This Classic German Potato Salad is warm, hearty, and mayo-free! Made with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a tangy vinegar dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
I love making this when I have friends over. It disappears fast, and who can resist that bacon? It’s perfect next to grilling and just feels like a hug on a plate! 🥔❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Red potatoes or Yukon gold are the best choices for this salad. They hold their shape well when cooked. If you have waxy potatoes on hand, like fingerlings, they can work too!
Bacon: Though crispy bacon gives great flavor, you can swap it with turkey bacon or even omit it for a vegetarian version. Try adding smoked paprika for a similar depth!
Onion: A small onion adds a mild sweetness. If you’re not keen on raw onion, consider using green onions or scallions for a fresher taste. You can sauté them like in the recipe too!
Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar gives a light tang. If you don’t have it, white wine vinegar works nicely too. Just avoid heavy vinegars as it might overwhelm the dish!
How Do I Get the Right Texture for My Potatoes?
The texture of your potatoes can make all the difference in this salad! Here’s how to get them just right:
- Cook the potatoes until tender but not mushy — about 15-20 minutes works well. Start checking at 15 minutes!
- When slicing, keep them warm. This helps them soak up the dressing better.
- If you choose to peel, do it while they are warm for easier handling. But leaving the skin on adds nice texture!
Classic German Potato Salad (Without Mayo)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 pounds (about 900g) red potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For the Dressing:
- 3/4 cup (180ml) chicken broth
- 1/4 cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time for washing, cooking, and chopping. You’ll also need an extra 10-15 minutes for cooking the bacon and making the dressing. Overall, expect to spend around 30-40 minutes to serve a delicious German potato salad!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Boil the Potatoes:
Start by washing the potatoes and placing them in a large pot. Cover them with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat. Simmer the potatoes until they are tender when you poke them with a fork, which should take about 15-20 minutes.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Once cooked, drain the potatoes and, while they are still warm, peel them if you want. Peeling is optional because the skin adds a nice texture. Then, slice the potatoes into 1/4-inch thick slices and transfer them to a large bowl.
3. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Once done, remove it from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain. Allow it to cool slightly before crumbling it into smaller pieces.
4. Sauté the Onion:
Drain most of the bacon grease from the skillet, but leave about 2 tablespoons in there. Add the chopped onion into the skillet and sauté it until it’s soft and translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
5. Make the Dressing:
Add the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and Dijon mustard (if you’re using it) to the skillet. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer.
6. Combine with Potatoes:
Pour the warm dressing over the sliced potatoes in the bowl. Gently toss them to coat the potatoes thoroughly and allow them to absorb the tasty dressing.
7. Add Seasoning and Bacon:
Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your liking. Then, fold in the crumbled bacon and the chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
8. Serve:
Enjoy your salad warm or at room temperature. Letting it rest for 20-30 minutes allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, but it’s delicious right away too!
Dig in and savor your delightful, mayo-free traditional German potato salad! 🥔❤️
FAQ for Classic German Potato Salad (Without Mayo)
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While red potatoes and Yukon golds are recommended for their texture, you can also use fingerling or new potatoes. Just ensure they are waxy to hold their shape after cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Bacon? Can I Substitute It?
Yes! If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon entirely and use smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar flavor. You can also substitute with turkey bacon for a lighter option!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier! Just give it a gentle stir before serving it again.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! This salad can be made in advance. Just follow the recipe, and refrigerate the assembled salad for up to 2 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
