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Authentic German Potato Salad


  • Author: skinytaste-net
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Paleo

Description

A warm, tangy German potato salad that pairs perfectly with grilled sausages and hearty roasts, featuring crispy bacon and a vinegar-based dressing.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900 g) small waxy potatoes (like Yukon Gold or red potatoes), scrubbed
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon or mild German mustard
  • 12 teaspoons sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for boiling water
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 23 tablespoons neutral oil (sunflower or canola) or a mix of oil and reserved bacon fat
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chives, sliced (optional but classic)
  • Optional: 1 small dill pickle, finely diced, or 1 tablespoon capers for extra tang

Instructions

  1. Cook the potatoes: Place unpeeled potatoes in a pot, cover with cold water, and add salt. Bring to a simmer and cook until tender, about 15–20 minutes.
  2. Drain and steam-dry: After cooking, drain the potatoes and leave uncovered for 5 minutes.
  3. Cook the bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon, leaving 1–2 tablespoons of fat.
  4. Sauté the onion: Add diced onion to bacon fat and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
  5. Build the dressing: Add broth and vinegar to the skillet, whisk in mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
  6. Slice the potatoes: Peel if desired and slice into 1/4-inch rounds.
  7. Combine and soak: Place potatoes in a bowl, pour hot dressing over, and toss gently.
  8. Add fat for body: Stir in neutral oil and fold in bacon, parsley, and chives.
  9. Rest and taste: Allow to sit for 10–15 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  10. Serve warm: Serve at room temperature or warm, loosening with broth if needed.

Notes

For a twist, try using different herbs like dill or basil. Adjust the acidity of the dressing to your taste.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Boiling, Sautéing
  • Cuisine: German

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: German potato salad, tangy salad, barbecue side dish, warm potato salad