German Red Cabbage Salad Recipe – German Special

German Red Cabbage Salad is a vibrant, tangy dish that’s a staple in German cuisine. Known as Rotkohl, this salad combines the sweet and sour flavors of red cabbage with a mix of ingredients like apple, vinegar, and spices. It’s often served as a side dish to rich meats like roast pork or sausages. The salad’s crunchy texture and refreshing taste make it a perfect balance to heavier dishes, and its colorful appearance adds a delightful touch to any meal. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, German Red Cabbage Salad is a great addition to your meal!

  • 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:

1

Shred the red cabbage finely using a sharp knife or a food processor.

2

Place the shredded cabbage in a large bowl.

Prepare the Apple and Onion:

3

Peel and chop the apple into small pieces.

4

Thinly slice the red onion. Add both to the bowl with the cabbage.

Make the Dressing:

5

In a small bowl, combine the apple cider vinegar, sugar, olive oil, salt, pepper, caraway seeds, and thyme (if using).

6

Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the dressing is smooth.

Combine:

7

Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss everything together until the cabbage is well coated.

Let it Rest:

8

Add the water and mix again.

9

Let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serve:

10

After resting, give the salad a quick toss and serve chilled.

11

This salad pairs perfectly with roasted meats or sausages.

Recipe Notes:

Cabbage:   Shred the red cabbage as finely as you can for a better texture in the salad.

Apple:   Use a crisp, tart apple like a Granny Smith for a nice balance of flavor.

Dressing:   The dressing should be tangy and sweet. Adjust sugar and vinegar to your taste if you prefer it sweeter or more sour.

Resting Time:   Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

Serving:  Serve the salad chilled for the best taste. It’s a great side dish for meats like sausages or roast pork.