Enjoy a Sweet Old Fashion Family Sauerkraut Salad
Introduction
If you’re searching for a refreshing side dish that’s brimming with nostalgic flavor and irresistible crunch, this Sweet Old Fashion Family Sauerkraut Salad is the answer. Its unique blend of tangy sauerkraut, crisp vegetables, and just the right balance of sweet and tart brings a taste of tradition to any meal. It’s a classic beloved at potlucks, reunions, and picnics for good reason—this salad always disappears fast!
Why This Sauerkraut Salad Stands Out
This salad isn’t just a throwback; it’s a celebration of flavor and simplicity. Unlike more common coleslaws, the fermented tang of sauerkraut, paired with the sweetness of sugar and vibrancy of colorful peppers, offers an unexpected twist that’s bright, crisp, and crowd-pleasing. Its make-ahead nature also means it only improves with time, making it a practical favorite for busy households or anyone hosting a gathering.
Customizing Your Sweet Old Fashion Family Sauerkraut Salad
Want to make this dish your own? Try adding a handful of chopped apples or a sprinkle of fresh dill for extra freshness. The mix of basic pantry staples with just a few vegetables proves that simple ingredients can deliver big flavor. Make it spicy with chopped jalapeño or keep it classic as written for an all-ages hit.
Assembling the Perfect Sweet Old Fashion Family Sauerkraut Salad
Start by draining your sauerkraut well—this ensures your salad is crisp, not soggy. Combine with finely chopped vegetables and the sweet-tart dressing. Stir well, cover, and let marinate in the fridge for at least a few hours, or preferably overnight. This rest time mellows the acidity and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions for Crowd-Pleasing Sauerkraut Salad
Serve this vintage salad chilled alongside grilled meats, roasted poultry, or sandwiches. It stands out on a buffet table and even doubles as a lively burger topping. For an elegant touch, garnish with fresh parsley or sliced radishes. It’s the perfect side for any gathering that calls for something easy, nostalgic, and delicious.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields about 8 servings as a side dish. Each serving typically contains roughly 110 calories, low fat, and plenty of dietary fiber—making it a healthy, refreshing choice for family meals or get-togethers.
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and stress-free meal planning.
Instructions
- Drain the sauerkraut well, squeezing out excess brine, and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the chopped celery, green and red bell peppers, onion, and optional carrots or apples if using.
- In a separate bowl or jar, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until the sugar is dissolved.
- Pour the dressing over the sauerkraut and vegetables. Mix thoroughly to combine and coat all ingredients.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (preferably overnight), stirring occasionally for even marination.
- Serve chilled, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy as a side dish or atop sandwiches.
Weekly Meal Planning
This Sweet Old Fashion Family Sauerkraut Salad is ideal for prepping ahead and enjoying all week. Save and schedule this recipe to make meal prep easier, and automatically generate a streamlined shopping list that combines ingredients from all your planned meals.
Planning Benefits:
– Calculates total ingredient quantities across multiple recipes
– Organizes your grocery list by store section for increased shopping efficiency
– Helps avoid duplicate purchases and forgotten ingredients
– Makes weekly meal prep smooth and organized
Pro tip: When planning meals for the week, schedule your recipes in CookifyAI to see overlapping ingredients—helpful for managing pantry staples like vinegar or produce, and reducing waste.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Marinate Time: 3 hours (or overnight for best flavor)
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Enjoy this Sweet Old Fashion Family Sauerkraut Salad for a timeless, tangy-sweet addition to your meal rotation!
