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German Potato Salad

nibbleboard.com/recipes/german-potato-salad

Prep:15 min
Cook:30 min
Total:45 min
Servings:6

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds red potatoes
  • 1 tsp salt (for boiling water)
  • 12 oz bacon (about 10-12 slices)
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 tsp salt (for dressing)
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

Garnish

  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1 teaspoon salt, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until fork-tender but not falling apart, about 15-20 minutes.
  2. While potatoes cook, cut bacon into 1-inch pieces using kitchen shears directly into a large cold skillet. Turn heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy and golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Transfer crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.
  4. Add sliced red onion to the bacon fat and cook over medium heat until softened, about 3 minutes.
  5. Add apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and stir for 2 minutes until sugar dissolves and the dressing is fragrant.
  6. Drain potatoes and let them cool just enough to handle. Slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds while still warm.
  7. Add warm sliced potatoes to the skillet with the hot dressing. Gently toss using two spatulas until every slice is coated and the dressing is absorbed, about 1 minute.
  8. Fold in crispy bacon pieces and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust salt and vinegar if needed.
  9. Transfer to a serving dish, top with sliced green onions if using, and serve warm.

Nutrition per Serving

453Calories
25gProtein
33gCarbs
24gFat

Chef Tips

  • Start your potatoes in cold water — this ensures they cook evenly from the outside in, so you don't end up with mushy edges and raw centers.
  • Slice the potatoes while they're still warm. Warm potatoes absorb the tangy dressing like a sponge, which is the whole secret to this dish.
  • Adjust the sugar to your taste. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more if you prefer a sweeter balance against the vinegar.
  • Swap parsley for fresh dill if you prefer — it's equally traditional and adds a slightly different herbaceous flavor.
  • This salad is best served within 2 hours. If making ahead, gently rewarm in a skillet with a splash of vinegar to refresh the dressing.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

© 2026 Nibbleboard. Nutritional data computed from USDA ingredient databases.