German potato salad in 6 steps

Welcome to a new recipe from Paulina Cocina! On this occasion we are going to enjoy a delicacy that comes from Germany but that has found a place on the tables of many countries around the world: German salad.

If there is one thing Germans know how to do well, besides beer and sausages, it is potato saladand if you haven’t tried it yet, I recommend that you take note of this recipe and add it to your list of favorite salads, because you are going to love it!

In this note we are going to know all the details about the german potato salad, from its history, its characteristics, to the ingredients it contains and all the secrets to prepare the german salad recipe en casa. Goodbye!

About the German Salad

The german saladalso known as german salad o German potato and sausage saladis a traditional recipe from Germany, which combines simple ingredients but full of flavor.

The base of this salad is in the cooked potatoesgenerally accompanied by sausages, onion, picklesand a mustard vinaigrette that gives it that characteristic acidic touch.

• The authentic german salad o potato salad in its original language, it is a perfect accompaniment to grilled dishes, like some meat skewers, but it can also be the main dish in a light meal, and it is very common to serve it as an appetizer in Christmas parties or celebrations.

Generally German potato salad It is served with sausages, which can be cut, inside the salad or whole, as an accompaniment. It is also usually served with sauerkrautanother classic of German gastronomy.

History of German potato salad

The german potato salad It has its roots in the southern regions of Germany, especially Bavaria.

• Although there are many variations today, the original recipe dates back centuries, when German farmers needed a nutritious, economical and easy to prepare dish.

Initially, this salad did not include sausages or other sausages. It was simply a mixture of cooked potatoes with a vinaigrette. Over time, ingredients such as sausages, pickles and onions were added, which gave rise to the recipe we know today.

The tradition around German potato salad

In his country of origin, the german potato salad It is much more than a simple accompaniment. It is a symbol of gastronomic culture, and each region has its own version of the recipe.

• For example, In Bavaria, German potato salad is served warmwhile in northern Germany cold is preferred.

The authentic german salad It is usually the star dish at family celebrations, picnics or barbecues and, of course, at the famous beer festivals. During these festivities, it is common to see large tables full of different types of salads, where the potato salad always occupies a prominent place.

5 Characteristics of the German salad

1. Versatile: It can be served both warm and cold, making it perfect for any occasion.
2. Balanced flavor: The combination of potatoes, sausage, onion and pickles, along with the vinaigrette, creates a perfect balance between sour, sweet and salty flavors.
3. Ease of preparation: With basic ingredients and a simple cooking process, this salad is accessible to any level of cook.
4. Authenticity: The authentic recipe respects tradition, but also allows for variations to suit personal tastes. It usually happens that each family has its own version.
5. Multiple textures: Soft potatoes combine with the crunchy texture of onion and pickles, and with tender sausages.

What should an authentic German salad have?

• Firm but tender potatoes: Potatoes are the soul of the german potato salad. They must be cooked just right so that they maintain their shape without falling apart.
• Quality sausages: Although some modern versions omit the sausages, one authentic german salad must include them. They can be Bratwurst or frankfurters. You can also try preparing it with homemade sausages, for a healthier option.
• Pickled cucumbers: Homemade pickles, in this case gherkins, provide the acidic touch necessary to balance the flavor of the German salad.
• Fresh onion: Its crisp and slightly spicy flavor It is essential to give personality to German potatoes.
• Well emulsified vinaigrette: Made with mustard, vinegar and oil, it should have a smooth consistency that adheres well to the potatoes. You can also add a little homemade mayonnaise or cream, if you are looking for a creamier consistency.

7 Key Tips to Make a Perfect German Salad

1. Choosing the right potatoes: It is important that they are waxy potatoes, so that they maintain their shape after cooking.
2. Ready cooking: The potatoes should be cooked in salted water until tender but firm. Yeah They are cooked peeled and cut you can add a splash of vinegar to prevent them from falling apart.
3. Use real sausages: The best are the typically german sausages They have a smoky flavor and make a difference.
4. Balanced vinaigrette: A well-emulsified vinaigrette is important for the German salad. The ideal is make it in a jar with a lid so that it can be shaken and all the ingredients are integrated.
5. Rest time: Let the german potato salad rest before serving. This allows the flavors and vinaigrette to concentrate more.
6. Serve warm or cold: Although in Bavaria it is served warm, the cold version is also delicious. Depends on personal taste and the occasion.
7. Colorful presentation: When serving, place the salad on a nice plate and decorate with fresh chives or parsley.

German salad variations

• German potato and egg salad: A popular option that adds hard boiled egg to the recipe to give more body and texture to the mixture.
• German salad with apple: In this case the apple provides a fresh and sweet touch that contrasts with the acidic flavors.
• Vegan German Potato Salad: For a version without animal ingredients, the sausages are replaced with tofu o seitánor they can be omitted directly.
• German salad with bacon: This version also has a broth, to give more flavor to the potatoes, and some crispy bacon pieces above. It is usually served warm or at room temperature.

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German salad recipe

Yield: 4 – 6 servings

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 kg waxy potatoes
• 4 Bratwurst or Frankfurt sausages
• 1 red onion, finely chopped or 1 large scallion (scallion)
• 200g pickled gherkins, cut into small cubes
• 3 tablespoons mustard
• 4 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chives (ciboulette) or fresh parsley to decorate

How to make German potato and sausage salad step by step

1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes. Cook them in salted water, with a splash of vinegar, until they are tender but firm. Drain and let cool.
2. Cook the sausages in hot water or on the grill. Cut them into slices once cooked.
3. In a large bowl, combine the potatoessausages, onion and pickles.
4. For the vinaigrettemix the mustard, vinegar and oil in a jar, cover and shake well until emulsified.
5. Add the vinaigrette to the salad, season with salt and pepper to taste and mix gently so that all the ingredients are well impregnated.
6. let rest in the refrigerator for a cold salad, or at room temperature, if you prefer warm. Before serving, garnish with chives or fresh parsley chopped.