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–+ servings
German potato salad recipe

Authentic German Potato Salad

This warm German potato salad is a tangy, savory dish made with Yukon Gold potatoes, crispy bacon, onions, and a mustard vinaigrette. Served hot or room temp, it's perfect for potlucks, cookouts, and traditional German meals.
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Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: German
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Resting time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 280kcal
Author: Abby Pinkmann
Cost: $8

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot For boiling the potatoes
  • 1 Skillet For cooking bacon & dressing
  • 1 Cutting board For slicing onions and potatoes
  • 1 Chef's knife
  • 1 Mixing bowl For combining everything

Ingredients

  • 2 lb Yukon Gold potatoes about 5–6 medium-sized
  • 6 slices Thick-cut bacon chopped
  • 1 Yellow onion finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup Apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard or German mustard
  • 1 tbsp Sugar adjust to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Salt or more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper freshly ground
  • 2 tbsp Fresh parsley chopped optional garnish

Instructions

  • Boil the potatoes whole and skin-on in salted water until just fork tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.
  • While still warm, peel and slice the potatoes into 1/4-inch rounds or chunks. Set aside in a large bowl.
  • In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove with slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the fat in the skillet.
  • Add chopped onion to bacon fat and sauté until translucent and lightly golden, about 3–4 minutes.
  • Stir in vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits.
  • Pour the warm dressing over the sliced potatoes and toss gently to coat. Add cooked bacon and parsley, and toss again.
  • Let sit 10–15 minutes before serving warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and sauté onions in olive oil or butter. Add smoked paprika for depth.
Make ahead tip: Prepare all components separately and combine just before serving.
Best served warm or room temp. Not ideal for refrigeration over long periods due to texture changes.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 460mg | Vitamin A: 250IU | Calcium: 20mg