This Warm German Potato Salad is a tangy and flavorful dish that’s perfect as a side for summer meals, cookouts, or BBQs. Unlike traditional potato salads that are mayonnaise-based, this recipe uses a mustard and vinegar dressing that’s complemented by crispy bacon. The salad is made even more delicious with the addition of garlic, onions, and optional spicy heat from sriracha. Best enjoyed warm, it’s a refreshing and savory twist on a classic favorite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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1 ½ pounds potatoes, cubed (optionally peeled)
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4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
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1 small onion, diced or sliced
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2 cloves garlic, chopped
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¼ cup apple cider vinegar
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon grainy mustard
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1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon parsley, chopped (optional)
Directions
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Cook the Potatoes:
Cover the potatoes in water in a large pot. Bring to a boil and cook until just tender, about 10 minutes. Drain the potatoes. -
Cook the Bacon and Prepare the Dressing:
In a large pan, cook the bacon and set it aside, reserving 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan. Add the diced onion to the pan and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then, add the vinegar, Dijon mustard, grainy mustard, and sugar (optional). Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Turn off the heat. -
Assemble the Salad:
Add the drained potatoes to the pan along with the crumbled bacon and chopped parsley. Toss everything to coat, and enjoy the salad while it’s warm. -
Optional Additions:
For some heat, add a splash of hot sauce, such as sriracha. You can also try different types of onions (white, yellow, or red) depending on your preference.
Nutritional Value (per serving)
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Calories: 244 kcal
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Fat: 17g
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Saturated Fat: 5g
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Trans Fat: 0g
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Cholesterol: 28mg
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Sodium: 387mg
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Carbohydrates: 36g
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Fiber: 4g
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Sugars: 5g
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Protein: 9g
This information is based on the ingredients listed in the recipe. Keep in mind that variations in ingredient quantities or types could slightly alter these values.
A Tangy and Savory Flavor Profile
One of the defining features of the Warm German Potato Salad is its bold and tangy flavor profile. The mustard and vinegar dressing is the star of the show, offering a sharp contrast to the naturally earthy potatoes. The combination of Dijon mustard and grainy mustard delivers a mild spice and complexity, while the apple cider vinegar adds the perfect amount of tanginess. For those who like their salad a little sweeter, the optional sugar helps balance the acidity, though it is entirely optional depending on your personal taste.
The bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor to the salad, giving it a satisfying crunch. The crispy bacon combined with the softness of the potatoes creates an irresistible contrast in texture, making each bite a flavorful experience. Garlic and onions round out the flavors, with the onions providing sweetness and depth while the garlic adds aromatic warmth.
A Healthier Take on Potato Salad
Unlike traditional potato salad recipes that use mayonnaise as the base, this warm German potato salad offers a lighter alternative. The mustard and vinegar dressing keeps the salad tangy and flavorful without the heaviness of mayonnaise, making it a great option for those looking for a healthier potato salad that still delivers on taste.
The dish is also rich in fiber, thanks to the potatoes and optional additions like parsley. With 4 grams of fiber per serving, it provides a great way to support digestive health. Additionally, the inclusion of bacon adds a boost of protein and healthy fats, which help keep you full and satisfied.
Perfect for Cookouts and BBQs
This Warm German Potato Salad is an excellent side dish for any summer meal. Its tangy, savory flavors pair wonderfully with grilled meats like burgers, sausages, and steaks. The salad can be served warm, making it an ideal choice for cookouts, where it can be prepared ahead of time and easily reheated when needed.
The potato salad also works well as part of a BBQ spread. The smoky flavor of the bacon complements the charred flavors of grilled meats, while the mustard dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meat. It’s a great side dish for large gatherings, as it’s easy to make in bulk and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
The Benefits of Fresh Ingredients
This recipe highlights the importance of fresh ingredients in creating a dish that is both flavorful and nutritious. The potatoes, whether peeled or not, form the base of the salad and provide a hearty, starchy component that complements the zesty dressing. Potatoes are a great source of vitamins, including vitamin C and B6, which are essential for immune function and energy production. They also offer a good amount of fiber, especially if the skins are left on.
The onions and garlic add not only flavor but also a variety of health benefits. Garlic, for example, is known for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, and it has long been linked to promoting heart health. Onions, particularly red onions, are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties that can contribute to overall well-being.
Easy and Quick Preparation
What makes this Warm German Potato Salad so appealing is how simple and quick it is to prepare. It only takes about 15 minutes to cook the potatoes and another 10 minutes to prepare the dressing and bacon. The whole dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting guests and need a side dish that doesn’t take too long to prepare.
The ingredients are easy to find at most grocery stores, and the steps are straightforward, making it accessible even for beginner cooks. The potatoes are boiled until tender, the bacon is cooked until crispy, and then the dressing is prepared in the same pan used for the bacon to infuse the flavors. After that, it’s just a matter of tossing the ingredients together and serving while the salad is still warm.
A Versatile Dish with Endless Customization
This Warm German Potato Salad is highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs. For example, you can substitute turkey bacon or leave out the bacon entirely for a vegetarian version. If you prefer a spicier kick, adding a splash of sriracha or another hot sauce gives the salad an exciting layer of heat. The optional addition of parsley adds a fresh, herbal element to the dish that enhances the overall flavor.
You can also play with the types of mustard used in the dressing. While Dijon and grainy mustard are commonly used, feel free to experiment with different varieties of mustard, such as whole grain mustard, honey mustard, or even spicy brown mustard, to create a unique flavor profile. The optional sugar can be omitted for a more tangy salad or included for those who enjoy a slight sweetness.
Nutritional Value: A Hearty and Balanced Dish
Despite being rich in flavor, this Warm German Potato Salad is also well-balanced in terms of nutrition. With around 244 calories per serving, the dish offers a satisfying portion without being too heavy. The healthy fats from the bacon and olive oil contribute to its richness, while the potatoes provide a good source of carbohydrates to fuel your body. Additionally, the fiber content helps promote digestive health and keeps you feeling full for longer.
Each serving offers 9 grams of protein, making it a good option for anyone looking to boost their protein intake. The salad is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, which is important for heart and muscle function, and vitamin C, which supports the immune system.
Conclusion: A Delicious, Tangy Side Dish
Warm German Potato Salad is a tangy, flavorful, and satisfying side dish that brings a fresh twist to the classic potato salad. With its mustard and vinegar dressing, crispy bacon, and savory garlic and onion, this dish offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures. It’s a perfect choice for summer meals, BBQs, or cookouts, and can easily be customized to suit your taste. Whether you prefer a spicier version with sriracha or a milder version with just mustard and vinegar, this Warm German Potato Salad will be a hit at any gathering.
