There’s something truly timeless and comforting about recipes that have been passed down through generations, and our Classic German Potato Salad is no exception. This dish is a testament to the simplicity and richness of German cuisine, combining tender potatoes, crisp onions, tangy pickles, and fresh herbs in a harmonious blend that dances on your palate. It’s the kind of salad that brings people together, evoking memories of family gatherings, festive celebrations, and warm, summer picnics.
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor achieved with just a handful of ingredients. Each component, from the soft potatoes to the zesty pickled cucumbers and the aromatic herbs, plays a crucial role in creating a dish that’s robust and satisfying yet refreshingly light. Whether you’re a longtime fan of German cuisine or exploring these flavors for the first time, this potato salad offers a delightful culinary experience.
Ingredients:
- 6 medium potatoes, boiled until tender and then cooled
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- Enough boiling water to cover the onions
- 9 to 10 pickled cucumbers, cut into small pieces
- A generous bunch of dill, freshly chopped
- A generous bunch of parsley, freshly chopped
- 50 ml of milk
- 100 ml of vegetable oil
Preparation:
- Prep the Potatoes: Start by peeling your cooked and cooled potatoes. Slice them into bite-sized pieces for the salad base. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Soften the Onions: In a smaller bowl, combine the finely diced onion with the granulated sugar and salt. Pour the wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar over the onions, followed by enough boiling water to fully submerge them. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes, then drain. This process mellows the onion’s sharpness while infusing it with a subtle sweetness and tang.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the softened onion mixture to the bowl with the diced potatoes. Toss in the diced pickled cucumbers along with the chopped dill and parsley. The herbs will add a fresh, aromatic flavor to the salad.
- Create the Dressing: In a separate bowl or jug, whisk together the milk and vegetable oil until well combined. This creates a simple, creamy dressing that will lightly coat the potatoes and other ingredients, bringing the salad together.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the milk and oil dressing over the potato mixture. Gently mix until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or vinegar if necessary.
- Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the dressing to soak into the potatoes, enhancing the overall taste.
This Classic German Potato Salad is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create a dish that’s both comforting and delicious. With its combination of tender potatoes, crisp onions, tangy pickles, fresh herbs, and a light creamy dressing, it’s no wonder this salad is a perennial favorite. Serve it at your next gathering, picnic, or as a hearty side to your main dishes and watch it disappear!