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Simple German Potato Salad Recipe

Looking to add a dash of German flair to your culinary repertoire? Look no further than our irresistible German potato salad recipe. Picture this: tender potatoes mingling with crispy bacon, kissed with a tangy vinegar dressing and fragrant herbs.

Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner for friends or planning a festive gathering, this dish is sure to steal the spotlight.

German Potato Salad Recipe

Simple German Potato Salad Recipe

A party favorite for sure. German Potato salad is my absolute favorite BBQ side dish and I always look forward to the summer months because I know that all my friends will have this side dish waiting for me whenever I visit.

German Potato Salad Ingredients

  • 2 ½ lbs. Red Potatoes, scrubbed, ½ cube
  • ½ lbs. Bacon
  • ½ Red Onion, diced
  • 3 Garlic Cloves, minced
  • 1 teas. Dill
  • 1 teas. Celery Seed
  • ½ Cup Red Wine Vinegar
  • ½ Cup Vegetable Oil
  • 2 teas. Sugar
  • 1 teas. Salt
  • ½ teas. Black Pepper
German Potato Salad Recipe - Perfect BBQ Side Dish

German Potato Salad Instructions

In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy and chop into ¼ inch pieces.  Remove excess bacon grease using paper towels. Reserve 2 Tbsp. of rendered fat. In a large pot place potatoes and just enough water to cover.  Bring to boil, reduce to simmer until just tender.  8-10 minutes. Drain.

In the pot you used to cook the potatoes, add 2 Tbsp. of bacon fat over medium heat add onion and cook until just softened.  Add the Garlic, Dill, Celery Seed, Salt, and Pepper. Cook for 1 minute, then turn off the heat.  Add the Vinegar, Oil and Sugar. Stir to combine.

Add the Potatoes and ¾ of the Bacon pieces back to the pot and toss to coat. Adjust Vinegar, Salt, and Pepper to taste.

Transfer to a serving bowl and top with remaining warm bacon pieces. Serve warm.

Optional: Top with chopped green onion, balsamic vinegar, a bit of grainy mustard, or fresh herbs like fresh parsley. If you don’t want to use traditional bacon, you can always substitute it for turkey bacon. 

Tips And Alterations:

  1. Vegetarian Option: For a meat-free version, omit the bacon and instead sauté finely chopped onions until caramelized for added depth of flavor. You can also incorporate vegetarian bacon bits or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
  2. Vegan Twist: To make the recipe vegan-friendly, substitute bacon with crispy tofu cubes or tempeh bacon. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and opt for vegan mayonnaise or a tangy mustard-based dressing for creaminess.
  3. Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs to infuse your German potato salad with unique flavors. Fresh dill, chives, parsley, or thyme all complement the dish beautifully. Consider adding a touch of chopped fresh mint for a refreshing twist.
  4. Spice It Up: Kick up the heat by adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. Alternatively, incorporate finely diced jalapeños or pickled pepperoncini for a tangy and spicy kick. You could also consider adding an ample amount of dijon mustard. 
  5. Sweet and Sour: Adjust the balance of sweet and sour flavors to suit your taste preferences. Increase or decrease the amount of sugar and vinegar accordingly. You can also experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, for subtle variations.
  6. Texture Play: Add contrasting textures by mixing in ingredients like crunchy celery, diced bell peppers, or pickles. Toasted nuts or seeds, such as almonds or sunflower seeds, can also provide a satisfying crunch.
  7. Cheesy Indulgence: For a decadent twist, sprinkle grated cheese over the warm potato salad just before serving. Gouda, cheddar, or Swiss cheese pairs exceptionally well with the savory flavors of the dish.
  8. Smoked Flavor: Infuse your potato salad with a rich smokiness by incorporating smoked paprika or smoked sea salt into the dressing. You can also grill the potatoes before tossing them with the dressing for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
  9. Seasonal Additions: Customize your German potato salad based on seasonal produce. Add roasted squash or sweet potatoes in the fall, or fresh peas and asparagus in the spring. This allows you to enjoy the dish with the freshest ingredients available.
  10. International Fusion: Get creative and incorporate elements from other cuisines to create a fusion potato salad. Add curry powder and coconut milk for an Indian-inspired twist, or soy sauce and sesame oil for an Asian flair. The possibilities are endless!

How Do You Say German Potato Salad In German?

