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We love German Potato Salad Recipe and the bacon makes it even better. If you prefer a mustard based potato salad, this is the recipe to try. The delicious combination of ingredients makes for the perfect potato salad.
This tasty potato salad is super easy to make and perfect served warm or cold. Everyone will love the pieces of bacon combined with the apple cider vinegar, mustard and more. The combination of the ingredients gives it a tangy sweet flavor.
You might also like this classic potato salad recipe. Either way, skip the store bought stuff and make potato salad at home. Check out more Potluck Salad Recipes and even more 45 Best Thanksgiving Salad Recipes.
What's in this post: German Potato Salad
What is German Potato Salad?
Authentic German Potato Salad is tossed in a vinegar based dressing instead of mayonnaise-based American Potato salad. The bacon drippings give this potato based salad tons of flavor and perfect served for any occasion.
The next time you want to change up your traditional BBQ side dish recipes, make this German Potato Salad. It is always a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
- Red Potatoes
- Thick Cut Bacon
- Small Red Onion
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Granulated Sugar
- Dijon Mustard
- Salt
- Ground Black Pepper
- Curly Parsley for garnish, optional
Scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.
Variations Ideas
- Potatoes – We used red potatoes in this recipe but you can also use Yukon Gold Potatoes.
- Seasoning – Feel free to change the seasoning to what you prefer. You can even add in fresh herbs for a delicious variation.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1 – Bring to a Boil the potatoes in a large pot with 1 tablespoon salt until fork tender over medium-high heat. Drain and run under cold water. Slice the potatoes and add to a large bowl.
Step 2 – In a heavy skillet, cook bacon about half way done or to a slight crisp over medium heat.
Step 3 – Go ahead add the diced onions and continue cooking until bacon is crispy and onions are translucent. Remove from pan and drain the bacon fat well on a paper towel-lined plate. Add to bowl. Gently stir to combine.
Step 4 – In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, sugar, mustard and salt and pepper.
Step 5 – Pour over potatoes and stir to combine.
Step 6 – Serve at room temperature with a slotted spoon. Store leftovers in refrigerator.
Recipe Tips
- Serving – German Potato Salad can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Chopping Vegetables – This recipe like many calls for diced onions. Another time saving tip is to use a small food chopper or food processor to quickly and easily chop the onions. If you do not have one of these, I highly recommend them. They are such a time saver and you can get the veggies really fine if you have children that are picky.
- Freezing Vegetables – Learn and how to freeze onions and also how to freeze peppers to save so much time in the kitchen!
- Slice Potatoes – We recommend slicing potatoes about the same size when making this salad.
Serving Suggestions
Potato Salad is a classic dish to bring to a BBQ or a potluck. This German Potato Salad goes well with Grilled Burgers, Hot Dogs, and even Grilled Pork Chops.
Whatever the occasion, make this simple ingredients potato salad to complete any meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
We like to boil the potatoes for this recipe whole and unpeeled. Once they are boiled, then I like to slice and place them in a bowl. We do not peel the potatoes but you can if you prefer.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. We think it taste best to let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Yes, you can freeze this potato salad in a freeze safe container for up to 3 months. This potato salad freezes better than the mayo based potato salad.
More Easy Side Dish Recipes
- Classic Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
- Easy Pasta Salad Recipe
- Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
- Easy Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe
- Creamy Bacon, Tomato, Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe
- Easy Macaroni Salad Recipe
We love hearing from you. If you make this Easy German Potato Salad Recipe, please leave a comment or a star review.
German Potato Salad
Ingredients
- 2 pounds red potatoes
- 6 slices thick cut bacon
- 1 small red onion finely diced
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon salt divided
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Curly Parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Boil potatoes in a large pan with 1 tablespoon salt until fork tender.
- Drain and run under cold water.
- Slice potatoes and add to large bowl.
- In a heavy skillet, cook bacon about half way done about 6-8 minutes/
- Add diced onions and continue cooking until bacon is crispy and onions are translucent.
- Remove from pan and drain well.
- Add to bowl.
- Gently stir to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, sugar, mustard, 1 teaspoon salt and pepper.
- Pour over potatoes and stir to combine.
- Serve room temperature.
- Store leftovers in refrigerator.
I just wanted to say thank you for this receipt. So much like my mothers.
The recipe doesn’t say to crumble the bacon, I’m assuming you do?
Yes, you do. I’ll update the post. Thank you!
What do you do with the sugar