See the step by step recipe down in the recipe card. This recipe is generously sponsored by The Little Potato Company and I was compensated for my time creating it. Thank you for supporting the brands that make The Recipe Rebel possible! It’s picnic and cookout season, and I couldn’t be more excited! We love making a bunch of cold salads (they’re perfect for making ahead!) and grilling up a bunch of meat, like this Grilled Chicken and this Grilled Pork Tenderloin. A big glass of this Homemade Lemonade or a refreshing Milkshake is also a must! This recipe is perfect for serving alongside almost anything, and we love it because it can be served warm or chilled. I always use a bag of Little Potatoes (this time I chose Blushing Belles), because it means no washing, no peeling and little prep! They come washed and ready to cook, so I just halve or quarter them before boiling and our salad is well on its way to being on the dinner table.
What is German Potato Salad?
Since I am not German, I’m no authority on German Potato Salad. However, we’ve been enjoying this Potato Salad at our summer cookouts for a long time now, and I wanted to share my version! German Potato Salad is lighter and fresher than your typical mayo-laden potato salad (although I love those, too!). It’s made with boiled red potatoes, crispy bacon, and a homemade vinaigrette comprised of apple cider vinegar, bacon drippings, (many add Dijon mustard, but it’s not our favorite) and I love adding a sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley or green onions.
Do you serve German Potato Salad warm or cold?
Either! Since you toss the boiled potatoes with the dressing immediately after draining, you can serve right away, or chill to serve later. Chilled is a great option for a large gathering because you can make it in advance and not sacrifice any quality. It is delicious both ways! Just keep in mind that when completely chilled the dressing does sort of firm up (that’s the bacon fat in it) — so I prefer to serve room temperature or slightly warm for this reason.
What kind of potatoes are best for this potato salad?
Red potatoes are traditionally used in German Potato Salad, but any kind will work fine. I prefer to choose Little Potatoes because they have a smooth, thin skin, that doesn’t have to be peeled or washed (they come ready to cook!). With how busy summer days can get, we love any shortcut that helps us get dinner on the table!
Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely! Because the potatoes are cooked, this potato salad can be made ahead and stored up to 4 days before serving. This is great because you can pair leftovers with a variety of grilled dinners throughout the week!
What to serve with this German Potato Salad:
Almost anything! But here are some of our favorite pairings:
Crock Pot Pulled Pork Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Instant Pot BBQ Chicken (can also be prepped ahead!) Baked Chicken Breast — because potato salad isn’t just for grilling season!
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