German Potato Salad is a traditional German dish that is a staple in many households. It is a classic dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Its tangy and flavorful taste makes it a crowd favorite, and usually served as a side dish and is loved for its tangy flavor that comes from the combination of vinegar and mustard.
While the dish is delicious on its own, serving it with the right-side dishes can take it to another level.
You want something that complements the flavors of the potato salad but doesn’t overpower it. If you’re wondering what to serve with German Potato Salad, you’ve come to the right place.
After years of experimenting in the kitchen, I’ve put together a list of quick and amazing side dishes that pair perfectly with German potato salad.
Get ready to impress your friends and family with these delicious and easy recipes!
What is German potato salad? What does German potato salad taste like?
German potato salad is a warm side dish that typically consists of potatoes, bacon, onions and a vinegar-based dressing.
It usually has ingredients such as celery, parsley or dill for flavor.
German potato salad’s taste will depend on the ingredients used, but it generally has a tangy and savory flavor due to its vinegar-based dressing.
The potatoes provide a starchy base with earthiness, while the bacon adds smokiness and saltiness, making this dish unique in both texture and taste.
17 Best Sides to serve with German potato salad
1. Grilled Sausages
Grilled sausages are a perfect match for German Potato Salad. The smokiness of the sausages complements the tanginess of the salad, making it a perfect combination.
2. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini add a burst of flavor to the meal. These vegetables boost the nutritional value of your meal as well.
3. Green Salad
If you’re looking for something light to serve with German Potato Salad, a simple green salad will do the job.
A salad of mixed greens or arugula with a light vinaigrette will balance perfectly with a tangy German Potato Salad.
4. Sourdough Bread
Sourdough bread is a staple in the German diet and pairs perfectly with German Potato Salad.
The sourdough bread’s tangy flavor adds an extra layer of flavor to the meal.
5. Braised Red Cabbage
Braised Red Cabbage is an ideal classic German side dish that pairs perfectly with German Potato Salad.
The sweet and sour flavor of the Braised Red Cabbage complements the tanginess of the potato salad.
6. Schnitzel
Schnitzel, a popular German dish, is a great accompaniment to German Potato Salad.
The crispy texture and savory flavor of the schnitzel add a nice contrast to the tangy flavor of the potato salad.
7. Beet Salad
A beet salad with goat cheese and arugula will balance the tanginess of the German Potato Salad.
The earthy flavor of the beetroot pairs perfectly with the tanginess of the salad.
8. Grilled Corn
Grilled corn is a delicious side dish to serve with German Potato Salad. The grilled corn’s sweetness will complement the tangy flavors of the salad.
Discover More: 17 Delicious And Amazing Vegetarian Dishes To Serve With Corn On The Cob
9. Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is a perfect summer side dish to serve with German Potato Salad.
The smokiness of the asparagus pairs nicely with the tanginess of the potato salad.
10. Spätzle
Spätzle is a German noodle dish that pairs perfectly with potato salad. Because the dish is of German origin, it has a familiar taste that complements the potato salad as natives and foreigners share in the German culture.
11. Creamy Coleslaw
Creamy coleslaw is a classic side dish that’s perfect for serving with German potato salad. The crisp cabbage and fresh vegetables add a refreshing crunch to your meal.
12. Green Beans Almondine
A simple side dish of green beans almondine is a great way to add some greenery to your meal.
The buttery, nutty flavors of the almonds work perfectly with the savory potato salad.
13. Fresh Fruit Salad
Fresh fruit salad is a healthy and refreshing side dish that’s perfect for summer BBQs.
The sweetness of the fruit complements the tanginess of the potato salad perfectly.
14. Baked Beans
Baked beans are an ideal classic side dish that pairs perfectly with German potato salad. The rich and creamy texture of the beans adds a comforting and satisfying element to your meal.
15. Grilled Zucchini
Grilled zucchini is a perfect, quick and easy side dish that’s perfect for serving with German potato salad.
The smoky flavor of the grilled zucchini adds an absolute depth of flavor to your meal.
16. Garlic Bread
Everyone loves garlic bread, and it’s a perfect side dish for German potato salad. The buttery garlic flavor and crispy texture make it a great addition to any meal.
17. Bratwurst
Bratwurst is a traditional German sausage that’s perfect for serving with potato salad.
