Refreshing Sauerkraut Salad Recipe: A Perfect Companion for Your Favorite Meats
When it comes to delightful side dishes that perfectly complement hearty main courses like succulent pork chops or classic hot dogs, this Sauerkraut Salad shines brightly with its vibrant flavors and crunchy textures. Adapted from a recipe in Bon Appétit, this simple yet satisfying salad offers a refreshing crunch and a tangy punch that will elevate any meal. With a quick preparation and cooking time totaling just 20 minutes, you can whip up this dish effortlessly, making it ideal for both casual dinners and festive gatherings.
Recipe Overview
| Recipe Name | Sauerkraut Salad |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 20 minutes |
| Category | Vegetable |
| Servings | Approximately 6-8 servings |
| Description | A simple salad that pairs beautifully with pork chops or hot dogs. Adapted from Bon Appétit. |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5 based on 1 review) |
Ingredients
To prepare this delightful sauerkraut salad, you will need the following ingredients, each measured to ensure the perfect balance of flavors:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | ½ cup |
| White wine vinegar | ¼ cup |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Celery seed | 1 teaspoon |
| Sauerkraut | 1 cup |
| Red onion | 1 medium, diced |
| Carrots | 1 cup, grated |
| Green pepper | 1 medium, diced |
| Cauliflower | 1 cup, chopped |
| Pimientos | 1 jar, diced |
| Cherry tomatoes | 1 cup, halved |
| Bacon | 3 strips, cooked and crumbled |
Nutritional Information
This sauerkraut salad not only tantalizes your taste buds but also provides valuable nutrition. Here’s the breakdown of its nutritional content per serving:
| Nutritional Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 305.6 kcal |
| Total Fat | 17.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 5.8 mg |
| Sodium | 847.7 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 36.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.9 g |
| Sugars | 30.1 g |
| Protein | 3.3 g |
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your refreshing sauerkraut salad:
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Prepare the Dressing: Begin by placing a small saucepan on the stovetop. Add the sugar, white wine vinegar, and olive oil to the saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about five minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar is fully dissolved and the flavors meld together. After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
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Season the Dressing: Once the dressing has cooled, stir in the celery seed and dill seed, enhancing the dressing’s flavor profile and providing an aromatic base for your salad.
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Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, combine the sauerkraut, diced red onion, grated carrots, chopped green pepper, chopped cauliflower, and diced pimientos. Toss these ingredients gently to ensure they are evenly mixed, creating a colorful base for the salad.
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Dress the Salad: Pour the cooled dressing over the combined salad ingredients in the bowl. Use a large spoon or salad tongs to toss everything together, ensuring the dressing evenly coats all the vegetables for maximum flavor.
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Chill the Salad: Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. The cool temperature will also enhance the refreshing nature of the dish.
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Final Touches Before Serving: Just before serving, drain any excess liquid from the salad to avoid it becoming too soggy. Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and the crumbled bacon, adding a burst of color and an extra layer of flavor to the salad.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve the sauerkraut salad cold as a side dish to your favorite meat dishes. The salad not only adds a crunch and tanginess but also brings a vibrant pop of color to your table. Enjoy the fresh flavors and textures that make this salad a standout complement to any meal.
Conclusion
This Sauerkraut Salad is a versatile dish that combines the tartness of sauerkraut with a medley of fresh vegetables, all enhanced by a tangy dressing. It’s not just a salad; it’s a delightful addition to your dining experience, bringing together the best flavors to accompany your main courses. Easy to prepare and delightful to serve, it’s sure to become a favorite at your family meals and gatherings alike. Enjoy this refreshing dish, and don’t hesitate to share it with friends and family!
