Wurstsalat
(Schweizer wurstsalat, Salade de saucisse)
Wurstsalat is a traditional salad from Germany (especially southern parts), Switzerland, Austria, and Alsace in France made with strips of sausage. It's a popular dish often consumed as a light meal in beer gardens or traditional inns, especially during the warm summer months.
The main ingredient in wurstsalat is thinly sliced sausage. The most commonly used type is Lyoner, fleischwurst, or stadtwurst, although the Swiss variant often uses cervelat. These are all types of cooked sausage that are similar to bologna or frankfurter.
The sliced sausage is mixed with chopped onions, and the salad is dressed with a simple vinaigrette made from oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. The dish is typically marinated for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together. There are several regional variations of Wurstsalat. Read more
For example, in Switzerland and in the Swabian and Bavarian regions of Germany, it's common to add pickles and cheese, typically Swiss Emmental, to the salad. In some regions, it's also common to add other ingredients such as radishes, boiled eggs, tomatoes, or bell peppers.
Wurstsalat is typically served chilled, often accompanied by bread or pretzels. It can be a standalone dish or part of a larger meal. Despite its simplicity, wurstsalat is beloved for its tangy, hearty flavors and refreshing qualities.
