Name: Warm German Potato Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 1 pound baby red potatoes; 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt; 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon coarse or whole grain mustard; 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled; 2 tablespoons shallot, minced; 2 tablespoons red bell pepper, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh flat parsley, minced; 1 tablespoon sugar

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 1 review

If you are craving a tangy, comforting salad that combines the earthiness of potatoes with the smoky depth of bacon and the zing of mustard, then you are going to love this Warm German Potato Salad Recipe. This classic dish is all about balance—tender baby red potatoes bathed in a vibrant dressing made with red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs. It embodies the hearty, bold flavors of traditional German cooking but with a fresh twist that feels just right for any season. Whether as a side for your next BBQ or a star at a family dinner, this warm potato salad is sure to become a fast favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white plate piled with several crispy brown and reddish-brown bacon strips, placed on a white marbled surface. Around it, there are ingredients spread out: multiple small red potatoes, a section of a red bell pepper, a cut shallot with purple and white layers, small glass bowls with yellow mustard, grainy mustard, salt and black pepper mixed, olive oil, and a red liquid in a glass bowl. A blue and white checked cloth is partially visible under some potatoes and a wooden cutting board. Green parsley leaves and a stainless steel whisk are also seen on the white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the ingredient list fool you; these simple yet essential components come together to create a flavor-packed, colorful dish with a perfect blend of textures. Each ingredient plays a special role, from the creamy potatoes to the tangy vinegar and savory bacon, making your Warm German Potato Salad Recipe truly unforgettable.

Baby red potatoes (1 pound): Small and tender, these potatoes hold their shape beautifully when boiled and offer a creamy texture inside.
Coarse sea salt (1 tablespoon): Used to season the cooking water and enhance all the flavors in the salad.
Extra virgin olive oil (1/3 cup): Adds a silky richness and ties all the dressing ingredients together with its fruity notes.
Red wine vinegar (1/4 cup): Provides a sharp, bright acidity that cuts through the richness and lifts the overall flavor.
Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Offers a smooth spicy kick and helps emulsify the dressing.
Coarse or whole grain mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds a satisfying texture and bursts of tang in every bite.
Bacon (4 strips, cooked and crumbled): Brings smoky, salty depth that makes this salad so crave-worthy.
Shallot (2 tablespoons minced): Gives a subtle hint of sweetness with a delicate onion flavor.
Red bell pepper (2 tablespoons minced): Adds color, crunch, and a slight sweetness for balance.
Fresh flat-leaf parsley (2 tablespoons minced): Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes and vibrant green color.
Sugar (1 tablespoon): A pinch of sweetness to mellow the acidity from the vinegar and mustard.

How to Make Warm German Potato Salad Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes to Perfection

The foundation of any great potato salad is perfectly cooked potatoes. Fill a large Dutch oven or saucepan halfway with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add coarse sea salt and the baby red potatoes, then let them boil for 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when you can easily pierce them with a fork. Drain the potatoes and rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process and make handling easier.

Step 2: Cut Potatoes into Bite-Sized Pieces

Once the potatoes have cooled slightly but are still warm, slice each one in half or quarters depending on size. The goal is to create bite-sized pieces that will soak up the dressing without falling apart, ensuring each forkful delivers a flavorful, cohesive bite in your Warm German Potato Salad Recipe.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Zesty Dressing

In a small bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, and sugar. Whisk these ingredients vigorously until the dressing comes together in a silky emulsion. This vibrant dressing is what transforms the potatoes into a tangy and luscious salad.

Step 4: Add Bacon and Fresh Veggies

Fold the crumbled bacon, minced shallot, and red bell pepper into the dressing. These additions layer in texture and flavor—bacon for smoky savoriness, shallot for subtle sweetness, and red bell pepper for a fresh crunch. Stir in the minced fresh flat-leaf parsley last to maintain its bright color and herbal freshness.

Step 5: Toss Potatoes with Dressing and Serve Warm

Gently toss the warm potatoes in the dressing, allowing each piece to absorb the flavors and oils. This salad is best served warm or at room temperature, giving you the ultimate experience of that classic Warm German Potato Salad Recipe, where every ingredient shines in perfect harmony.

How to Serve Warm German Potato Salad Recipe

A white plate holds a meal with four main parts: on the left, a thick piece of light beige bread with a crusty texture; on the right of the bread, a pile of red-skinned potato chunks mixed with small bits of bacon, herbs, and a light sauce, showing soft yellow inside and slightly shiny skin; behind the potatoes, two thick slices of pink-centered roast beef with a dark brown crust; in the background, some small orange shrimp with a green leafy garnish. A gold fork rests on the right side of the plate, and the surface underneath is white marble. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a visually appealing and flavorful finish, sprinkle freshly chopped chives or extra parsley on top. You might also add a few crispy bacon bits for crunch or a light drizzle of good quality olive oil to enhance sheen and moisture.

Side Dishes

This potato salad is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with grilled sausages, roasted chicken, or even a simple bratwurst for an authentic touch. It’s also fantastic alongside sautéed green beans or a fresh cucumber salad for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve it in a rustic wooden bowl or a charming ceramic dish to complement its homey roots. For gatherings, consider making individual portions in small mason jars or cups, which makes for easy serving and a fun presentation that will surely delight your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Warm German Potato Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, though the potatoes are best enjoyed while still slightly warm or at room temperature.

Freezing

Because of the texture changes that occur with potatoes, freezing this salad is not recommended. The potatoes can become mushy and lose their pleasant bite once thawed.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy the salad warm after refrigerating, gently reheat it in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep everything evenly warmed. Avoid microwaving for best texture results; a gentle heat on the stove preserves the flavors and texture much better.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes?

While baby red potatoes work best for their smooth texture and ability to hold shape, you can also use fingerlings or Yukon Gold potatoes for slightly different textures. Avoid waxy potatoes that might fall apart easily.

Is this salad served warm or cold?

This Warm German Potato Salad Recipe is traditionally served warm or at room temperature, which helps the flavors meld beautifully and gives the dish a comforting feel.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian without the bacon?

Yes! Skip the bacon and add smoked paprika or sautéed mushrooms for a smoky flavor to maintain the dish’s savory depth without meat.

What can I substitute for red wine vinegar?

If you don’t have red wine vinegar on hand, apple cider vinegar is a great substitute because it offers a similar fruity acidity that brightens the salad.

How long does the salad keep its best flavor?

For the best taste and texture, enjoy the salad within two days of making it. The flavors continue to develop but the potatoes may start to get softer after that.

Final Thoughts

This Warm German Potato Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple ingredients transformed into a memorable, flavorful experience. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or serving it as a special side, it’s sure to bring smiles and requests for seconds. So, don’t wait—grab those red potatoes and start cooking your way to a deliciously tangy, smoky, and heartwarming potato salad today!

Warm German Potato Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need