The spicy and savory flavors of the sausage work perfectly with the tanginess of the potato salad. (Recipe)
18. Caprese Salad
A simple Caprese salad of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fresh basil is a perfect side dish for German potato salad.
The fresh ingredients add a burst of flavor and color to your meal.
Learn More: 29 Complementary Dishes to Serve with Caprese Salad
3 All-time hit the Main course to eat with German potato salad
One of the most popular main courses to enjoy with German potato salad is a hearty sausage dish.
Sausage can be served either on its own or in combination with sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, or even fresh vegetables.
The bratwursts that are used are usually made from beef, pork, or a combination of both.
They are filled with herbs and spices that provide an excellent flavor combination when paired with the tangy flavor of German potato salad.
Pork schnitzel is a classic German dish that combines pork, breadcrumbs, egg, and spices into a delicious meal.
The most common cut of pork used in pork schnitzel is loin or sirloin. It’s important to use thinly sliced meat so the coating remains crisp when fried.
Pork schnitzel is often served with sides like boiled potatoes, roasted vegetables, and steamed greens.
It also pairs wonderfully with sauces like gravy, honey mustard sauce, and creamy horseradish.
With its savory flavor and crunchy texture, pork schnitzel makes for an incredibly satisfying dinner any night of the week!
Explore More: 20 Quick and Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Italian Sausage
5 amazing Appetizers to serve with German potato salad
1. Bacon-Wrapped Pickles
Bacon-Wrapped Pickles are savory, salty snacks that are the perfect accompaniment to a creamy German potato salad.
Simply wrap thin slices of bacon around sour pickles and bake in the oven until crispy. Serve with a side of ranch dressing for dipping.
2. Bavarian Pretzel Bites
Bite-sized pieces of traditional Bavarian pretzels pair perfectly with German potato salad. Top them with mustard or cheese sauce for even more flavor.
3. Sauerkraut Balls
Savory sauerkraut balls fried in a light batter make an excellent appetizer for any meal, especially when served with German potato salad.
The tartness of the sauerkraut complements the creamy texture of the salad nicely. (Recipe)
4. Stuffed Mushrooms
Mushrooms stuffed with cream cheese and bacon are not only delicious but make an attractive addition to any dinner spread as well!
Serve them alongside your German potato salad for a mouthwatering combination that your guests will love.
Find Out More: What to serve with stuffed mushrooms- 22 Quick Side dishes
5. Herbed Potato Skins
Crispy skins loaded up with herbed potatoes and other tasty ingredients make a great pre-meal snack, especially when served alongside German potato salad!
Top them off with some sour cream and chives for extra zing!
German potato salad with eggs
German potato salad with eggs is a tasty and traditional dish from Germany. It’s made with boiled potatoes, onions, bacon, parsley, and of course, eggs.
The bacon is sautéed in butter until it’s crispy and combined with the raw diced onion to provide a savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the boiled potatoes and eggs.
The eggs are hard-boiled and added at the end for extra protein. The finishing touch is chopped parsley which adds a bright color as well as herbal essence to this classic side dish.
Enjoy German potato salad with eggs as part of any meal – it makes an excellent accompaniment to grilled or roasted meats, salads, or sandwiches.
7 best Drinks to pair with German potato salad
When it comes to pairing drinks with German potato salad, there are a few options that stand out.
First, there’s the classic choice.
Riesling. This light and fruity white wine is a great accompaniment to the potato-based dish, as its sweet yet dry finish helps cut through the richness of the creamy mayonnaise dressing.
Plus, its floral notes make it a great match for all the other ingredients in the typical German potato salad, like bacon and pickles.
Second, you can’t go wrong with a crisp Pilsner.
The hops in this light beer provide a nice counterpoint to the salty bacon and pickles in German potato salad, while its mild maltiness complements the creamy mayonnaise dressing nicely.
If you’re looking for something truly Bavarian, opt for an unfiltered Kellerbier.
This rustic beer has earthy flavors that bring out the sweetness of potatoes while taming down any bitterness from onions or mustard seeds.
Third
if you want to mix things up a bit by trying something outside of wine and beer, consider serving Gose alongside your German potato salad.
This tart wheat beer has just enough sourness to offset some of the creaminess from mayonnaise, while its carbonation helps refresh your palate between bites of bacon and potatoes.
It also pairs particularly well with pickles in particular.
