German Red Cabbage Salad Recipe – German Special
German Red Cabbage Salad, or Rotkohlsalat, is a refreshing and colorful side dish that brings a delightful crunch and tang to any meal. This salad combines finely shredded red cabbage with crisp apple, red onion, and a zesty dressing made from apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and a touch of sweetness from sugar. Optional spices like caraway seeds and thyme add depth to the flavor profile. Ideal for pairing with hearty German dishes such as sausages or roast meats, this salad is both easy to prepare and visually appealing.
- Prep Time10 min
- Perform Time1 hr 30 min
- Total Time1 hr 40 min
German Red Cabbage Salad Recipe Ingredients:
- 1 small head of red cabbage (about 4 cups shredded)
- 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1/4 cup water
Prepare the Cabbage:
Shred the red cabbage finely using a sharp knife or a food processor.
Place the shredded cabbage in a large bowl.
Prepare the Apple and Onion:
Peel and chop the apple into small pieces.
Thinly slice the red onion. Add both to the bowl with the cabbage.
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, combine the apple cider vinegar, sugar, olive oil, salt, pepper, caraway seeds, and thyme (if using).
Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the dressing is smooth.
Combine:
Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss everything together until the cabbage is well coated.
Let it Rest:
Add the water and mix again.
Let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve:
After resting, give the salad a quick toss and serve chilled.
This salad pairs perfectly with roasted meats or sausages.
Recipe Notes:
Cabbage Preparation: For a finer texture, use a mandoline slicer or food processor to shred the cabbage thinly.
Apple Selection: Choose a tart apple variety, such as Granny Smith, to balance the sweetness of the dressing.
Flavor Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar to suit your personal taste preferences.
Resting Time: Allow the salad to sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Serving Suggestions: This salad pairs wonderfully with traditional German dishes like bratwurst, schnitzel, or roast pork.
