Potatoes

German Potato Salad

Name: German Potato Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs (900g) Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 large onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup (120ml) white wine vinegar; 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil; 1 tsp (5g) Dijon mustard; 1 tsp (5g) salt; 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper; 2 tbsp (30g) chopped fresh parsley; 1 tbsp (15g) chopped fresh chives

By Camille Calloway · June 19, 2026 · Potatoes

Prep20 min

Cook15 min

Total60 min

Serves6

As a home cook, I'm always on the lookout for dishes that are both delicious and easy to make. German potato salad is one of my favorites - it's a classic recipe that's perfect for picnics, barbecues, or weeknight dinners. I remember my first taste of German potato salad like it was yesterday. I was at a family gathering, and my aunt had made a big batch of it to serve alongside the grilled meats. I was immediately hooked by the combination of tender potatoes, crunchy onions, and tangy dressing.

Over the years, I've experimented with different recipes and techniques to create my own version of German potato salad. I've tried using different types of potatoes, adjusting the amount of vinegar and oil in the dressing, and adding various herbs and spices to give it a unique flavor. And I'm excited to share my secrets with you, so you can make this delicious dish for yourself and your loved ones.

One of the things I love about German potato salad is its versatility. You can serve it as a side dish, a light lunch, or even as a topping for a salad or sandwich. It's also a great dish to make ahead of time, as it keeps well in the refrigerator for several days. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to make a classic German potato salad, including tips and tricks for getting the best flavor and texture. I'll also share some variations and substitutions you can try to make the dish your own. So let's get started, and I hope you enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make recipe!

Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, I'm confident that you'll love this recipe for German potato salad. It's a dish that's full of flavor and texture, and it's sure to become a favorite in your household. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know what you think!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's perfect for picnics, barbecues, or weeknight dinners.
The salad is versatile and can be served as a side dish, a light lunch, or as a topping for a salad or sandwich.
It keeps well in the refrigerator for several days, making it a great make-ahead dish.
The recipe is forgiving and allows for substitutions and variations to make it your own.
It's a classic recipe that's full of flavor and texture, and is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great German potato salad is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the potatoes just until they're tender. This ensures that they retain their texture and flavor, rather than becoming mushy and bland. I also like to use a combination of vinegar and oil in the dressing, as this gives the salad a nice balance of acidity and richness.

Another important factor is the type of potatoes you use. I prefer to use Yukon gold or red potatoes, as they have a naturally buttery flavor and a firm texture that holds up well to cooking. And of course, no German potato salad would be complete without a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, to add a burst of freshness and flavor.

Finally, I think it's worth noting that German potato salad is a very forgiving dish. If you don't have all of the ingredients on hand, or if you want to make some substitutions or variations, that's perfectly fine. The most important thing is to have fun and be creative, and to enjoy the process of making and sharing this delicious dish with others.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making a great German potato salad, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. You'll need some basic staples like potatoes, onions, and vinegar, as well as some fresh herbs and spices to give the salad a burst of flavor. Here's a list of what you'll need to get started:

Be sure to choose high-quality ingredients, as this will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the final dish. And don't be afraid to get creative and make some substitutions or variations to make the recipe your own.

2 lbs (900g) Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and dicedI like to use Yukon gold potatoes for this recipe, as they have a naturally buttery flavor and a firm texture that holds up well to cooking. You can also use red potatoes or other varieties, but be sure to choose ones that are high in starch, as these will yield the best results.
1 large onion, dicedA sweet onion like Vidalia or Maui works well in this recipe, as it adds a depth of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. Be sure to dice the onion finely, so it cooks evenly and quickly.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a key ingredient in many German dishes, and it adds a rich, savory flavor to this potato salad. Be sure to mince the garlic finely, so it distributes evenly throughout the salad.
1/2 cup (120ml) white wine vinegarWhite wine vinegar is a key ingredient in many German dressings, and it adds a nice balance of acidity and flavor to this potato salad. You can also use apple cider vinegar or other types of vinegar, but be sure to choose one that's high-quality and has a good flavor.
1/4 cup (60ml) olive oilOlive oil is a key ingredient in many salad dressings, and it adds a rich, creamy texture to this potato salad. Be sure to choose a high-quality olive oil that's flavorful and has a good texture.
1 tsp (5g) Dijon mustardDijon mustard is a key ingredient in many German dressings, and it adds a nice balance of flavor and spice to this potato salad. Be sure to choose a high-quality Dijon mustard that's made with real mustard seeds and has a good flavor.
1 tsp (5g) saltSalt is a key ingredient in many dishes, and it helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients in this potato salad. Be sure to choose a high-quality salt that's flavorful and has a good texture.
1/2 tsp (2g) black pepperBlack pepper is a key ingredient in many dishes, and it adds a nice balance of flavor and spice to this potato salad. Be sure to choose a high-quality black pepper that's flavorful and has a good texture.
2 tbsp (30g) chopped fresh parsleyFresh parsley is a key ingredient in many German dishes, and it adds a nice burst of freshness and flavor to this potato salad. Be sure to choose high-quality parsley that's fresh and has a good flavor.
1 tbsp (15g) chopped fresh chivesFresh chives are a key ingredient in many German dishes, and they add a nice oniony flavor to this potato salad. Be sure to choose high-quality chives that are fresh and have a good flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large pot with a steamer basketColander or strainerLarge bowlWhiskMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometerSharp knife

