Hearty German Potato Salad Recipe: Tangy & Comforting Classic

My grandmother’s cherished german potato salad carries memories deeper than mere ingredients.

Crisp bacon pieces dance alongside tender potatoes in a vinegar-kissed harmony.

Rustic and unpretentious, this dish whispers tales of traditional alpine kitchens.

Salt, pepper, and fresh herbs create a delightful balance that makes every bite sing.

Tangy and warm, the recipe transcends ordinary side dishes with its rich cultural heritage.

Generations have gathered around tables, passing down this beloved recipe like a treasured heirloom.

German Potato Salad Can Be Stored And Enjoyed Later

• Store leftover German potato salad in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
• Add a splash of olive oil or apple cider vinegar when reheating to refresh the dressing and prevent dryness.
• Best consumed within 2 days for optimal flavor and crispness of bacon and herbs.

Matching Plates for German Potato Salad

• Pair with Crisp Pilsner: Enjoy a cold, refreshing German pilsner that cuts through the richness of bacon and complements the tangy vinegar dressing.
• Serve with Bratwurst Companion: Grill some traditional bratwurst alongside the potato salad to create a hearty, authentic German-style meal that celebrates classic flavors.
• Match with Riesling Delight: Select a slightly sweet German Riesling to balance the salad's acidity and enhance the overall taste profile with its bright, fruity notes.
• Create Rustic Bread Pairing: Serve with a crusty sourdough or rustic German bread to soak up the delicious vinaigrette and add a satisfying textural contrast.

Grilled Potatoes Add-Ons

• Vegan Potato Salad: Replace bacon with crispy tempeh strips or smoked tofu cubes. Use maple syrup instead of sugar and swap olive oil with avocado oil for a plant-based version.
• Herb-Infused Potato Salad: Add fresh dill, tarragon, and thyme to enhance herbal notes. Include roasted garlic for deeper flavor complexity.
• Spicy German Potato Salad: Mix in jalapeños or red pepper flakes for heat. Incorporate smoked paprika to create a bold, zesty profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute potatoes with roasted cauliflower florets. Keep bacon and dressing components the same for a lighter, keto-friendly option.

FAQs

• Is German potato salad served cold or warm?

German potato salad is traditionally served warm, unlike American-style potato salad which is cold and mayonnaise-based. The warm version allows the dressing to absorb more deeply into the potatoes.

• What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well after boiling and have a creamy, waxy texture that prevents them from becoming mushy when mixed with dressing.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

While bacon is a key flavor component, you can substitute it with smoked paprika or vegetarian bacon alternatives to maintain a similar smoky taste profile without using meat.

• How long can German potato salad stay out at a picnic or potluck?

Because this salad contains vinegar-based dressing and is meant to be served warm, it can safely remain at room temperature for about 2 hours without refrigeration.

What Makes German Potato Salad Tangy And Bold

• Quick Comfort Food: Prepares in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile Summer Dish: Ideal for picnics, barbecues, and potlucks, serving as a delightful side that travels well.
• Flavor-Packed Tradition: Captures authentic German culinary heritage with its tangy vinegar dressing and crispy bacon, offering a nostalgic taste experience that connects food lovers to classic comfort cooking.

The Core Setup For German Potato Salad

• Red Potatoes: Starchy base with creamy texture, small to medium size ensures even cooking.
• Bacon: Smoky protein that adds rich flavor, high-quality cuts recommended for best results.

• Red Onion, Chives: Fresh allium family members providing subtle sweetness and mild onion notes.
• Apple Cider Vinegar, Dijon Mustard, Granulated Sugar: Creates tangy and balanced sauce with complex flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for depth and balanced taste, freshly ground recommended.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Smooth binding agent that carries and blends flavors.
• Fresh Parsley, Chives: Bright green herbs adding color, freshness, and light herbal notes.

Making German Potato Salad

Step 1: Boil Potatoes

Place red potatoes in a pot of salted water and cook until they’re fork-tender.

Drain the potatoes and allow them to cool completely.

Slice or dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Crisp the Bacon

Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it becomes golden and crispy.

Transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain excess grease.

Crumble or chop the bacon into small pieces.

Save some of the bacon drippings in the skillet for extra flavor.

Step 3: Whip Up Tangy Dressing

• Apple cider vinegar
• Granulated sugar
• Dijon mustard
• Salt
• Black pepper

Slowly whisk in olive oil until the dressing becomes smooth and well-blended.

Step 4: Blend Salad Components

• Cooled potatoes
• Crumbled bacon
• Finely chopped red onion
• Fresh parsley
• Chopped chives

Step 5: Dress and Toss

Pour the prepared dressing over the potato mixture.

Gently toss everything together, ensuring each ingredient is evenly coated.

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the potato salad warm or at room temperature.

Optionally, garnish with extra fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor.

Classic German Potato Salad – Tips

• Boil potatoes until just tender to prevent mushiness, ensuring they hold their shape when mixed with dressing.
• Reserve some bacon drippings to add extra depth of flavor when creating the vinaigrette, enhancing the overall taste profile.
• Adjust vinegar quantity based on personal preference, starting with less and gradually adding more to achieve the perfect tangy kick.
• German potato salad tastes best when served warm or at room temperature, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Chop parsley and chives just before adding to maintain maximum flavor and vibrant green color.

German Potato Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty German potato salad brings a zesty dance of flavors from Bavaria’s culinary traditions. Crisp bacon, tangy vinegar, and warm potatoes create a mouthwatering side dish you can savor at any summer gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) red potatoes
• 10 ounces (283 grams) bacon slices
• 1 medium red onion

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Seasoning and Herbs:

• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup chives, chopped

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Instructions

1. Immerse the crimson tubers in heavily salted water, allowing them to simmer until fork-tender, ensuring a soft yet structured texture throughout.
2. Render the bacon strips in a cast-iron skillet, transforming them into crisp, golden fragments. Extract the meat and preserve the rendered fat for subsequent flavor enhancement.
3. Craft a vibrant emulsion by whisking together tangy apple cider vinegar, delicate sweetener, zesty Dijon mustard, and foundational seasoning elements until harmoniously blended.
4. Deconstruct the cooled potatoes into rustic, bite-sized cubes, nestling them within a spacious mixing vessel alongside the crumbled bacon, finely diced red onion, verdant parsley, and delicate chive fragments.
5. Cascade the meticulously prepared vinaigrette across the potato medley, employing a gentle folding technique to distribute flavors without compromising the integrity of the ingredients.
6. Present the salad either warmly steaming or at ambient temperature, optionally adorning with additional herbaceous garnishes to elevate the visual and gustatory experience.

Notes

• Choose waxy red or new potatoes that hold their shape well during boiling and won’t break apart when tossed with dressing.
• Cook bacon until extra crispy for maximum texture and flavor, ensuring it crumbles perfectly into the salad.
• Adjust vinegar amount based on personal taste preference, adding more for tanginess or less for milder flavor profile.
• Serve immediately while warm for best taste, as the potatoes absorb dressing more effectively when still slightly hot.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg