Warm Apple and Sauerkraut Skillet Salad (Printer-Friendly)

Caramelized apples meet tangy sauerkraut in this warm skillet dish, ready in 25 minutes for a nourishing side or light meal.

# What You Need:

→ Produce

01 - 2 large apples (Honeycrisp or Gala), cored and sliced
02 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
03 - 2 cups sauerkraut, drained
04 - 2 cups baby spinach or arugula

→ Fats & Oils

05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter

→ Seasonings

06 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
07 - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground caraway seeds (optional)
09 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

→ Garnishes

10 - 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans, chopped
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
02 - Add sliced apples and red onions to the skillet. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are golden brown and onions are softened.
03 - Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the apples and onions. Sprinkle with caraway seeds if using, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat evenly and cook for 1 additional minute.
04 - Reduce heat to low. Fold in the drained sauerkraut and warm through for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring gently until heated throughout without drying out.
05 - Remove from heat. Gently toss in baby spinach or arugula until just wilted by the residual heat.
06 - Transfer the skillet salad to a serving platter. Top with toasted walnuts or pecans and fresh chopped parsley.
07 - Serve immediately while warm, or allow to cool to room temperature before serving.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • The warm caramelized apples create this incredible contrast against cool tangy sauerkraut that wakes up your whole palate
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like something that simmered all afternoon
  • Perfect for those nights when you want something nourishing but not heavy
02 -
  • Overcooking the sauerkraut makes it lose that probiotic benefit and satisfying crunch we love
  • The spinach will continue wilting from the pan's heat so toss it gently and serve right away
  • Salt adjustments are crucial since different sauerkraut brands vary wildly in sodium levels
03 -
  • Pat your sauerkraut dry with paper towels before adding to prevent the dish from becoming watery
  • Toast your nuts in a dry pan while the apples cook for that extra fragrant aroma
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