11 Classic German Salad Recipes - Recipes From Europe (2024)

If you want a creamy salad, this German Potato Salad – known as Kartoffelsalat – definitely fits the bill. This salad made with potatoes, pickles, egg, and meat salad has been passed down by Lisa's Oma.

We like it because it's relatively easy to make, has a lot of flavor, and is really filling! It's the perfect salad to eat with wiener sausages.

What would a post about German salads be without a classic Krautsalat recipe? This authentic German coleslaw is made with green cabbage, onions, and a touch of white wine vinegar and caraway (for that signature taste and smell).

It's definitely one of the lighter salads, so it works really well with a lot of meat dishes and in a number of seasons, too!

This German tomato salad is super easy to make and calls for just a few ingredients like fresh red tomatoes, onions, and lots of fresh basil. The tomato salad has a slightly sweet flavor and is best served chilled!

It's a popular side dish in the summer months since it is so refreshing, but it is also enjoyed the rest of the year. You can add fresh mozzarella or feta cheese if you want to make the salad slightly more filling.

German Meat Salad – known as Fleischsalat – is a popular salad that you can find in most supermarkets and butcher shops across the country. Different from Wurstsalat (see below in this list), this salad is made with sliced meat, pickles, and more covered in mayonnaise.

It's a creamy, meaty salad that goes really well on a fresh piece of crusty bread or bun! It's also a great side to eat with boiled potatoes if you're looking for a simple, filling meal.

Green bean salad – known in German as Grüner Bohnensalat – is another cold salad that is really easy to make.

All you need is fresh green beans, some finely chopped onion, and a simple oil and vinegar dressing to make a well-balanced salad that also pairs well with a variety of entrees!

For the sauerkraut lovers, this salad is for you! This sauerkraut salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that will make you fall in love with sauerkraut all over again.

Served cold, the addition of apples and carrots gives it sweetness and crunch which complement the sauerkraut really well.

This German Cucumber Salad is another classic German salad recipe. Made with fresh dill, onion, and just the right amount of creaminess, it's delicious through and through!

There are many different versions of cucumber salad – some are made with just oil and vinegar, while others (like this one) are a bit more creamy.

While similar to cucumber salads that can be found in other European countries (such as Hungary), the addition of dill is what makes it slightly different. We love it as a side salad with potato-based dishes.

Wurstsalat – a sausage salad different from Fleischsalat (listed above) is a classic Swiss and/or German salad. We see how people might confuse them since they are both "meat salads".

Made with chopped sausage and pickles, this salad sometimes contains cheese (which technically makes it Swiss; if it doesn't contain cheese, it's a classic Bavarian meat salad).

It's made with a simple, vinegar-based dressing and unlike Fleischsalat, it's not creamy. This makes it a great summer salad option. We like to serve it with a few slices of crusty bread!

If you're looking for a classic German potato salad that's not creamy, this recipe is for you! This super-easy German potato salad is both delicious and flavorful.

Made with a base of broth, oil and vinegar – and not mayo – this potato salad is vegan and makes a great side salad! It originated in a region in southern Germany called Swabia, but similar recipes exist in other parts of the country as well!

This German Pasta Salad – known in German as Nudelsalat – is a slightly creamy and filling salad.

We make ours with short pasta, sliced ham, peppers, tomatoes, and chopped pickles – but there are many variations. It's no wonder it looks so colorful on the table (especially in the summer). Since it's made with pasta, it can be quite filling and is a great addition to a picnic or summer gathering.

A tasty addition to any meal, this German Carrot Salad is a family recipe passed down from one of Lisa's grandmas. It's easy to make and the softened carrots and onions create a unique flavor that pairs well with lots of dishes!

The difference from many other carrot salads is that the carrot slices are boiled for just a few minutes – this changes the texture and flavor of the whole salad. It's a family favorite that's still enjoyed regularly today!