This scrumptious German Potato Salad combines tender red potatoes with crispy bacon and a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing. Served warm or chilled, it's the perfect side dish for your next potluck or summer BBQ.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This German Potato Salad Recipe
• 🛒 Ingredients for German Potato Salad
• 🔪 How to Make German Potato Salad
• 💡 Tips for Making German Potato Salad
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 What Goes with German Potato Salad?
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• Why is it Called "German" Potato Salad?
• Can I Make German Potato Salad Ahead of Time?
• Is German Potato Salad Served Warm?
• Is This Potato Salad Gluten-free?
• 🍽️ More Easy Side Dishes

❤️ Why You'll Love This German Potato Salad Recipe

• Creamy red potatoes
• Crispy chunks of bacon
• Tossed in a homemade apple cider Dijon dressing
• Easy to make
• Serve warm, at room temperature or cold
• Perfect to bring to your next potluck or BBQ

This recipe for German Potato Salad gives you a delicious twist on classic potato salad. Instead of the usual mayo dressing, this one's got a tangy apple cider vinegar mix that adds a refreshing pop of flavor. Though it’s a bit different from what you might expect, trust me, one bite and it will become your new go-to recipe.

What's great about this potato salad is that it's perfect for sharing at potlucks and BBQs. Unlike the creamy kind that you have to keep chilled, this version can sit out longer without spoiling. But with the creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and tangy dressing, it won’t last that long anyway!

You're going to love the texture of the red potatoes in this dish. They're nice and soft, but they hold up really well with the dressing. They're also delicious in these Garlic Potatoes and Green Beans or these crispy on the outside, fluffy inside Air Fryer Red Potatoes.

🛒 Ingredients for German Potato Salad

• Red potatoes
• Bacon
• Onion
• Apple cider vinegar
• Honey
• Coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
• Dijon mustard
• Parsley
• Garlic 
• Salt
• Celery salt
• Ground black pepper

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Saucepan
• Skillet
• Whisk
• Mixing bowl

🔪 How to Make German Potato Salad

Wash and scrub your potatoes, then add them to a saucepan with salt and water, just covering them.  Boil them until they are fork tender but not too soft.  It should take about 8–10 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes.

While the potatoes are boiling, add the chopped bacon to a large skillet.

Fry until crisp, then remove the bacon.

Add it to a paper towel-lined plate.  

With the bacon grease still in the skillet, add in the onions and salt.

Sauté until they are cooked through, then add in the garlic.  Sauté for another 20 seconds, making sure not to brown the garlic or it will become bitter.

Add in the honey, coconut sugar, celery salt, pepper and dijon mustard, then whisk in the apple cider vinegar.

Simmer on low for another 2 minutes or until the vinegar has reduced slightly.

Once the potatoes are cooked, quarter them or cut them into bite-sized pieces while they are still hot but just cool enough to handle, then add them to a bowl.

Pour the dressing over the cut potatoes, then mix in the reserved crispy bacon and chopped fresh parsley. Make sure all the potatoes are well coated in the dressing.

Let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes to allow the potatoes to absorb all the flavors in the dressing, and serve warm. 

You can serve it cold or at room temperature, but I think it’s best served warm.

💡 Tips for Making German Potato Salad

This is a super straightforward recipe, but here are a few things to keep in mind that will ensure it turns out perfect every time:

• Uniform potatoes: Cut the potatoes into even-sized pieces before boiling. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb the dressing at the same time.

• Season the water: Don’t be afraid to add a little extra salt to the water when boiling the potatoes. This helps to season the potatoes from the inside out.

• Steam dry: After draining the boiled potatoes, return them to the hot pot and cover them with a clean kitchen towel for a few minutes. This helps them steam dry and prevents the salad from becoming watery.

• Taste as you go: You’ll want to taste the salad as you mix in the dressing. Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or a bit more vinegar to achieve the perfect balance of flavors that you like.

• Toss gently: Use a large spoon or spatula to gently fold the ingredients together. This prevents the potatoes from breaking apart and keeps the salad's texture intact.

☑️ Storage Instructions

Allow the salad to cool completely at room temperature before storing it. This prevents condensation from forming inside the container, which can make the salad watery. Then, transfer the salad to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. German Potato Salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

🍴 What Goes with German Potato Salad?

• Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with simple seasonings are always a great choice.

• The smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors of these Barbecue Ribs go perfectly with the tangy potato salad.

• Potato salad is delicious with burgers, whether it's a classic beef, turkey, or these Quinoa Lentil Burger.

• Tender Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, with a tangy barbecue sauce, is a delicious and hearty match for the salad.

• Potato salad and perfectly cooked Prime Rib or Pan-Seared Steak go hand-in-hand.

• Tender Pot Roast with the tangy potato salad will be a family favorite.

• Air Fryer Pesto Salmon is a delicious and flavorful dish that pairs nicely with the salad's tanginess.

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Potatoes: Instead of red potatoes, you can use Yukon Gold or fingerling potatoes if you prefer.

• Bacon: Substitute with pancetta or prosciutto for a different kind of savory, crispy meat.

• Onion: Swap the yellow onion with red onion for a milder, sweeter taste, or use shallots for a more delicate flavor.

• Apple cider vinegar: Use white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar, or even lemon juice for a stronger and tangier flavor.

• Other herbs: Basil, or dill, will work great with this recipe.   

• Sweetener: Substitute the sweeteners in this recipe with a little maple syrup. honey or agave.

• Dijon mustard: Use whole-grain mustard or yellow mustard for a slightly different mustardy twist.

Why is it Called "German" Potato Salad?

The reason it's called that is because this style of potato salad has been prepared in Germany for centuries, especially in southern regions like Bavaria. The signature vinegar-based dressing is what makes it different from other styles.

Can I Make German Potato Salad Ahead of Time?

Prepare the salad as directed, then refrigerate it once it has cooled to room temperature. For the best flavor, allow it to come to room temperature or gently reheat it before serving.

Is German Potato Salad Served Warm?

Some prefer to eat it cold or chilled, but I think the flavors are best when it is warm or at least room temperature.

Is This Potato Salad Gluten-free?

Yes, this German Potato Salad is naturally gluten-free because it doesn't contain any wheat or gluten-containing ingredients. Just make sure any added ingredients, like the mustard, are also gluten-free.

🍽️ More Easy Side Dishes

• Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
• Glazed Carrots
• Mexican Street Corn
• Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower
• Air Fryer Baked Potatoes