Name: Easy German Potato Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 2 pounds White (New) or Yukon gold potatoes; 1/2 cup White onion, finely diced (green onions can also be used); 3/4 teaspoon Salt; 1/4 teaspoon Pepper; 3 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar; 1/4 cup Vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon Minced chives, optional for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 32 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for an Easy German Potato Salad Recipe that tastes like it’s been simmering in your grandma’s kitchen all afternoon, you’ve just hit the jackpot. This salad strikes the perfect balance between tangy, savory, and comforting—all while being super simple to make. Whether you’re a salad skeptic or a seasoned potato lover, this recipe will win you over with its warm, zesty charm.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple, Real Ingredients: Using just a handful of pantry staples keeps things straightforward, letting the potato’s flavor shine.
Warm and Tangy Dressing: The apple cider vinegar combined with oil and onion balances savory and tangy perfectly, and the warmth helps it soak into the potatoes.
Quick and Flexible Prep: You can prep the potatoes ahead of time and assemble the salad whenever you want, making it great for last-minute meals or gatherings.
Authentic Texture and Flavor: Thinly slicing the potatoes keeps each bite tender yet firm, giving you just the right mouthfeel for a true German-style potato salad.

Easy German Potato Salad, German Potato Salad, tangy German potato salad, savory potato salad, simple German potato salad - A close-up view of a white plate filled with thin yellow potato slices layered evenly across the plate, topped with small bits of white onion and tiny green herb pieces scattered lightly on top. A black spoon lifts a scoop of the potato and onion mix from the plate, showing the soft and slightly shiny texture of the potato slices. The background is a white marbled surface, and some of the green herbs are also scattered on it. The overall colors are soft yellow, white, and light green, creating a fresh, simple look photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Easy German Potato Salad Recipe lies in how few ingredients you need, all working together for fresh, balanced flavors. The potatoes provide a creamy foundation, while the tangy vinegar and crunchy onion add piquancy and bite.

Easy German Potato Salad, German Potato Salad, tangy German potato salad, savory potato salad, simple German potato salad - Flat lay of fresh whole Yukon gold potatoes with smooth golden skins, a small white ceramic bowl filled with finely diced white onions, another small white bowl containing clear apple cider vinegar, a small white bowl of light golden vegetable oil, a few bright green sprigs of minced chives arranged neatly, and two whole uncracked brown eggs placed symmetrically, all ingredients displayed on simple white ceramic dishes, perfectly balanced and symmetrical arrangement, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

White or Yukon gold potatoes: They hold their shape well after boiling and have a natural buttery flavor perfect for salads.
White onion (or green onions): Adds a crisp, sharp contrast to the soft potatoes—plus, green onions bring a milder, fresher onion vibe.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors; don’t skip it!
Black pepper: Adds a little heatiness without overpowering the dish.
Apple cider vinegar: The signature tang in German potato salad; it’s less harsh than regular vinegar and gives a subtle fruity taste.
Vegetable oil: Brings a smooth mouthfeel and balances the acidity from the vinegar.
Minced chives (optional): Gives a lovely fresh, oniony garnish that adds a pop of color and mild bite.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love experimenting with this Easy German Potato Salad Recipe to match the mood or occasion—sometimes I like it a bit punchier, sometimes mellow and buttery. You’ll find it’s super easy to tailor to your cravings, and that’s part of the fun!

Variation: For a smoky twist, I’ve tossed in some crispy bacon bits before serving—totally indulgent but oh-so-good.
Dietary tweak: Swap out vegetable oil for an extra-virgin olive oil if you want a richer flavor, just be mindful it changes the taste slightly.
Seasonal change: Adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill in spring and summer gives a refreshing note that brightens the dish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy German Potato Salad Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes Perfectly

I always start by boiling the potatoes whole and unpeeled—it helps them absorb less water and stay firm. Depending on their size, this takes about 25 minutes for fork-tender potatoes. Pro tip: check them at 20 minutes by pricking with a knife; you want them soft but not falling apart.

