Cold German Potato Salad

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: German

A tangy and savory cold German potato salad featuring boiled potatoes, green onions, and a vinegar-based dressing, perfect for picnics and summer gatherings.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 12 small potatoes
  • 4 green onions
  • 1 medium onion
  • 1/2 cup salad oil
  • 1/4 cup parsley
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • dash of pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/3 cup white vinegar

Instructions

  1. Boil potatoes in their skins until tender, then peel and set aside to cool.
  2. Chop the green onions and onion finely.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the chopped green onions, chopped onion, and peeled potatoes.
  4. Pour salad oil over the mixture and gently toss to coat.
  5. In a separate small bowl, mix water, vinegar, salt, pepper, and paprika to make the dressing.
  6. Pour the dressing over the potato mixture and toss gently.
  7. Cover the salad and let it stand in the refrigerator for 2 hours, stirring about every 30 minutes before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, you can substitute half of the salad oil with Greek yogurt or sour cream. If you prefer a bit of sweetness, add a teaspoon of sugar or honey to the dressing. Using red potatoes instead of small potatoes will add a lovely color and flavor. Fresh herbs like dill or chives can also enhance the taste.

Serving Suggestions

This Cold German Potato Salad is perfect for summer barbecues or picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, such as sausages or chicken, and is a great side for any outdoor gathering. For a complete meal, consider adding a light green salad or pairing it with a refreshing drink like lemonade.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day. To serve leftovers, simply give the salad a gentle toss and enjoy it cold directly from the fridge.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cold German Potato Salad contains roughly 1188 calories, with 19g protein, 155g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (123% of the Daily Value), potassium (89% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (79% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1351mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).

1188 kcal 59% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 19g 38% DV
Total Fat 57.7g 74% DV
Carbs 155.4g 57% DV
Fiber 22.2g 79% DV
Sugar 4.8g 10% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1351.3mg 59% DV
Potassium 4192.9mg 89% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 513.9mcg 57% DV
Vitamin C 110.8mg 100% DV
Calcium 116.7mg 9% DV
Iron 7.8mg 43% DV
Diet fit High-fiber

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this potato salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to develop further. Just be sure to cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. Stir gently before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Yes, this Cold German Potato Salad can easily be adapted for vegans by using a plant-based salad oil and ensuring all other ingredients are vegan-friendly. This makes it a perfect option for those looking for delicious vegan recipes.

What kind of potatoes work best for this salad?

Small waxy potatoes, such as new potatoes or red potatoes, are ideal for this recipe as they hold their shape well after cooking. Avoid starchy potatoes like Russets, as they can become mushy in the salad.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

Vegan recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →