- Prepare the Potatoes
The potatoes should be scrubbed clean and placed whole in a large pot. Covered with cold water, they should be brought to a boil over medium-high heat. Boiling the potatoes whole helps them retain their shape and moisture. They should be simmered gently for 15–20 minutes, or until easily pierced with a fork. This ensures a creamy interior without becoming mushy. Once done, they should be drained and allowed to cool just enough to handle. Then, they should be sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds while still warm to help them better absorb the dressing.
- Cook the Bacon
While the potatoes are cooking, bacon slices should be placed in a cold skillet and cooked over medium heat until crisp. As the fat renders, it will form the flavorful base for the warm dressing. Once the bacon is fully cooked, it should be removed from the pan and drained on paper towels. The crispy bacon should then be crumbled or chopped into small pieces and set aside for topping the finished salad.
- Sauté the Onion
Using the reserved bacon drippings in the skillet, finely chopped onion should be added and sautéed over medium heat. The onions will be cooked until soft and translucent, which takes about 3–4 minutes. This step builds depth of flavor, allowing the natural sweetness of the onions to balance the acidity in the vinegar dressing.
- Prepare the Warm Dressing
To the cooked onions, white vinegar, broth (vegetable or chicken), sugar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper should be added. This mixture should be brought to a gentle boil and stirred well, allowing all the ingredients to dissolve and meld. The warm dressing is key to the traditional German flavor—both sharp and savory, enhanced by the richness of the bacon drippings.
- Combine Potatoes and Dressing
The sliced warm potatoes should be placed in a large mixing bowl. The hot dressing should be poured directly over them while both are still warm. This allows the potatoes to soak up the flavor, ensuring every bite is infused with tangy, smoky goodness. The mixture should be gently tossed to avoid breaking the potato slices.
- Add Bacon and Parsley
The crumbled bacon and chopped fresh parsley should be sprinkled over the dressed potatoes. The salad should be gently folded together until everything is well mixed and coated. The parsley adds a burst of freshness and color, while the bacon adds crunch and saltiness that balance the dish.
- Serve
This potato salad is best served warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature. Letting it sit for 10–15 minutes allows the flavors to deepen and the dressing to further soak into the potatoes. For gatherings or outdoor events, the salad can be kept warm in a covered dish or served at ambient temperature.
- Calories:280
- Fat:12 g
- Carbohydrates:35 g
- Protein:7 g
- Sugar:3 g
- Sodium:480 mg
- Fiber:3 g
🥔 German Potato Salad
A bold, tangy flavor defines this German Potato Salad, a warm, savory dish loaded with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a sharp vinegar-based dressing. Unlike mayonnaise-based potato salads, this recipe delivers richness with its deep flavors and satisfying texture.
Unlike the creamy, mayonnaise-based potato salads, German Potato Salad delivers a bold, tangy flavor that sets it apart. Served warm, this dish features tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a sharp vinegar-based dressing that absorbs fully, ensuring every bite bursts with richness.
Ingredients & Cooking Method
This traditional recipe starts with yellow or red potatoes, selected for their creamy texture and ability to hold shape after cooking. Bacon crisps in a pan, creating flavorful drippings that enhance sautéed onions. The dressing combines vinegar, broth, sugar, and seasonings, simmering gently to build its complex taste.
Once prepared, the tangy dressing coats warm sliced potatoes, soaking in the flavor while fresh parsley and black pepper complete the dish.
Why German Potato Salad Stands Out
Perfect for picnics, Oktoberfest celebrations, and hearty family dinners, German Potato Salad pairs well with grilled meats, sausages, schnitzel, or roasted vegetables. Its balance of tangy, salty, and subtly sweet flavors makes it a crowd favorite at gatherings.
Health Benefits
Besides its delicious taste, this dish is lighter than mayonnaise-based potato salads, making it a great choice for those seeking a flavorful yet healthier alternative. Potatoes provide fiber and vitamin C, while bacon adds protein and richness—though best enjoyed in moderation due to sodium content.
Variations & Serving Ideas
While the classic version includes bacon, vegetarians can swap it for olive oil and smoked paprika to retain depth. A touch of Dijon mustard enhances the dressing, giving it extra dimension. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this dish complements a variety of meals and can even be enjoyed as a standalone snack.
