Sweet-Sour Sauerkraut Salad

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

A tangy and sweet sauerkraut salad packed with fresh vegetables, perfect for a refreshing side dish or a light, flavorful addition to any meal.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup vinegar
  • 1/3 cup oil
  • 32 oz canned sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped carrots

Instructions

  1. Mix sugar, vinegar, and oil together until sugar dissolves.
  2. Combine sauerkraut and chopped vegetables in a large container.
  3. Pour dressing over vegetables, cover, and refrigerate.
  4. Serve well chilled.

Tips & Substitutions

For a sweeter salad, increase the sugar to 1 cup or use honey as a substitute. You can also swap the vinegar for apple cider vinegar for a milder taste. If you prefer crunchier vegetables, add them just before serving to maintain their texture. This salad can also be made vegan by ensuring the oil is plant-based.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Sweet-Sour Sauerkraut Salad chilled as a refreshing side dish. It pairs beautifully with Spareribs Aloha or grilled meats. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a sandwich or wrap. It also makes a great topping for salads, adding a zesty twist to dishes like Etowah Winter Salad.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will continue to meld, enhancing the taste. To refresh the salad before serving, give it a good stir; if it seems dry, drizzle a little more oil or vinegar to revive it.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sweet-Sour Sauerkraut Salad contains roughly 685 calories, with 7g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (223% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (120% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 505mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).

685 kcal 34% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.7g 13% DV
Total Fat 50.3g 64% DV
Carbs 56.9g 21% DV
Fiber 13.8g 49% DV
Sugar 24.4g 49% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 505.4mg 22% DV
Potassium 1415mg 30% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1075.8mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 200.7mg 100% DV
Calcium 130.1mg 10% DV
Iron 3.2mg 18% DV
Diet fit High-fiber

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh sauerkraut instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh sauerkraut if you prefer. Just make sure to rinse and drain it well to avoid excess salt. Fresh sauerkraut may offer a crunchier texture and a more vibrant flavor compared to canned options.

How long does this salad keep in the fridge?

The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will develop over time, making it taste even better as it sits. Just remember to cover it tightly to maintain freshness and prevent any odors from other foods in the fridge.

Can I add different vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, so feel free to add other vegetables like radishes, cucumbers, or even diced apples for a sweet twist. Experimenting with different textures and flavors can make your Sweet-Sour Sauerkraut Salad even more enjoyable.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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