Warm Apple and Sauerkraut Skillet Salad (Print Version)

Caramelized apples meet tangy sauerkraut in this warm, vibrant skillet salad ready in 25 minutes.

# What You'll 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, adjust to taste
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

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Warm olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
02 - Add sliced apples and onions to the skillet. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples develop golden color and onions become tender.
03 - Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the apples and onions. Sprinkle with caraway seeds (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to coat everything evenly and cook for 1 minute.
04 - Reduce heat to low. Fold in drained sauerkraut and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until heated through and fragrant but not dried out.
05 - Remove skillet from heat. Gently toss in baby spinach or arugula, folding just until leaves begin to wilt slightly from residual heat.
06 - Transfer mixture to a serving platter. Scatter toasted nuts and fresh parsley across the top as finishing garnish.
07 - Serve immediately while warm, or allow to reach room temperature before serving.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • The way the apples become tender and golden while the sauerkraut stays pleasantly tangy creates this incredible balance that keeps every bite interesting
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like something you simmered all afternoon
  • Warm salads feel so much more comforting than cold ones, especially when the weather turns crisp
02 -
  • Do not be tempted to crank up the heat—the apples need gentle cooking to become tender without turning into applesauce
  • Squeezing excess liquid from the sauerkraut before adding it prevents the final dish from becoming watery and diluting all those gorgeous caramelized flavors
03 -
  • Toast your nuts in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes while the apples cook—the difference in flavor is worth the extra step
  • If your sauerkraut is very salty, rinse it briefly and adjust the salt in the recipe accordingly
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