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German people love eating potatoes. Potato dishes come in so many different ways. Warm or cold. In this post, I want to share a cold German potato salad recipe from a German grandma. It is super easy to make. Just mix everything together 🙂
How I learned about the best cold German potato salad recipe
When I visited my parents-in-law in the summer, we had a barbeque in their garden. I love German barbeque. The steak. The sausage. The cheese. The beer. The smell of the grill.
Having a barbeque usually lasts for hours, from late afternoon until the evening. People chat with each other and enjoy their time together. I tend to overeat every time because of the delicious food.
This time, I discovered a new side dish on the table. A potato salad. To my surprise, it was cold. I tried it and…oh my god, it was so good!
The potato salad was made by my mother-in-law. And, of course, I had to ask her for a recipe. She doesn’t really use any recipe for food. She has all of them in her head. I was surprised by how easy it is to make this delicious potato salad. That is why I need to share this recipe with you guys today 🙂
Read also: White Asparagus Soup (Spargelsuppe) – Easy and Creamy Recipe
What is an authentic German potato salad?
There are many different versions of potato salads in Germany. For example, they can be cold or warm. They can be with potato skin or without. Some potato salads have bacon in them, and some are vegetarian.
So, there is no one form of authentic German potato salad. Different recipes are used in different regions of Germany. Even different households make their own version of potato salad.
The German potato salad recipe I share with you guys today is from my mother-in-law. My German husband and his siblings grew up with this potato salad. My kids also love it, and it is super easy to make.
Read also: How to cook white asparagus – Easy recipe for asparagus time
What dishes go well with German potato salad?
German potato salad is an excellent side dish for barbeque. You can also eat it with burgers, fish, sausage, and steak. Even eating the salad alone tastes excellent.
Some tips on making the German potato salad
The potato
The best is to use waxy potatoes for this recipe. In German, it is called “festkochende Kartoffeln“. You can find them in supermarkets. The reason is that waxy potatoes do not easily fall apart after boiling.
When boiling the potatoes, make sure you do not overcook them. Try to use potatoes of a similar size. If not possible, cut them to a similar size. This can ensure that they are ready at the same time when you cook them.
Use a fork to check if the potatoes are done by poking them. Take them out of the pot once they are fully cooked. They will become mushy if you let them sit in hot water for too long. You want to make a potato salad but not mashed potatoes.
Bonus tip: This dish is a great way to finish up your leftover potatoes.
The vinegar
I use apple cider vinegar. But you can also use other white vinegar if you want.
How to store the German potato salad?
The best thing about this German potato salad is that you can make it beforehand and put it in the fridge. You can store the potato salad in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I usually make a bigger portion and eat it in the following days.
Other tips
You should let the potato salad in your fridge for at least 1 hour before eating it. The potato salad will taste much better as the potatoes have time to absorb the flavors.
Read also: Strawberry Waffle Recipe – Strawberry Season in Germany
The best cold German potato salad recipe
Total time: 1.5 hour
Prep time: 30 minutes
Sitting time in the fridge: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
1kg Waxy potatoes (festkochende Kartoffeln)
300g pickles
1 small onion
3 eggs
0.5 tsp sugar
1 tsp mustard
1.5 tbsp apple cider vinegar
240g mayonnaise
Salt and pepper to taste
1. Cook the potatoes
Clean the potatoes. Then, boil them until they are done. Put some salt in the water. Depending on the size, it can take around 15 to 20 minutes.
2. Cook the eggs
Cook the eggs in hot water until they are done. About 8 minutes.
3. Cut the onion and pickles
While waiting, cut the onion and pickles into small pieces.
4. Prepare the sauce
Mix the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, and sugar together. Put some salt and pepper to taste. Remember to taste it and adjust the sauce as you see fit.
5. Peel and cut the potatoes
Take the potatoes out once they are done. Wait until they cool down a bit and peel them. Cut the potatoes into slices.
6. Cut the eggs
Take the eggs out once they are done. Peel them and cut them into slices.
7. Mix everything together
Now, take a big bowl. Put the onion, pickles, potatoes, eggs, and the sauce inside. Stir and mix them well together.
8. Refrigerate the potato salad
Put the bowl of potato salad into the fridge and let it sit for at least an hour before serving.
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Have you tried making this cold German potato salad? Do you like it? Leave a comment below and let me know what you think!
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Do you use sweet or dill pickles?
In Germany, I used seasoned pickle (with sugar, salt, vinegar, dill, etc.)
In US now, I just made the potato salad last week with dill pickles and it also worked well 🙂