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This crisp and tangy Tik Tok sauerkraut arugula salad is my answer to weeknight freshness when my fridge feels a little uninspired. It hits a magic balance of peppery greens, crunchy seeds, mellow feta, and the signature zing from sauerkraut all tossed together in minutes. Even my family members who claim to fear sauerkraut go back for seconds.
I threw this together one summer evening when I was looking for something refreshing yet hearty alongside grilled chicken. Now it is on regular rotation for any potluck or busy night.
Ingredients
- Baby arugula: fresh and peppery opt for prewashed for ease and best tenderness
- English cucumber: adds cooling juicy texture slice it as thin as possible
- Celery: for extra crunch and subtle savor use firm stalks with bright color
- Sauerkraut: undrained brings tang and healthy probiotics select one with only cabbage salt and water on the label
- Small apple: sweet crunch and color Honeycrisp or Gala are my top picks
- Crumbled feta cheese: for savory richness choose block feta in brine for best flavor and crumble it yourself
- Salted pepitas: provide a nutty bite shelled pumpkin seeds with a light salt
- Olive oil: a fruity oil will round out the sharpness choose extra virgin for more flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Assemble the Salad:
- Place the baby arugula into your biggest salad bowl. Layer the thinly sliced cucumber and celery evenly on top followed by the sauerkraut including its brine so it becomes the backbone of the dressing.
- Add the Sweet and Savory Elements:
- Scatter the apple slices across the bowl. The natural sweetness will play against the savoriness of the cheese and seeds.
- Finish With Cheese and Seeds:
- Crumble feta cheese evenly over the greens. Sprinkle salted pepitas next making sure every forkful will have some crunch.
- Dress and Toss:
- Drizzle the olive oil over everything. Use salad tongs or your clean hands to toss thoroughly from the bottom up so the brine mingles with the oil and coats each leaf and slice.
- Serve Right Away:
- Transfer to plates or a platter. This salad shines its brightest when served just after tossing as the flavors are crisp and lively.
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My favorite part is the salty tang from the sauerkraut clinging to every bite of feta. I will never forget the look on my grandmother's face when she tasted this at a family picnic and declared it was the most interesting salad she had tried all year.
Storage tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This salad actually keeps its crunch for about a day because the arugula is hearty and the brine helps prevent sogginess. I sometimes enjoy chilled leftovers straight from the fridge for lunch the next day.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have English cucumber regular cucumber with the seeds scooped out works. Pear is a great swap for apple if you want even more sweetness. Goat cheese or ricotta salata can stand in for feta. Sunflower seeds take the place of pepitas nicely if that is what you have.
Serving suggestions
This salad shines next to grilled meats fish or your favorite veggie burgers. It makes a lively topping for grain bowls or open-faced sandwiches. Turn it into a full meal by adding grilled chicken or chickpeas.
Cultural and historical context
The use of sauerkraut in this salad taps into centuries of fermented food traditions in Eastern Europe and beyond. The addition of apples pairs German flavors while arugula and feta nod to Mediterranean menus. A real cross-cultural bowl.
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This salad is both simple and sophisticated, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that bursts with flavor and texture in every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use another leafy green instead of arugula?
Yes, you can substitute arugula with baby spinach or mixed greens for a similar fresh flavor and texture.
- → Should I drain the sauerkraut before adding it?
No, the brine from the undrained sauerkraut adds tangy flavor and helps dress the salad ingredients.
- → Is there a good alternative to feta cheese in this salad?
Goat cheese or a mild blue cheese offers a creamy, tangy substitute if feta isn't available.
- → What kind of apples work best?
Crisp, mildly sweet apple varieties such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji balance the other tangy flavors nicely.
- → How soon should I serve the salad after tossing?
For the freshest texture, serve immediately after tossing to prevent the greens from wilting and keep everything crisp.
- → Can I make this salad ahead?
You can prep the ingredients in advance but combine and dress the salad just before serving for best results.