German Potato Salad

German potato salad is a classic warm side dish that brings together tender potatoes, smoky bacon, and a tangy vinegar dressing. Unlike creamy American-style potato salad, this version uses no mayonnaise. Instead, it relies on a bright, savory dressing made right in the skillet with bacon drippings, onions, vinegar, and mustard. The result is a dish with layers of flavor—slightly sweet, pleasantly acidic, and deeply savory from the rendered bacon fat.

This versatile salad works beautifully with grilled sausages, roasted meats, or barbecue, and it’s equally welcome at picnics and weeknight dinners. It can be served warm, room temperature, or gently reheated, making it a dependable side that fits a wide range of menus. The simple method and handful of ingredients make it feel rustic and homey, yet the flavors are remarkably bold and satisfying.

What You’ll Like About This Recipe

• Warm and tangy flavor profile. The combination of bacon drippings, vinegar, onion, sugar, and mustard creates a balanced dressing with sweet, sour, and savory notes—exactly what makes German potato salad irresistible.
• No mayonnaise required. This version keeps things traditional and naturally dairy-free, making it ideal for outdoor meals or potlucks where mayo-based salads are less practical.
• Hearty yet bright. The potatoes stay tender but structured, the bacon adds smoky richness, and the vinegar dressing keeps the dish vibrant instead of heavy.
• Simple, humble ingredients. Nothing fancy is needed here—just potatoes, bacon, onions, vinegar, and mustard. Each ingredient contributes real flavor without overcomplicating the recipe.

Ingredient Notes

• Potatoes – Waxy potatoes such as red potatoes or Yukon Golds hold their shape best. Boil them whole for the most even texture, then slice or dice once cool enough to handle.
• Bacon – Provides both flavor and cooking fat. Thick-cut bacon will create larger, heartier pieces; regular bacon works just as well.
• Onion – Yellow onions lend sweetness that balances the vinegar. Dice them evenly so they soften uniformly in the dressing.
• White vinegar – A classic choice for German-style potato salad. Apple cider vinegar may be used for a slightly fruitier, softer acidity.
• Sugar – A small but essential amount that rounds out the sharpness of the vinegar. Adjust based on personal taste.
• Dijon mustard – Adds depth and helps emulsify the dressing. German or whole-grain mustard can also be used for a spicier, more textured finish.

How to Make German Potato Salad

1. Boil the potatoes whole in salted water until tender. Whole boiling prevents waterlogging and helps them hold their shape after slicing. Let them cool slightly before peeling or cutting.
2. Cut the potatoes into bite-size pieces while still warm. Warm potatoes absorb the dressing more effectively than cold ones.
3. Cook the bacon slowly in a large skillet until crisp. Remove the bacon and keep the rendered drippings in the pan—this is the flavorful base of the dressing.
4. Add the diced onions to the drippings and cook until softened and translucent. Cooking the onions thoroughly ensures they blend seamlessly into the dressing without harshness.
5. Stir in the vinegar, water, sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer so the flavors meld and the sugar dissolves completely.
6. Add the warm potatoes and crisp bacon to the skillet, gently tossing to coat them in the hot dressing. Allow the mixture to heat through so the potatoes fully absorb the flavors.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Finish with fresh parsley just before serving for brightness and color.

Pro Tips

• Keep everything warm: warm potatoes, warm dressing, and warm skillet all help the flavors bind together.
• Simmer the dressing briefly to fully dissolve sugar and meld flavors before adding the potatoes.
• Fold gently when mixing to keep the potatoes intact.

Recipe Variations

• Add pickles. Stir in chopped dill pickles or a spoonful of pickle juice for extra tang.
• Use red potatoes. They hold their shape well and don’t need peeling.
• Try apple cider vinegar. Swap in cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter, more mellow flavor.
• Add caraway seeds. For a traditional German touch, stir in 1/4 teaspoon.
• Make it vegetarian. Use olive oil instead of bacon drippings and skip the bacon.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with sausages, schnitzel, or roast pork.
• Pair with grilled chicken, burgers, or steaks at your next cookout.
• Add a side of sauerkraut or red cabbage for a classic German-inspired meal.
• Enjoy as part of a buffet alongside baked beans, coleslaw, or green salad.
• Use leftovers as a hearty lunch or side dish the next day.

How to Store

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Flavors continue to develop as it rests.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or vinegar if needed to refresh the dressing.
• Freeze: Not recommended, as potatoes become grainy after thawing.