Step 2: Peel and Slice While Warm

Once cool enough to handle, peel the skins off gently using a small paring knife—that method works best for me to avoid squishing the potatoes. Slice them thinly into discs right away so they’re ready to soak up the dressing. If you’re prepping ahead, I recommend peeling the next day to keep slices neat.

Step 3: Mix and Dress With Love

Season the sliced potatoes with salt and pepper first, giving them a gentle toss. Then stir in the finely diced onions and drizzle the apple cider vinegar, mixing well to build that classic tang. Finally, add your vegetable oil, mix again, and taste—adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish the salad with minced chives just before serving for a lovely pop of color and flavor.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy German Potato Salad Recipe

Keep Potatoes Warm: Warm potatoes absorb the dressing better, so slice and dress them while slightly warm.
Don’t Overdress: Start with less vinegar and oil, then add more as needed to avoid soggy salad.
Use Fresh Onions: Finely dice onions to avoid overpowering bites—they should complement, not dominate.
Peeling Tip: Peeling after boiling keeps your potatoes from disintegrating; patience pays off!

How to Serve Easy German Potato Salad Recipe

Easy German Potato Salad, German Potato Salad, tangy German potato salad, savory potato salad, simple German potato salad - The image shows three white bowls filled with sliced yellow potatoes mixed with small pieces of white onion and light green chopped herbs, placed on a white marbled surface. A white plate on the top right holds more potatoes with some onion on a black spoon resting on the plate. A small white bowl filled with fresh green chopped herbs sits near the bottom center, and a white cloth with orange stripes is on the lower right side. The overall scene is clean and bright with a focus on the soft textures and colors of the potato dish photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always sprinkle minced chives on top because they add a fresh, subtle onion flavor and a bit of color without overwhelming the salad. Sometimes I add a pinch of paprika for visual warmth, especially if I’m making it for guests.

Side Dishes

This potato salad is fantastic alongside German sausages, schnitzel, or roasted meats. I personally love serving it with a side of sauerkraut or with some crusty rye bread to soak up every delicious drop of dressing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I like to stack the potato slices in small individual glass bowls and garnish with chives and roasted onions on top. It makes for a charming, elegant presentation that impresses without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld beautifully. Just be sure to eat it within 2-3 days for best freshness.

Freezing

Freezing this potato salad isn’t ideal since the potatoes get watery and lose their nice texture after thawing. I recommend enjoying it fresh or refrigerated for a few days instead.

Reheating

I usually serve this salad cold or at room temperature, but if you want it a bit warm, gently heat it in a microwave or on the stovetop just until lukewarm—overheating can make the potatoes fall apart.

FAQs

Can I use red potatoes or other types instead of Yukon gold for the Easy German Potato Salad Recipe?

You can use red potatoes or other waxy varieties, but Yukon gold or new potatoes work best because they hold their shape well and have a creamy texture that suits this salad’s style. Avoid starchy potatoes like russets, which tend to break down too much.
Is this salad better served warm or cold?

Traditional German potato salad is served warm or at room temperature to allow the flavors to really meld. That said, it’s still tasty cold—but I recommend making and serving it warm for the most authentic experience.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can boil and refrigerate the potatoes a day in advance. Just peel and dress the salad right before serving for the freshest texture and flavor.
How do I adjust the tanginess if I don’t like vinegar much?

If you prefer a milder tang, reduce the vinegar amount slightly and add a pinch of sugar or honey to balance the acidity. Remember, you can always add a bit more vinegar later if needed after tasting.

Final Thoughts

This Easy German Potato Salad Recipe is one of those kitchen treasures that feels like an old friend—comforting, reliable, and full of flavor. Every time I make it, I’m reminded of family dinners and the joy of simple food done right. I really hope you give it a try and find it as delightful and straightforward as I do. Trust me, it’s a salad you’ll want to keep coming back to!