German Potato Salad: A Thanksgiving Side Dish with a Tangy Twist

Introduction

German potato salad is one of those classic side dishes that brings both comfort and excitement to your Thanksgiving table. Unlike the traditional creamy American potato salad, German potato salad features a tangy, vinegar-based dressing that perfectly balances the richness of the potatoes. It’s hearty yet refreshing, with a touch of smokiness from crispy bacon and the warmth of fresh herbs. This dish is perfect for those looking to offer something a little different, yet equally beloved, alongside the usual holiday favorites.

I first came across this recipe while exploring different potato salads to add variety to our Thanksgiving spread. Immediately, I fell in love with the unique flavor profile and the wonderful contrast it offered to the other heavy, creamy sides. Over time, it became one of our holiday traditions, and I’m sure it’ll quickly find a permanent spot on your table, too.

The great thing about this dish is that it’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of time, you’ll have a flavorful and satisfying side dish that will complement everything from roast turkey to glazed ham. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or enjoying a quiet family dinner, German potato salad is sure to impress.

Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe, and how to make it flawlessly so that it becomes a staple in your holiday cooking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Tangy and Savory Flavor

The vinegar-based dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy, starchy potatoes, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Add a touch of Dijon mustard, a pinch of sugar, and crispy bacon, and you have a delightful savory yet tangy profile.

2. Simple and Quick to Make

Despite its complex flavor, this German potato salad is easy to make. It requires just a few basic ingredients and about 45 minutes of your time, making it a great option when you’re preparing several dishes for Thanksgiving.

3. Perfect for Make-Ahead

The flavors of this salad actually improve if allowed to sit for a few hours or even overnight, making it ideal for preparing in advance. This saves you time on the big day and ensures that your salad is ready to serve whenever you need it.

4. Serves a Crowd

This recipe serves 6-8 people, but you can easily double or halve the ingredients depending on the number of guests. It’s a great side dish for large gatherings, and because it’s served warm or at room temperature, it’s easy to portion and pass around.

5. Versatile Pairing

This salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes. Whether you’re serving turkey, roast beef, chicken, or pork, German potato salad complements these proteins with its savory and tangy profile. It’s also a great addition to a buffet-style spread or picnic.

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 45 minutes (15 minutes prep, 30 minutes cooking)
Servings: 6-8 people
Nutrition Facts:
Calories per serving: 250
Carbs: 30g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 3g

Ingredients

This German potato salad recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients to create a flavorful dish with a nice balance of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet notes. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Salad:

• 2 pounds small waxy potatoes (Yukon Gold or Red potatoes are ideal) – These potatoes hold their shape when cooked, making them perfect for a salad.
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped – Adds sweetness and flavor to the salad.
• 4 slices of bacon – For that crispy, smoky bite that’s a signature of German potato salad.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – For a fresh, herby finish.
• Salt and pepper – For seasoning the salad.

For the Dressing:

• 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version) – Adds a rich base for the dressing.
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar – This is the base of the tangy dressing.
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard – For a bit of sharpness and depth.
• 1 tablespoon sugar – To balance the acidity of the vinegar.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – To emulsify the dressing and add a bit of richness.
• 1 teaspoon salt – For seasoning.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – To taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

Start by scrubbing the potatoes clean. Leave the skins on for texture and flavor, as they will help the potatoes hold their shape during cooking. Cut them into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch chunks). Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water to season the potatoes as they cook.

Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the potatoes for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender but not falling apart. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and set them aside to cool slightly while you prepare the dressing.

Step 2: Crisp the Bacon

In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it on a paper towel to drain excess grease. When cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.

Reserve a small amount of the bacon drippings in the skillet—about 1 tablespoon. You’ll use this to sauté the onions in the next step, which will add a wonderful depth of flavor.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion to the bacon drippings. Sauté the onions over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, or until they’re soft and translucent.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Pour this mixture over the sautéed onions in the skillet and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The dressing should thicken slightly as it simmers.

Step 4: Combine the Salad

Once the potatoes have cooled slightly and the dressing is ready, combine them in a large bowl. Gently toss the warm potatoes with the onion and dressing mixture. It’s important to add the dressing while the potatoes are still warm, as this allows the potatoes to absorb the flavors better.

Add the crumbled bacon and chopped parsley to the bowl and stir gently to combine. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary.

Step 5: Serve Warm or at Room Temperature

German potato salad is traditionally served warm or at room temperature. You can serve it immediately or let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to further meld. Garnish with additional parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve

Pair with Main Dishes

German potato salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes, making it a versatile side dish for Thanksgiving or any holiday gathering. Serve it alongside roast turkey, grilled chicken, or smoked pork. It also complements hearty dishes like brats, roast beef, or sausage, all of which are common in German-inspired meals.

Add Some Greens

To balance the richness of the salad, consider serving it with some roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad. Steamed green beans, sautéed spinach, or even a simple side of roasted Brussels sprouts will add a nice contrast to the tangy, savory potato salad.

Wine Pairing

A crisp white wine like Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the acidity in the potato salad. If you prefer red wine, a Pinot Noir or Gamay would work well to complement the smoky bacon and tangy dressing.

Additional Tips

1. Use Waxy Potatoes: Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Red potatoes hold their shape well after boiling and won’t break apart, making them ideal for potato salad.
2. Serve Immediately or Make Ahead: German potato salad can be served immediately while still warm, but it also holds up well if made ahead. Just allow it to cool to room temperature before refrigerating, and reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
3. Customize the Dressing: If you prefer a milder dressing, reduce the amount of vinegar, or substitute with a milder white wine vinegar. If you like it more tangy, increase the vinegar or add a little extra Dijon mustard.
4. Add Extra Bacon: For bacon lovers, feel free to add extra crispy bacon for a more indulgent version of the salad.
5. For Vegetarian Version: To make the salad vegetarian, simply skip the bacon and use vegetable broth in the dressing. You can also add extra sautéed onions or a handful of toasted nuts, like walnuts, for extra texture and flavor.

Recipe Variations

1. Herb-Infused German Potato Salad

Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or dill to the dressing or garnish the salad with fresh herbs for a more aromatic flavor.

2. Spicy German Potato Salad
For a bit of heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the dressing, or include some pickled jalapeños for a spicy twist.

3. Sweet and Smoky German Potato Salad

If you like a touch of sweetness, try adding a tablespoon of maple syrup to the dressing for a sweet contrast to the tangy vinegar.

4. Mustard-Free Version

If Dijon mustard isn’t to your taste, skip it and rely on the vinegar and sugar for the tangy and sweet balance.

Freezing and Storage

Storage

Leftover German potato salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, so it’s great for making ahead!

Freezing

While potato salad doesn’t freeze particularly well due to the texture of the potatoes, you can freeze the dressing separately if needed. Just let it cool completely before freezing it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the dressing and toss it with freshly boiled potatoes.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the potato salad on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a bit of extra chicken broth or water if it seems too dry.

FAQ Section

Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, but waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Red potatoes are best because they hold their shape better and don’t become mushy.

Can I make this potato salad in advance?
Yes, in fact, this salad often tastes better the next day! Prepare the salad and store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days before serving.

What can I substitute for bacon?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian or pork-free version, you can substitute the bacon with crispy fried shallots, toasted sunflower seeds, or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.

Conclusion

German potato salad is the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving feast, offering a refreshing, tangy contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the holiday meal. With a balance of tender potatoes, smoky bacon, and a tangy dressing, this side dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your holiday meal.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does. Don’t forget to share your results with me—I’d love to hear how your German potato salad turns out!

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