Authentic German Potato Salad (Kartoffelsalat) 🇩🇪
Unlike the creamy American version, authentic German Potato Salad is tangy, slightly sweet, and served warm with a delicious bacon and vinegar dressing. This classic dish is perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or as a hearty side dish for schnitzel! A must-try for anyone looking to bring a taste of Germany to their table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: German-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs (900g) waxy potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes)
- 6 slices bacon, diced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp vegetable or olive oil (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes clean (leave skins on for an authentic touch). Place them in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain and let them cool slightly before peeling (if desired). Slice into 1/4-inch rounds or dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Bacon & Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan. Add the diced onion to the bacon fat and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until soft and translucent.
- Make the Dressing: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the vinegar, water, mustard, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Assemble the Salad: Gently toss the warm potatoes with the hot dressing, ensuring they soak up all the flavors. Add the crispy bacon and fresh parsley. If needed, drizzle in a little oil for extra richness.
- Serve Warm: Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- The salad is best served warm, but it can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
- Adjust the sugar and vinegar to your personal taste for a perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness.
- Feel free to add more herbs like chives or dill for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
- Calories: 250kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg