German Cold Potato Salad

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: German

A refreshing German cold potato salad featuring tender red potatoes, tangy vinegar, and a light onion-infused dressing, perfect for picnics and summer gatherings.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 lb. small red potatoes
  • 1 small onion
  • 1/2 c. oil
  • 1/4 c. vinegar
  • 1/4 c. chicken broth
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. pepper
  • 2 tsp. sugar

Instructions

  1. Peel and thinly slice the potatoes.
  2. Cook the onion in a small amount of oil until very light.
  3. Add chicken broth, vinegar, salt, pepper, and sugar to the onion and bring to a boil.
  4. Pour the hot dressing over the sliced potatoes.
  5. Mix occasionally and let stand overnight before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

When choosing potatoes, small red potatoes are ideal for their waxy texture, which holds up well. If you're looking for a quicker prep, you can skip peeling the potatoes entirely. For a twist, try adding chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley for added flavor. If you prefer a tangier dressing, increase the vinegar to 1/3 cup.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this German Cold Potato Salad alongside grilled meats or as part of a picnic spread. It pairs beautifully with Easy Jambalaya or as a refreshing side to barbecued chicken. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley just before serving for an appealing presentation.

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 reheat, gently warm the salad in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or enjoy it cold directly from the fridge.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of German Cold Potato Salad contains roughly 2101 calories, with 2g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 229g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1040mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).

2101 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.6g 3% DV
Total Fat 229.1g 100% DV
Carbs 17.4g 6% DV
Fiber 2.2g 8% DV
Sugar 4.8g 10% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1039.6mg 45% DV
Potassium 162.8mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 0mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2.6mcg
Vitamin C 23.6mg 26% DV
Calcium 21.4mg 2% DV
Iron 0.6mg 4% DV
Diet fit Low-carb

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 in advance?

Yes, this potato salad is perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, letting it sit overnight allows the flavors to develop fully, making it even more delicious when served.

Is there a way to make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make this salad vegan-friendly. The rest of the ingredients remain the same, ensuring you still get a deliciously tangy dressing.

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

While small red potatoes are recommended for their texture, you can use other waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds. Avoid starchy varieties like Russets, as they can become mushy and lose their shape 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).

Chicken recipes → All recipes →