If you’d like to surprise your friends with this information, you can say German Potato Salad in German by saying, Schwäbischer Kartoffelsalat. 

Looking for more side dish recipes? Check out some of my favorite options below:

Common Questions:

Q: Is German potato salad served hot or cold? A: Traditionally, German potato salad is served warm or at room temperature. However, some variations can be enjoyed cold, particularly if they include mayonnaise or other creamy elements.

Q: Can I make German potato salad ahead of time? A: Absolutely! In fact, many people believe German potato salad tastes even better when made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving if desired.

Q: What type of potatoes should I use for German potato salad? A: The best choices are waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold potatoes or small red potatoes. These whole potatoes hold their shape well when cooked and have a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the tangy dressing. Russel potatoes are not suggested. 

Q: Can I make a vegetarian or vegan German potato salad? A: You can easily adapt German potato salad to vegetarian or vegan by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth or vegan bacon alternatives. Additionally, ensure that any other ingredients, such as the vinegar and sugar, are vegan-friendly.

Q: How long does German potato salad last in the refrigerator? A: German potato salad can last in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.

What can you serve alongside this recipe?

Warm German potato salad pairs wonderfully with various dishes, complementing their flavors and textures. Here are some delicious options to serve alongside this recipe:

  1. Grilled Sausages: Serve your German potato salad alongside grilled bratwurst, knackwurst, or any other favorite sausages. The smoky, savory flavors of the sausages complement the tangy and creamy potato salad perfectly.
  2. Pretzels: Soft pretzels or pretzel rolls are a classic accompaniment to German cuisine. Their chewy texture and slightly salty taste provide a satisfying contrast to the creamy potato salad.
  3. Sauerkraut: Add a tangy and crunchy element to your meal by serving sauerkraut alongside the potato salad. The acidity of the sauerkraut helps balance the richness of the dish and adds a pop of flavor.
  4. Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, make a delicious and colorful addition to the meal. Their smoky flavor and tender texture complement the hearty potato salad beautifully.
  5. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed with vinegar, dill, and a touch of sugar makes a light and refreshing side dish. Its crispness provides a nice contrast to the creamy potato salad.
  6. Pickles: Serve a selection of pickles, such as dill pickles, bread and butter pickles, or pickled onions, alongside the potato salad. Their tangy and crunchy nature adds another layer of flavor and texture to the meal.
  7. Green Salad: Balance out the richness of the potato salad with a simple green salad tossed with vinaigrette. The fresh, crisp greens provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy potatoes.
  8. Beer: Complete your German-inspired feast with a selection of German beers, such as pilsners, lagers, or wheat beers. The crisp, refreshing flavors of the beer complement the hearty and savory dishes perfectly.

You could also consider hard-boiled eggs, pork chops, sautéed onions, or any other great side dish you can think of. The choice is yours! A family favorite for sure. 

By pairing this authentic German potato salad recipe with these delicious side dishes, you’ll create a well-rounded and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress your guests.

German Potato Salad

German Potato Salad Recipe - Perfect BBQ Side Dish

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ lbs. Red Potatoes, scrubbed, ½ cube
  • ½ lbs. Bacon
  • ½ Red Onion, diced
  • 3 Garlic Cloves, minced
  • 1 teas. Dill
  • 1 teas. Celery Seed
  • ½ Cup Red Wine Vinegar
  • ½ Cup Vegetable Oil
  • 2 teas. Sugar
  • 1 teas. Salt
  • ½ teas. Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook Bacon until crispy and chop into ¼ inch pieces. Reserve 2 Tbsp. of rendered fat. In a large pot place potatoes and just enough water to cover. 
  2. Bring to boil, reduce to simmer until just tender. 8-10 minutes. Drain.
  3. In the pot you used to cook the potatoes, add 2 Tbsp. of bacon fat over medium heat add onion and cook until just softened. 
  4. Add the Garlic, Dill, Celery Seed, Salt and Pepper cook 1 minute then turn off heat. Add the Vinegar, Oil and Sugar. Stir to combine.
  5. Add the Potatoes and ¾ of the Bacon pieces back to the pot toss to coat. Adjust Vinegar, Salt and Pepper to taste.
  6. Transfer to serving bowl and top with remaining Bacon pieces. Serve warm.

Did you make this recipe?

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