This Easy German Potato Salad is a warm, tasty treat! Made with hearty potatoes, crispy bacon, and a bright, tangy dressing, it brings a delicious twist to any meal.
What I love most is how simple it is to make! Just cook the potatoes, mix up the dressing, and fold in the ingredients. You’ll impress everyone, including yourself! 🥔🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal for this salad due to their creamy texture. You can also use golden or fingerling potatoes if that’s what you have on hand!
Bacon: While I love the flavor of pork bacon, turkey or veggie bacon works well too. You can skip the bacon altogether for a vegetarian option—just sauté the onions in olive oil!
Onion: I use yellow onions for their sweetness, but red onions can add a nice bite. If you’re sensitive to raw onions, try scallions for a milder taste.
Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar gives a lovely tang. You can substitute it with white wine vinegar or even lemon juice for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture in My Potato Salad?
The key to perfect potato salad is cooking your potatoes just right. You want them tender enough to easily pierce with a fork but not mushy. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with cold water and salt, bringing it to a boil with the potatoes already in the pot. This ensures even cooking.
- Keep an eye on them! Check for doneness around the 15-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
- After draining, let them cool slightly before slicing to help maintain their shape. If you peel them, do it while they’re warm for easier handling.
Easy German Potato Salad with Tangy Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 pounds (900g) small to medium Yukon Gold or red potatoes
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
For the Tangy Dressing:
- 1/4 cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 30 minutes total for this recipe. This includes 15-20 minutes for cooking the potatoes and another 10-15 minutes for prepping the dressing and assembling everything. Plus, it’s so simple that you won’t spend much time in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Potatoes:
Start by placing the potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Bring this pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook the potatoes until they are tender when pierced with a fork, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t overcook!
2. Preparing the Potatoes:
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and let them cool for a few minutes. While they’re still warm, you can peel them if you like (the skin is tasty too, so feel free to leave it on) and then cut them into bite-sized slices or chunks.
3. Cooking the Bacon:
Now, grab a large skillet and cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. Once cooked, place the bacon on paper towels to drain excess fat. After it cools, crumble the bacon into small pieces. Leave about 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet for flavor!
4. Sautéing the Onion:
Add the finely chopped onion to that skillet with the leftover bacon fat. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent. This step adds incredible flavor to our salad!
5. Making the Dressing:
Next, stir in the apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, sugar, and Dijon mustard into the skillet. Let this mixture come to a gentle simmer and cook it for about 2-3 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper as you like!
6. Combining Everything:
Remove the skillet from the heat and carefully toss the warm potatoes in the tangy dressing, making sure they are well coated. This is where the magic happens!
7. Adding the Bacon:
Gently fold in your crispy bacon pieces and the chopped parsley, if you’re using it. This adds a nice pop of color and freshness to the dish!
8. Serving the Salad:
Your German potato salad is ready to enjoy! Serve it warm or let it cool to room temperature. It’s a fantastic side dish for grilled meats or a delightful addition to any meal. Enjoy every bite of your flavorful, tangy potato salad!
FAQ for Easy German Potato Salad with Tangy Dressing
Can I Make This Potato Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare this dish a few hours ahead of time! Just follow the recipe and store it in the refrigerator. It’s best served warm or at room temperature, so allow it to come back to room temperature before serving.
What Can I Use Instead of Bacon?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute bacon with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tempeh for a similar savory flavor. You can also skip it altogether and still enjoy a delicious potato salad!
How Do I Store Leftover Potato Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. However, this salad is often best enjoyed cold or at room temperature!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold and red potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture, feel free to use any waxy variety, like fingerling or new potatoes. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as necessary!
