German Potato Salad – Barefeet in the Kitchen

As much as I do love a classic potato salad, (as evidenced by the fact there are over a dozen potato salad recipes on this website), sometimes you need something a little different.

As a result, I’ve really been enjoying the mayo-free salads this summer. This cranberry bacon broccoli salad has been such a hit, I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve made it. Mayo-free salads are stress-free for potlucks and barbecues, with no need to rush and get things into the fridge as quickly as possible or to keep them as cold as possible.

Hot German Potato Salad

In addition to all the great flavors here, the beauty of German potato salad is in its versatility. For family dinners, I serve it warm, straight off the stove. For gatherings with friends, I let it cool to room temperature. However you serve and eat it, this potato salad recipe is a keeper.

The warm potatoes absorb so much flavor from the warm, tangy vinegar and bacon dressing that soaks right into the potatoes. It’s hearty, savory, and just the right amount of sweet.

Warm Potato Salad Recipe

Now, let’s talk about what makes this salad spectacular: it’s the bacon. I’ve added a whole pound of it. Cook it perfectly crispy and save the drippings, friends. You’ll use all that flavor to sauté the onions and build the base of the dressing.

Traditional German potato salads are known for being on the sweeter side, and the original recipe I found in an old cookbook called for ⅓ cup of sugar. I’ve tested this potato salad a couple of times and finally settled on about 2 tablespoons, which keeps the balance of flavors without tipping too far into sweetness for my tastes. Of course, if you love the extra sweetness in traditional recipes, feel free to add more.

One last thing about the ingredients before we move on to the recipe. The last ingredient is fresh parsley, and in this case, especially, it is not just food glitter. The parsley contributes more than a pretty green color to this dish.

The freshness of the parsley brightens the flavors well and helps balance the richness of the potatoes and bacon. It’s a simple ingredient that delivers much to the final results.

Potato Salad with Bacon

There are endless ways bacon is often added to dishes nowadays. And if I’m honest? I don’t always love it. In some cases, though, a bit of bacon adds a new level of flavor that transforms the whole dish.

Sweet corn, creamy potatoes, and crispy bacon are tossed with a smoky, tangy, street corn-inspired dressing to create the bacon potato salad of a bacon lover’s dreams.

Thrown together on a whim one night many years ago while we were on the road, this dill pickle and bacon potato salad rapidly became a family favorite. Filled with plenty of eggs, bites of bacon, and a bright dill pickle flavor, this salad has proven irresistible to everyone who tries it.

What’s not to love about a fully loaded ranch potato salad filled with bits of bacon and chunks of egg? This has been my kids’ favorite potato salad for over 10 years now.