What is it?
A tart sausage and cheese salad.
How is it called in German?
“Allgäuer Wurstsalat”
“Wurst” is the German word for “Sausage”.
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Cultural Background Story
This culinary open air experience is a also a good way to find new friends or make some small talk with strangers as you will dine usually at shared tables.
Official beer gardens originated in the 19th century in Bavaria. But paintings show that the practice of consuming beer on the premises of local breweries are around since the 16th century.
In the beginnings no food, just beer was served by law in German beer gardens. But people were allowed to bring their own food to enjoy it a mug of freshly drafted cold beer. This practice is still followed at some places today.
Allgäuer Käsesalat
German “Allgäu Style” Sausage & Cheese Salad
It is especially tasty and refreshing in the summer with a nice, cool beer. The best thing about it? It only needs a few ingredients.
Recipe

Allgäu Style Sausage Salad
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pound bologna
- 1/2 pound swiss cheese
- 12 oz. of your favorite pickle sandwich slices (i.e. bread & butterchips pickles)
- 2 tbsp. pickle juice
- 1 pinch sugar
- 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp. coarse salt
- 1/2 tsp. coarse pepper
- 1 white onion (finely chopped)
- 4 tbsp. vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl add pickle juice, sugar, vinegar, salt and pepper. Mix well.
- Chop the onion finely.
- Slice bologna into thin strips.
- Drain pickles and cut them lengthwise into small strips.
- Place the prepped bologna, pickles and onion into the vinaigrette.
- Add oil and toss to combine.
- Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Serving Tip:
Make this recipe with ham or finely cut “Leberkäse” instead of bologna as a deluxe version.