct sharpness that makes this salad so special. Whether served as a side or a light meal, Old Fashioned Sauerkraut Salad is versatile, comforting, and incredibly easy to make.

Perfect for those moments when you want a dish that’s both simple and full of flavor, this salad can be served at picnics, barbecues, or even alongside a hearty meat dish. It’s a must-have for anyone who loves a tangy, crunchy salad with a unique twist. If you’re seeking something that’s both comforting and a little bit adventurous, Old Fashioned Sauerkraut Salad is definitely a recipe to try!

Perfect for:

Family dinners
Barbecues and cookouts
Potluck gatherings
Holiday meals
Picnic lunches

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique Flavor Profile: The tangy sauerkraut combined with a sweet and savory dressing offers a bold, refreshing taste.
Crisp and Crunchy: The vegetables provide a delightful texture that contrasts with the soft sauerkraut.
Easy to Make: With minimal prep time, this dish comes together quickly and can be made ahead of time.
Versatile: Goes well with a wide variety of main dishes, from meats to sandwiches to lighter fare.
Perfect Make-Ahead Dish: The flavors meld beautifully as the salad sits, making it even better the next day.

Preparation Time

Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 150-200 calories

Ingredients

For the Salad:

2 cups sauerkraut, drained
1 cup shredded carrots
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 cup diced celery
1 red bell pepper, diced
½ cup diced cucumber
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)

For the Dressing:

¾ cup sugar
1 tablespoon mustard seeds (optional)
½ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon celery seed
Salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredient Highlights:

Sauerkraut: The star ingredient, bringing tang and probiotics to the dish.
Vegetables: Fresh carrots, onions, and bell peppers add color, crunch, and sweetness.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: Add richness and help to balance the tartness of the sauerkraut (optional).
Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides a sharp acidity to complement the sweetness of the sugar.
Celery Seed: Infuses the dressing with a subtle earthy flavor that ties the salad together.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Salad:

Drain the Sauerkraut: Place the sauerkraut in a fine mesh strainer and rinse it lightly under cold water to remove excess salt. Let it drain well, pressing gently to remove any excess liquid.
Combine Vegetables and Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sauerkraut with shredded carrots, chopped onions, diced celery, red bell pepper, and cucumber. If using, add the chopped hard-boiled eggs.

Make the Dressing:

Mix the Dressing Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine sugar, mustard seeds (if using), apple cider vinegar, vegetable oil, and celery seed. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved.
Season and Cool: Remove the saucepan from the heat and season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Let the dressing cool to room temperature.

Assemble the Salad:

Pour the Dressing Over the Salad: Once the dressing has cooled, pour it over the prepared salad mixture. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best) to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled.

How to Serve

As a Side Dish: Pair with main courses like grilled meats, sausages, or sandwiches.
As Part of a Buffet: Serve it as part of a large spread for gatherings, potlucks, or holiday meals.
With Crackers or Bread: Enjoy with crisp crackers or a slice of crusty bread to balance the tangy flavors.
On the Side of Hot Dogs or Burgers: Perfect as a refreshing contrast to grilled meats.

Additional Tips

Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter salad, add a little more sugar to the dressing. For a more tart version, reduce the sugar slightly.
Let It Sit: The salad tastes best when allowed to sit for a few hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to develop.
Customizable Ingredients: Add or swap in other vegetables like green beans, radishes, or bell peppers to suit your taste.
Use Fresh Sauerkraut: If you have access to fresh, refrigerated sauerkraut, it will give the salad a brighter flavor than canned varieties.
For a Spicy Kick: Add a small amount of diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.

Recipe Variations

Sweet and Sour Version: Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the dressing for a deeper sweetness.
Vegan Option: Omit the hard-boiled eggs to keep the salad entirely plant-based.
Bacon Add-In: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the salad for an added savory crunch.
Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme for an extra layer of flavor.
Slightly Spicy: Incorporate a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicy variation.
Fruity Twist: Add diced apples or dried cranberries for a sweet and tart contrast.
Caraway Seed Dressing: Replace the celery seed with caraway seeds for a more traditional flavor.
Smoky Flavor: Add a little smoked paprika to the dressing for a smoky note.
Pickle Version: Incorporate some dill pickles or relish into the salad for extra tang.
Crispier Texture: Add thinly sliced radishes for a crunchy, peppery bite.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This salad is not recommended for freezing, as the texture of the vegetables will change upon thawing.

Special Equipment

Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for tossing and mixing all the salad ingredients.
Small Saucepan: For preparing the dressing on the stove.
Fine Mesh Strainer: To rinse and drain the sauerkraut before adding it to the salad.
Sharp Knife: For chopping vegetables and eggs with precision.
Whisk: To mix the dressing ingredients evenly.

FAQ Section

Can I use canned sauerkraut instead of fresh?
Yes, canned sauerkraut can be used in place of fresh sauerkraut, but fresh, refrigerated sauerkraut will provide a crisper texture and a more vibrant, tangy flavor. Canned sauerkraut tends to be softer and sometimes saltier due to the brining process, so you may want to adjust the seasoning in your salad if using canned. If you choose canned, make sure to drain and rinse it well to reduce excess salt and preserve the flavors of the dish.
How long can I store this salad?
The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, as it sits, the vegetables may lose some of their crunch, especially if they are dressed ahead of time. For the best texture, it’s a good idea to serve the salad within the first couple of days. If you like a crunchier texture, you can keep the dressing separate and combine it just before serving.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s best made ahead, as the flavors meld and improve after sitting for a few hours or overnight.
What can I substitute for mustard seeds?
If you don’t have mustard seeds, you can omit them entirely, or substitute with a teaspoon of mustard powder for a similar flavor. Mustard powder has a milder, more subtle taste, but it can still provide the signature tangy kick. Alternatively, a teaspoon of prepared mustard (such as yellow or Dijon) can work in a pinch, though it may alter the texture slightly.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, the salad is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the labels on any packaged ingredients.

Conclusion

Old-Fashioned Sauerkraut Salad is a delightful, tangy dish that brings together simple ingredients to create a refreshing and flavorful side. The crunchy cabbage pairs beautifully with the zesty sauerkraut, while the sweet and tangy dressing adds a perfect balance of flavors.

What makes this salad truly special is its versatility and longevity; it can be made ahead of time and keeps well in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld even more over the days. It’s an ideal addition to any meal, whether it’s a summer barbecue, a hearty winter dinner, or a casual weeknight meal.

Old-Fashioned Sauerkraut Salad is a timeless classic that’s sure to become a favorite. Its unique taste, delightful crunch, and ability to complement a wide variety of dishes make it an unforgettable side. I hope you enjoy this delicious recipe and find it as satisfying as I do! Don’t forget to share your creations and let me know how you customize it to make it your own! Enjoy!