Authentic German Cold Potato Salad
This traditional German Cold Potato Salad is a delightful dish that showcases the simple yet robust flavors of Germany. Made with tender white potatoes, crisp onions, and savory bacon, it’s dressed in a tangy and aromatic vinaigrette without the sweetness often found in other potato salads. This recipe has been cherished in my family for over 34 years, inspired by my wonderful mother-in-law's authentic cooking. It can be served as a side dish at barbecues, picnics, or any gathering, and it’s perfect for those looking for a refreshing yet hearty addition to their meal. The key is to let the salad chill for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in an irresistible dish that everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
106
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
white potatoes
4 medium (cooked, cooled, and sliced into 1/8-inch circles)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
water
1/4 cup (for sautéing)
beef bouillon cubes
2 (dissolved in onion mixture)
vegetable oil
1/4 cup (for dressing)
vinegar
1/4 cup (for dressing)
salt
to taste (seasoning)
pepper
to taste (seasoning)
bacon
3 slices (cooked and crumbled)
Instructions
1
Start by cooking the potatoes with their skins on until they are tender but still firm enough to hold their shape. Avoid overcooking. Once done, set them aside to cool.
2
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat and add the chopped onions. Sauté the onions until they are soft and just beginning to turn golden, add the water, and bring to a high simmer.
3
Add the beef bouillon cubes to the onion mixture, stirring until blended and the cubes are dissolved. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool.
4
Once the potatoes are cooled, peel them and slice into 1/8-inch thick circles. Place the slices into a large casserole dish.
5
Drizzle the vegetable oil and vinegar evenly over the potato slices. Then, pour the cooled onion and bouillon mixture over the top.
6
Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste, and sprinkle the crumbled bacon over everything.
7
Do not stir just yet; instead, cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to develop. For the best results, let it sit overnight.
8
Before serving, gently mix the potato salad to incorporate all ingredients. It can be served cold straight from the refrigerator or allowed to come to room temperature.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
11g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
170mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic German Cold Potato Salad?
It is a traditional German side dish featuring tender white potatoes, crisp onions, and savory bacon dressed in a tangy and aromatic vinaigrette.
How long has this recipe been in the family?
This recipe has been cherished for over 34 years, inspired by the creator's mother-in-law's authentic cooking.
Does this potato salad contain mayonnaise?
No, this is a 'no mayo' recipe, making it a refreshing alternative to creamier potato salads.
What type of potatoes are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 medium white potatoes.
Should I peel the potatoes before boiling them?
No, you should cook the potatoes with their skins on until they are tender but still firm.
How should the potatoes be sliced?
Once cooled and peeled, the potatoes should be sliced into 1/8-inch thick circles.
How are the onions prepared for the salad?
The onions are chopped and sautéed in butter until soft and golden before being mixed with water and bouillon.
What provides the savory base for the dressing?
The savory base is created by dissolving 2 beef bouillon cubes into a mixture of sautéed onions and water.
What type of oil and vinegar are used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of vegetable oil and 1/4 cup of vinegar for the dressing.
Is there bacon in this German potato salad?
Yes, the salad features 3 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon sprinkled over the top.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
The salad should chill for at least 1-2 hours, though letting it sit overnight produces the best results.
Can I serve this salad at room temperature?
Yes, it can be served cold straight from the refrigerator or allowed to come to room temperature.
When should I mix the ingredients?
You should wait until just before serving to gently mix the ingredients together.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 106 calories.
How much fat is in a serving?
There are 6 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving contains 11 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in this recipe?
The salad provides 2.5 grams of protein per serving.
How much sodium is in the salad?
There is approximately 170mg of sodium per serving.
Is this a sweet potato salad?
No, it is a savory and tangy salad without the sweetness found in some other varieties.
What occasions is this dish best for?
It is perfect for barbecues, picnics, or any gathering as a refreshing and hearty side dish.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of melted butter to sauté the onions.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, you should add salt and pepper to taste before chilling the salad.
What is the first step in making the dressing?
The first step is sautéing chopped onions in butter until golden and adding water to a high simmer.
Does the bouillon mixture need to be hot when added?
No, the onion and bouillon mixture should be allowed to cool before being poured over the potatoes.
How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy?
Avoid overcooking the potatoes; they should be tender but firm enough to hold their shape.
What kind of dish should I use to assemble the salad?
A large casserole dish is recommended for layering the sliced potatoes and dressing.
What are the primary flavor tags for this recipe?
The main tags include German cuisine, potato salad, cold salad, side dish, and traditional recipes.
Is the vinegar added directly to the potatoes?
Yes, you drizzle the vegetable oil and vinegar evenly over the potato slices before adding the bouillon mixture.
Can this be made vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, you would need to substitute the beef bouillon and bacon with plant-based alternatives.
Why is the salad chilled before mixing?
Chilling allows the flavors of the vinaigrette, onions, and bacon to meld beautifully with the potatoes.