How to Make German Potato Salad

1
Fill a large pot with enough cold water to cover the potatoes, and add 1 tsp (5g) of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
2
While the potatoes are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, or until the onion is softened and lightly browned.
3
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and lightly browned.
4
In a small bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
5
When the potatoes are done cooking, drain them in a colander and return them to the pot. Add the cooked onion and garlic, and pour the dressing over the top. Toss the potatoes to coat them evenly with the dressing.
6
Let the potato salad cool to room temperature, then cover it and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7
Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh parsley and chives. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
8
Serve the potato salad chilled, garnished with additional parsley and chives if desired.
9
To make ahead, prepare the potato salad through step 6, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
10
To freeze, prepare the potato salad through step 6, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label and date the container, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen potato salad overnight in the refrigerator, then let it come to room temperature before serving.

Expert Tips

Be sure to choose high-quality ingredients, as this will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the final dish.
Don't overcook the potatoes, as this will make them mushy and unappetizing.
Let the potato salad cool to room temperature before refrigerating it, as this will help the flavors to meld and the texture to set.
Don't be afraid to get creative and make some substitutions or variations to make the recipe your own.
Consider adding some diced bell peppers or chopped hard-boiled eggs to the potato salad for added flavor and texture.
If you're making the potato salad ahead of time, be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving, as this will help the flavors to meld and the texture to set.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the potatoes, which can make them mushy and unappetizing.
Not letting the potato salad cool to room temperature before refrigerating it, which can affect the texture and flavor.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the final dish.
Not adjusting the seasoning to taste, which can result in a potato salad that's too salty or too bland.
Not refrigerating the potato salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Not stirring in the chopped fresh parsley and chives just before serving, which can affect the flavor and texture of the final dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced bell peppers or chopped hard-boiled eggs to the potato salad for added flavor and texture.
Use different types of potatoes, such as red or yellow potatoes, for a unique flavor and texture.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as dill or tarragon, for a unique flavor.
Use a different type of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar, for a unique flavor.
Add some grated cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, for a creamy and rich flavor.
Use a different type of oil, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil, for a unique flavor and texture.

What to Serve With German Potato Salad

This German potato salad is perfect for serving as a side dish, a light lunch, or as a topping for a salad or sandwich. It's also a great dish to make ahead of time, as it keeps well in the refrigerator for several days.

Consider serving the potato salad alongside some grilled meats, such as sausages or burgers, for a classic summer meal. You could also serve it as a side dish for a picnic or barbecue, or as a topping for a salad or sandwich.

Grilled sausages or burgersRoasted chicken or porkSalads or sandwichesPicnics or barbecuesAs a side dish for a party or special occasion

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This German potato salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Simply cover it and refrigerate it, then let it come to room temperature before serving.

To freeze, transfer the potato salad to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label and date the container, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen potato salad overnight in the refrigerator, then let it come to room temperature before serving.

When reheating the potato salad, be sure to do so gently, as high heat can affect the texture and flavor. Simply let it come to room temperature, or reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's warmed through.

It's also worth noting that this potato salad can be made ahead of time, which makes it a great dish to prepare for a party or special occasion. Simply prepare the salad through step 6, then cover and refrigerate it until you're ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of potatoes should I use for this recipe?

I recommend using Yukon gold or red potatoes, as they have a naturally buttery flavor and a firm texture that holds up well to cooking.

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Yes, you can use a different type of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar, for a unique flavor.

How long can I store the potato salad in the refrigerator?

You can store the potato salad in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Simply cover it and refrigerate it, then let it come to room temperature before serving.

Can I freeze the potato salad?

Yes, you can freeze the potato salad. Simply transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag, label and date the container, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen potato salad overnight in the refrigerator, then let it come to room temperature before serving.

What's the best way to reheat the potato salad?

I recommend reheating the potato salad gently, as high heat can affect the texture and flavor. Simply let it come to room temperature, or reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's warmed through.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply prepare the salad through step 6, then cover and refrigerate it until you're ready to serve.

What's the best way to serve the potato salad?

This German potato salad is perfect for serving as a side dish, a light lunch, or as a topping for a salad or sandwich. Consider serving it alongside some grilled meats, such as sausages or burgers, for a classic summer meal.

Can I add other ingredients to the potato salad?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the potato salad, such as diced bell peppers or chopped hard-boiled eggs, for added flavor and texture.

The Full Recipe

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