Old Fashioned Sauerkraut Salad transforms tangy fermented cabbage into a sweet-tangy side with crisp apple, carrot, onion, and simple vinaigrette. Ready in 10 minutes plus chilling, it’s a refreshing German classic for picnics or potlucks.
Why This Recipe Works
- Sauerkraut provides probiotic crunch without sogginess.
- Apple and carrot add natural sweetness balancing brine.
- Oil-vinegar dressing clings lightly for flavor infusion.
- Caraway seeds deliver authentic Bavarian aroma.
- Improves with chilling for potluck perfection.
Ingredients & Prep
- 1 lb (500g) sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium apple, diced
- 1 large carrot, grated
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (sunflower or vegetable)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp caraway seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Drain sauerkraut well; chop coarsely if pieces are large.
- Combine sauerkraut, apple, carrot, and onion in large bowl.
- Whisk oil, vinegar, sugar, caraway, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Pour dressing over salad; toss thoroughly to coat.
- Cover and chill 1–2 hours (or overnight) for best flavor melding.

Flavor Variations
| Variation | Key Add/Swap | Resulting Twist |
|---|---|---|
| Celery Crunch | ½ cup diced celery | Extra snap |
| Pimiento Color | 2 tbsp diced pimientos | Festive red |
| Bacon Bits | ¼ cup crisp bacon | Smoky indulgence |
| Spicy | Pinch red pepper flakes | Gentle heat |
Storage Tips
Refrigerate airtight up to 1 week. Flavors intensify over time.
FAQs
Too sour?
Rinse sauerkraut and add more sugar.
Watery?
Drain veggies thoroughly before dressing.
No caraway?
Substitute celery seeds or dill.
Conclusion
Old Fashioned Sauerkraut Salad refreshes briny cabbage into addictive crunch timeless side dish.
PrintOld Fashioned Sauerkraut Salad Recipe
An old-fashioned sauerkraut salad that’s sweet, tangy, and lightly crunchy. Made with rinsed sauerkraut, crisp vegetables, and a simple vinegar-sugar dressing, this retro side dish is refreshing and perfect for potlucks or family meals.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins (includes chilling)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 cups sauerkraut, well rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- 1. Rinse sauerkraut thoroughly under cold water to remove excess sourness. Drain well and gently squeeze out liquid.
- 2. Place sauerkraut in a medium bowl with celery, bell pepper, and red onion.
- 3. In a small bowl, whisk sugar, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until dissolved.
- 4. Pour dressing over the sauerkraut mixture.
- 5. Stir well to combine.
- 6. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor.
- 7. Stir again before serving.
Notes
- Rinsing the sauerkraut is key for a balanced sweet-and-tangy flavor.
- Add shredded carrot or apple for extra crunch.
- Keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: old fashioned sauerkraut salad, sweet sauerkraut salad, vintage salad recipe

