Authentic Berliner Kartoffelsalat
This delightful Berliner Kartoffelsalat is my mom's treasured recipe, showcasing a creamy, mayo-based dressing that is a staple in northern Germany. Unlike its tangy southern counterpart, this salad is a comforting combination of flavors that is perfect for gatherings or family meals. The addition of crunchy dill pickles and a hint of sweetness from the Granny Smith apple brings a delightful contrast to the creamy potatoes. It’s essential to allow the salad to rest for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator—this waiting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying dish. Ideal for barbecues, picnic lunches, or as a side dish for any hearty meal.
N/A
Servings
183
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potatoes
2 lbs (whole, unpeeled)
Baby dill pickles
5-6 (chopped)
Onion
1 medium (chopped)
Granny Smith apple
1 medium (chopped)
Mayonnaise
16 ounces (regular or fat-free)
Pickle juice
6 tablespoons (for dressing)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (for balancing flavors)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly. Place them in a pot of salted water, cover, and bring to a boil.
2
Reduce the heat and cook the potatoes with their skins on until fork-tender, approximately 20-30 minutes. Avoid overcooking.
3
Once cooked, drain the potatoes and allow them to cool until they are warm but manageable. Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly-sized cubes (about 1-inch pieces) for even flavor absorption.
4
While the potatoes cool, finely chop the onion, baby dill pickles, and Granny Smith apple, ensuring they are all roughly the same size for uniformity.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped onion, pickles, apple, mayonnaise, pickle juice, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a creamy dressing.
6
Gently add the warm, diced potatoes to the bowl with the dressing. Carefully fold the potatoes into the mixture, ensuring they are coated without breaking apart too much.
7
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours; overnight is even better for flavor.
8
Before serving, taste the salad. Adjust the seasoning with additional pickle juice, salt, pepper, sugar, or mayonnaise as desired.
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
21g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Berliner Kartoffelsalat?
Berliner Kartoffelsalat is a traditional Northern German potato salad characterized by its creamy, mayonnaise-based dressing, unlike the vinegar-based versions found in the south.
What makes this recipe different from Southern German potato salad?
While Southern German potato salads are typically tangy with oil and vinegar, this Berlin-style recipe uses a rich mayonnaise dressing for a comforting, creamy texture.
How long should I boil the potatoes?
The potatoes should be boiled with their skins on for approximately 20 to 30 minutes until they are fork-tender.
Why should I leave the skins on while boiling?
Boiling potatoes with their skins on helps them retain their shape and flavor better than peeling them beforehand.
When should I peel and cut the potatoes?
Once cooked and drained, let the potatoes cool until they are warm but manageable, then peel and cube them into 1-inch pieces.
What type of apple is recommended for this salad?
A Granny Smith apple is recommended because its tartness and crunch provide a perfect contrast to the creamy potatoes and dressing.
How many pickles are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 5 to 6 baby dill pickles, finely chopped.
Can I use fat-free mayonnaise?
Yes, the recipe allows for either regular or fat-free mayonnaise depending on your dietary preference.
What is the purpose of adding pickle juice?
Six tablespoons of pickle juice are added to the dressing to provide tanginess and help thin the mayonnaise to the right consistency.
Why is sugar included in the ingredients?
One tablespoon of sugar is used to balance the acidity of the pickle juice and the tartness of the Granny Smith apple.
Should I add the potatoes to the dressing while they are cold?
No, you should gently fold in the potatoes while they are still warm so they can better absorb the flavors of the dressing.
How long does the potato salad need to rest?
It is essential to refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I make this salad the day before?
Yes, letting the salad sit in the refrigerator overnight is even better for developing a rich and satisfying flavor.
How many calories are in a serving?
This recipe contains approximately 183 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 11 grams of fat per serving in this potato salad.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
Each serving contains 21 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in the Berliner Kartoffelsalat?
There are 3 grams of protein per serving.
What are the primary seasonings used?
The dressing is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, or to taste.
What kind of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for one medium onion, finely chopped.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 9 main ingredients: potatoes, pickles, onion, apple, mayonnaise, pickle juice, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Is this recipe suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it is an ideal dish for barbecues, picnic lunches, or as a side for hearty family meals.
How do I prevent the potatoes from breaking apart?
Gently fold the potatoes into the mixture rather than stirring vigorously to ensure they stay in cubes.
Can I adjust the seasoning after the salad has chilled?
Yes, you should taste the salad before serving and adjust the pickle juice, salt, pepper, or mayo as desired.
Is this a family recipe?
Yes, this is a treasured family recipe passed down from the creator's mother.
What size should the chopped ingredients be?
The onion, pickles, and apple should be finely chopped to roughly the same size for uniformity.
What amount of mayonnaise is required?
The recipe uses 16 ounces of mayonnaise.
Does this recipe include bacon?
No, this specific Berliner version focuses on the creamy mayo and apple/pickle combination without bacon.
What is the weight of the potatoes used?
The recipe requires 2 lbs of potatoes.
How would you describe the flavor profile?
It is a comforting and rich flavor profile with a hint of sweetness and a delightful crunch from the apples and pickles.
Can I use red potatoes for this?
While the recipe specifies generic potatoes, red potatoes work well as they hold their shape after boiling.