Oma's Traditional German Sauerkraut Salad (Sauerkrautsalat)

My German sauerkraut salad is an easy, healthy 'pickle-style' side ... bright, crunchy, and perfect for summer buffets or picnics.

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Standing Time:

2 - 3 hours

Total Time:

3+ hours

Servings:

makes 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients:

  • 2 - 3 cups (320 - 480 g) sauerkraut
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
  • 1 red pepper, diced
  • 1 large carrot, coarsely grated
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • ½ onion, diced
  • salt and freshly ground pepper

Instructions:

  1. Drain sauerkraut in a sieve over a bowl. Measure ½ cup of liquid and reserve.
  2. Put the drained sauerkraut into a large bowl. Mix in sugar.
  3. Let sit about 15 minutes. Add ½ cup reserved sauerkraut liquid and oil. 
  4. Add remaining ingredients.
  5. Season with freshly ground pepper, salt, and extra sugar, if required.
  6. Let stand in fridge for several hours, if possible, before serving.

Notes/Hints:

  • As with most salads, quantities are just approximate. Add extra or less of what you like.
  • Optional additions are red or green onions, cucumbers, radishes, and even grated beets. 
  • This is best made with fresh sauerkraut, but you can use jarred, canned, or frozen as well.
  • If you have more sauerkraut than needed for this salad, then turn it into this traditional amazing sauerkraut soup!

*  *  *  *  *

Unless otherwise noted recipe, images and content © Just like Oma | www.quick-german-recipes.com

Recipe updated on June 12, 2025

Spice up your inbox with FREE German recipes and an exclusive free recipe ebook!

Across media platforms, the Just Like Oma family of websites are celebrated for making German cooking, travel, and heritage fun & simple to understand, and easily accessible for everyone!

  • BuzzFeed logo
  • Delish logo
  • Food & Dining logo
  • Samsung Food logo
  • Solo Build It! Blog logo
  • Tasting Table logo
  • Babbel logo
  • South Florida Sun Sentinel logo
  • BBC logo
  • Page Street Publishing logo
  • dasFenster logo
  • Business Insider logo
  • Rick Steeves Europe logo
  • Northwest Culinary Institute logo
  • FluentU logo
  • UK Podcasts logo
  • Wikipedia logo