Old Fashioned Sauerkraut Salad
Introduction
If you’re looking to awaken your palate with a punch of tangy flavor and a delightful crunch, Old Fashioned Sauerkraut Salad is the recipe for you. Celebrated for its crisp texture, bright taste, and nutritious ingredients, this salad stands out as a vintage classic that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or make-ahead lunches. It’s a crowd pleaser because the combination of sauerkraut and fresh veggies creates a harmonious balance between sour, sweet, and savory, ensuring every bite is both refreshing and satisfying.
Why Old Fashioned Sauerkraut Salad is a Flavor Powerhouse
This salad shines thanks to its lively mix of fermented sauerkraut, sweet bell peppers, crunchy celery, and subtle spices. The zippy vinaigrette dressing ties everything together and infuses each bite with flavor. Most importantly, it’s remarkably simple to prepare: no cooking required—just toss and chill. The salad keeps well, making it ideal for advanced meal prep or serving to a crowd.
Choosing the Right Sauerkraut and Vegetables
For the best results, select high-quality refrigerated sauerkraut with live cultures for an extra probiotic boost. Rinse and drain it briefly to moderate the brininess, unless you love a strong tang. Fresh bell peppers and celery give the salad its signature crunch and vibrant color. Add onions for sharpness, and carrot for a hint of sweetness.
Assembling Your Old Fashioned Sauerkraut Salad
Start by combining the drained sauerkraut, chopped vegetables, and optional extras (like pimentos or parsley) in a large bowl. Whisk up a simple sweet-and-sour vinaigrette, pour it over the mixture, and toss until everything is coated. For the flavors to meld perfectly, let the salad chill for several hours or overnight—a step that elevates its taste and makes the salad even more convenient for meal prep.
Serving Suggestions for a Timeless Classic
Old Fashioned Sauerkraut Salad is incredibly versatile: serve it as a vibrant side at BBQs, enjoy it with grilled sausages, or add it to sandwiches and wraps for extra zing. Pair it with roasted meats or alongside deli platters for a picnic-ready meal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs or a topping of toasted seeds can add an elegant finishing touch.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields about 6 side-dish servings. Each portion is low in calories (roughly 70–90 calories per serving), high in fiber, and rich in beneficial probiotics if using live-culture sauerkraut. It’s a healthy, tangy option that also suits vegetarian and gluten-free diets.
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 streamlined meal planning.
Instructions
- Place the rinsed, well-drained sauerkraut in a large mixing bowl.
- Add celery, bell pepper, carrots, onion, pimentos (if using), and parsley. Toss gently to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, apple cider vinegar, vegetable oil, celery seed, black pepper, and salt until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
- Pour the dressing over the sauerkraut mixture. Toss well to ensure all ingredients are coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let flavors meld. Stir before serving and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve chilled as a side or with your favorite mains.
Weekly Meal Planning
This sauerkraut salad is a meal prep superstar: it keeps its crunch and flavor for several days when chilled. Save and schedule this recipe in your CookifyAI meal plan to seamlessly organize your shopping and slot this dish into your weekly meals.
Planning Benefits:
- Aggregates ingredients from all your recipes for a smart shopping list
- Sorts your grocery list by store section for quick, efficient trips
- Prevents duplicate buys—and forgotten ingredients—for zero food waste
- Helps coordinate meal prep with chilled and make-ahead options like this salad
Pro tip: If you plan multiple meals with fresh vegetables, schedule this salad with other dishes that use carrots, peppers, or celery to maximize freshness and simplify your shopping.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
