Transylvanian Garlic Pork and Cabbage Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bold Romanian-inspired salad with smoky garlic pork, tangy sauerkraut, and a creamy sour cream dressing. This romanian-inspired salads ready in about 60 minutes pairs pork shoulder, sauerkraut, sour cream into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Romanian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup diced red onion, and 1/2 cup chopped celery; sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 8 oz pork shoulder, cubed into 1/2-inch pieces, and cook for 8-10 minutes until browned and nearly cooked through. Stir in 1 tsp paprika and 1/2 tsp salt.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups sauerkraut, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 tbsp chopped dill, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Mix well.
  4. Step 4: Layer pork and sauerkraut mixture onto a serving platter, garnishing with dill sprigs.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Transylvanian Garlic Pork and Cabbage Salad take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (25 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Transylvanian Garlic Pork and Cabbage Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Transylvanian Garlic Pork and Cabbage Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Transylvanian Garlic Pork and Cabbage Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Transylvanian Garlic Pork and Cabbage Salad?

Romanian salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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