Wurstsalat
Experience the vibrant flavors of Bavaria with this classic German Wurstsalat, a refreshing sausage salad featuring thinly sliced cooked sausage, crisp red onion, and tangy gherkins, all tossed in a zesty mustard vinaigrette. This quick and easy dish is perfect as a light lunch or a delightful appetizer, offering a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and sour notes.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 45 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Per serving
- 412 kcal
Allergen information: may contain mustard. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 400 gcooked sausage, thinly sliced
- 1 pcsred onion, thinly sliced
- 4 pcspickled gherkin, thinly sliced
dressing
- 4 tbspwhite vinegar
- 3 tbspvegetable oil
- 1 tspmustard
- 0.5 tspsalt
- 0.25 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
garnish
- 2 tbspfresh chives, chopped(optional)
Equipment
Large mixing bowl · Small mixing bowl · Whisk · Chef's knife · Cutting board · Measuring spoons · Measuring cups · Plastic wrap
The method
Step by step
- 1
Prepare the sausage by slicing 400g of cooked sausage into thin, uniform strips or rounds, about 2-3mm thick.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: For an authentic Wurstsalat, use a traditional German sausage like Lyoner, Fleischwurst, or Extrawurst. Ensure the sausage is fully cooked before slicing.
- 2
Peel and thinly slice 1 red onion into delicate rings or half-moons.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: For a milder onion flavor, you can soak the sliced red onion in cold water for 10-15 minutes, then drain thoroughly before adding to the salad.
- 3
Slice 4 pickled gherkins into thin rounds or small dice.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: The gherkins add a crucial tangy and slightly sweet counterpoint to the richness of the sausage. Choose firm, crunchy gherkins for the best texture.
- 4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared sausage, red onion, and pickled gherkins.
About 1 min
- 5
In a separate small bowl, whisk together 4 tablespoons of white vinegar, 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon of mustard, 0.5 teaspoon of salt, and 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper until thoroughly emulsified and smooth.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: A good quality Dijon mustard will add a pleasant sharpness and help emulsify the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before adding to the salad.
- 6
Pour the prepared dressing evenly over the sausage and vegetable mixture in the large bowl.
About 1 min
- 7
Gently toss all ingredients together until every piece is thoroughly coated with the dressing.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Use a spatula or large spoon to avoid breaking up the delicate sausage slices.
- 8
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
About 30 min
Cook’s note: Chilling is essential for Wurstsalat; it allows the sausage to absorb the dressing's flavors and makes the salad incredibly refreshing.
- 9
Before serving, finely chop 2 tablespoons of fresh chives.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Fresh chives add a delicate oniony flavor and a pop of color. Avoid dried chives as they lack the fresh vibrancy.
- 10
Give the chilled salad another gentle toss and garnish generously with the fresh chives.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Serve immediately after garnishing for the best flavor and appearance.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 411.8kcal
- Protein
- 15.5g
- Carbs
- 6.4g
- Fat
- 35.7g
- Fibre
- 0.9g
- Sugar
- 2.5g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
This Wurstsalat pairs wonderfully with crusty German bread (like a pretzel or rye bread) and a cold beer. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a simple green salad. You can experiment with different types of cooked sausages, but ensure they are firm enough to slice thinly. A touch of caraway seeds can also be added to the dressing for an extra layer of traditional German flavor.
Store leftover Wurstsalat in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Wurstsalat is best served chilled and does not require reheating.
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