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My German Potato Salad

Beginner

German Potato Salad

As a lover of all things potato, German potato salad has a special place in my heart (and my plate!). It's a world apart from the creamy, mayonnaise-laden American potato salad we've all grown up with and that I don’t particularly like. This tangy, savory, often warm dish perfectly complements grilled meats or serves as a hearty side in its own right.


When my Mom made it, there was a lot of vinegar and bacon fat in it. Like most recipes, she would make a warm bacon vinaigrette and pour it over the potatoes. I wasn’t a fan of that either. It was heavy and too sour for my taste. So, I experimented and came up with my version of German Potato Salad.


What Makes German Potato Salad So Unique?


  • Vinegar-Based Dressing: The star of the show here is the vinaigrette. Unlike the American version, there's no mayonnaise in sight. Instead, the potatoes are dressed with a tangy, often warm, vinegar-based concoction. My secret ingredient? A splash of rice wine vinegar for an extra layer of depth.

  • Bacon: Smoky, salty bacon is a must in German potato salad. It adds a savory richness that perfectly balances the acidity of the vinegar.

  • Warm (or at least Room Temp): I love serving German potato salad warm or at room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld, creating a more complex, nuanced taste.


The Best Potatoes for the Job


While you can use any waxy potato, I find that smaller, red potatoes hold their shape well and absorb the dressing beautifully. They also cook up quickly, making this a relatively easy dish to whip up.  You can also use the small new potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes for an extra depth of flavor.


Ingredients for My German Potato Salad

  • Potatoes (red or new potatoes)

  • Bacon

  • Onions

  • Hard-boiled eggs

  • Parsley

  • Rice wine vinegar


Why Do Germans Love Potatoes So Much?


I've traveled to Germany and noticed how potatoes are deeply ingrained in German cuisine and culture. I wondered why.


I discovered they are hearty, versatile, and relatively easy to grow in the often cooler German climate. Over centuries, they have become a staple ingredient in countless dishes, from simple potato pancakes to elaborate dumplings. All of which are yummy!


So, next time you're looking for a potato salad with a twist, try my German potato salad. The combination of tangy vinegar, smoky bacon, and warm potatoes will delight your taste buds and transport you to a German beer garden.  Guten Appetit!



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About Me

Hi!  I'm Jen

Cooking is a passion passed down from both of my grandmothers to my mother and then to my sister and me.  

Throughout my career, I was always drawn back to food.  I've learned from experienced chefs, apprenticed with professional bakers, and tasted coffee with international experts.

Today I'm sharing those experiences with you.

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