Salads > International Salads > European Salads > German Potato Salad Recipe

Authentic German Potato Salad

This warm German Potato Salad (Kartoffelsalat) is a classic side dish, perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or as a complement to any German meal. Unlike its mayonnaise-based American counterpart, this salad features a tangy vinegar and broth-based dressing, often with bacon for added flavor.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Servings
6
Ingredients
  • 2 lbs Potatoes (Yukon Gold or similar)
  • 4 slices Bacon
  • 1/2 Yellow Onion
  • 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1/2 cup Chicken Broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped)

Preparing the Potatoes

Wash the potatoes and place them in a large pot. Cover with cold water and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are tender but not mushy, about 20-25 minutes. You should be able to pierce them easily with a fork. Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly until you can handle them comfortably.

Cooking the Bacon and Onions

While the potatoes are cooking, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside to cool. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet. Chop the onion and sauté it in the bacon grease until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Making the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your liking. You want a balance of sweet and tangy.

Assembling the Salad

Peel the slightly cooled potatoes and slice them into about 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the potato slices in a large bowl. Crumble the cooked bacon and add it to the bowl along with the sautéed onions. Pour the vinegar dressing over the potatoes, bacon, and onions. Gently toss to combine, being careful not to mash the potatoes. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.

Serving the Salad

German potato salad is traditionally served warm, but it can also be enjoyed at room temperature. For the best flavor, allow the salad to sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Calories: 120kcal, Carbohydrates: 15g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 5g (Values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Other Considerations for Nutrition

This recipe can be made vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth. To reduce sodium, use low-sodium broth and be mindful of the salt added.

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FAQ

  • Can I make this salad ahead of time?

    Yes, you can prepare the potatoes and bacon ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to assemble, reheat the potatoes slightly and proceed with the recipe. The salad can also be made a few hours ahead of time, but the potatoes may absorb some of the dressing.
  • What kind of vinegar should I use?

    Apple cider vinegar is traditional, but white wine vinegar or even a little bit of pickle juice can also be used for a slightly different flavor.
  • Can I add other ingredients?

    Some variations include adding diced celery, hard-boiled eggs, or other herbs like chives.