German Potato Salad is in my blood (literally my Grandparents are German!) It runs through my veins - and it's EVERYTHING you need for summer cook-outs this year!
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
This is a timeless traditional recipe that has been passed down through my family over the past 100 years! My Omi and my Omi's Omi have been making the most incredible potato salad loaded with herbs, bacon and a simple vinaigrette since I can remember. It's literal perfection and it's hard not to eat it before throwing it on the table for a dinner party.
Just like my Easy Greek Pasta Salad, I'm partial to a vinaigrette based potato salad, vs the traditional mayo based American Potato Salads. I think it has something to do with my German roots and the tangy/acidic combo of the vinegar and potatoes. It's also much healthier than boiled potatoes covered in mayo and lasts longer sitting out at a BBQ.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Baby New Potatoes
- Pancetta – Bacon is a great substitute!
- Red Onion – Sliced shallots would also work well in this recipe.
- Champagne Vinegar – If you don't have it on hand use white wine vinegar as a substitute.
- Dijon Mustard – Pick your favorite here, I like using a smooth dijon mustard for the vinaigrette in this recipe but whole grain dijon mustard would also be delicious.
- Olive Oil
- Salt & Pepper
- Green Onions
- Chives
- Parsley
*For full instructions and ingredients please see recipe card below
How to Make German Potato Salad
Step 1: Start by boiling the potatoes until fork tender. Then drain and set aside in a bowl.
Step 2: Make the vinaigrette. Fry the pancetta until browned and crisp. Then remove it from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: To the pancetta grease, add the diced onion and cook until caramelized. Then add the vinegar and mustard.
Step 4: Cook the vinegar and mustard for 2 minutes.Then turn off the heat and whisk in the oil.
Step 5: Add the crispy pancetta, chives, parsley, and scallions to the potatoes.
Step 6: Pour the warm dressing over the potatoes and gently toss to coat.
Tips & Tricks
Serve it warm, serve it at room temp or serve it as leftovers chilled. Use it as a side dish alongside some grilled steak or chicken and it's a winner! You truly can't go wrong any way.
If you're lucky enough to have any of the bacon and herb mixture with the vinaigrette leftover after polishing off the potatoes... drizzle it on just about anything for an extra punch of flavor. Or slather it on some grilled bread. Use it as a sauce base of pizza. It should never be wasted!
FAQs
What is German salad made of?
German Potato Salad at its core, is a side dish made with boiled potatoes and other various delicious ingredients. Think pancetta or bacon, herbs, garlic, onions, etc.
How long can German potato salad be left out?
German potato salad shouldn't be left out unrefrigerated for more than two hours. However, it's great served warm, at room temp, or as leftovers chilled.
What culture is potato salad from?
According to my Omi (that's grandma in German) Potato Salad originated in Germany, and she has been kind enough to share the family recipe with us.
How do you reheat German potato salad?
German potato salad can be reheated in an oven or a microwave. To reheat it in the oven, place the potato salad in a baking dish covered with foil and bake for about 10-15 minutes at 350º or until warm. To reheat it in the microwave, place it in a microwave safe bowl and heat it for 1-minute at a time, stirring in between each increment, until warm.
What makes a great German Potato Salad?
The simple answer is a timeless traditional recipe that has been passed down through my family over the past 100 years! My Omi and my Omi's Omi have been making the most incredible potato salad loaded with herbs, bacon and a simple vinaigrette since I can remember. It's literal perfection and it's hard not to eat it before throwing it on the table for a dinner party.
Similar Recipes
If you tried this recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting today!
German Potato Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 pounds baby new potatoes halved or quartered
- 8 ounces pancetta small diced (or bacon)
- 1 large red onion diced
- ¼ cup champagne vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- 8 green onions thinly sliced
- 1 bunch chives thinly sliced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- Place potatoes in a large pot of water and bring to a boil. Cook until fork tender and remove from heat, drain and set aside in a bowl.
- While the potatoes are cooking, place the pancetta in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry until browned and crisp, turning as needed. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Add the diced onion to the pancetta grease, and cook over medium heat until browned.
- Carefully add the vinegar and mustard to the onions and cook for 2 minutes and turn off the heat. Whisk in the oil and season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Add the hot dressing to the potatoes and toss gently to coat. Fold in the pancetta, green onions, chives, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- I love this hot or room temp, and even eat the leftovers cold. That makes this SO easy to serve at any meal!
- Bacon is a great substitute for pancetta.
- Sliced shallots are a great swap for red onion in this recipe.
- If you don't have champagne vinegar on hand use white wine vinegar as a substitute.
Nutrition Information
Photo by Matt Armendariz / Food Styling by Adam Pearson / Recipe from What’s Gaby Cooking
Another great use for all my fresh herbs! Yum to these potatoes!
If I made this ahead of time....can you serve it cold?? So excited to make this!
absolutely
Do you dice the potatoes before you boil them or after?
before!
Thx!
Love, love, love this potato dish.
But where's the dill?
Looks wonderful. What would be good in lieu of the champagne vinegar? Apple cider vinegar? I don't want to purchase the other since I don't have another use for it.
yes!! apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar!
Champagne vinegar is such a worthwhile purchase...you will get hooked on it for vinaigrette. You will never buy bottled dressing again...except perhaps GIRARDS CHAMPAGNE DRESSING!
Delicious! I liked the pancetta instead of traditional bacon - more subtle and nice, uniform bits. I couldn’t find champagne vinegar so used white wine vinegar. I might add a little more vinegar next time for some extra tang. Will definitely make again!
I love the addition of bacon! Great for any event!
I love German Potato Salad because it's mayo free!
I can't wait to harvest my potatoes and make this!!
Love this recipe! I've made several versions of german potato salad including my grandmother's but this looks like a winner!
Great no mayo option for a potato salad!
Who doesn't love potato salad! Perfect both for summer and winter!
What a super recipe for a summer bar-b-que.
Hi there, looks nice. I live in Germany, and there are thousands of 'home' recipes. Every family has their own version, and this is yours. The one thing I have been told over and over again is that you have to dress the potatoes while they're still warm, cos it helps the flavour of the dressing to penetrate. Who knows. Haven't made it for years, but this sounds nice (minus the bacon - I'm vegetarian). I like your blog. Thanks
I think I could eat this as a meal!! I am with you. Hold the mayo!!