Fourth
If you’re going for something slightly unusual but still traditional, try pouring a glass of Apfelwein (apple wine) with your German potato salad.
This unique beverage is made from fermented apple cider and makes for an interesting contrast against both warm and cold versions of this dish; plus, it adds extra layers of sweetness without overwhelming any savory elements on your plate.
Fifth on our list is Märzenbier (or Oktoberfest bier)
This amber-colored lager has subtle notes of caramel and toast that pair perfectly with potatoes cooked in bacon fat as well as sweet relishes such as chutney or cranberry sauce, often served alongside German potato salad dishes.
Sixth is Roggenbier (rye beer)
With its characteristic spicy flavor profile from rye malt combined with nutty notes from wheat malt.
Roggenbier adds an extra dimension to not only potatoes but also ingredients like mustard seeds found in many variations of this popular dish – perfect for those who love a bit more complexity on their plate!
Lastly, if you really want something special to pair with your German potato salad, then consider turning to cider or sparkling wine made from apples or pears respectively.
Cider especially brings out some hidden sweetness from potatoes while providing enough acidity to balance out any fatty components present in this hearty side dish – making it ideal for those who prefer drinks on the drier side!
Discover More: The Perfect Pairing | Best Foods to Pair With Dark Beer
5 best Desserts to go with German potato salad
1. Apple Strudel
This classic dessert is the perfect sweet accompaniment to German potato salad, with its blend of tart apples, sweet spices and flaky pastry layers.
Apple strudel can be served warm or cold and is absolute with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an added touch of indulgence.
2. Black Forest Cake
Another traditional German dessert, Black Forest cake pairs perfectly with German potato salad thanks to its rich chocolate flavor and creamy textures.
The combination of the tangy salad and luscious cake creates a tantalizing contrast in flavors that will delight all your guests.
3. Vanilla Crème Brûlée
Vanilla Crème Brûlée luxurious custard dessert is the perfect end to any meal, especially when paired with German potato salad.
Its silky texture and lightly caramelized top offer a delicious contrast to the hearty side dish while still maintaining a sense of elegance.
4. Linzertorte
A type of fruit-filled short-crust pastry from Austria, linzertorte makes for an exquisite accompaniment to German potato salad as it balances out its savory flavors with its fruity sweetness.
Layers of buttery dough filled with raspberry jam offer up a treat that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates!
5. Cheesecake
Rich, creamy cheesecake can provide just the right amount of sweetness after a hearty meal such as a German potato salad.
Whether you opt for traditional New York-style cheesecake or something more creative like brownie swirl cheesecake or pumpkin spice cheesecake, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Learn More: Cheesecake Wine Pairing – A Match Made in Heaven
What are the best flavors to go with German potato salad?
German potato salad is a classic summertime dish that pairs well with a variety of flavors. The traditional recipe calls for vinegar, bacon, onion, and sometimes celery to create a tangy and smoky flavor profile.
A few of the best flavors to accompany German potato salad include pickles, fresh herbs such as dill or parsley, apples, and even capers for some added tanginess.
To add sweetness and texture, try adding bits of crunchy celery or sweet cucumbers.
For something truly unique, try adding a teaspoon of honey mustard to the dressing or topping it off with diced pickled beets.
How do you jazz up German potato salad?
To jazz up German potato salad, you can add a variety of ingredients, including bacon bits or cooked sausage pieces, hard-boiled eggs, diced peppers and onions, celery seeds or chopped pickles.
You can also give the dish additional flavor by adding herbs such as dill or tarragon to the mayonnaise dressing.
Additionally, stirring in some mustard to the dressing creates a tangy alternative for those who prefer a less creamy version.
For more color and texture, try adding fresh parsley leaves before serving.
How do you display German potato salad on a platter?
German potato salad can be displayed on a platter in an attractive and appetizing way. Start by arranging the potatoes in a single layer, overlapping them slightly.
Place some of the other ingredients, such as bacon bits, diced onions, and parsley, throughout the potatoes.
Then top with a sprinkling of freshly chopped chives or dill. You can also include a drizzle of olive oil or vinaigrette to give the dish some extra flavor.
To add height to the presentation, try stacking up wedges of boiled eggs or displaying slices of hard-boiled eggs around the edge of the plate.
Finally, garnish with additional fresh herbs for color and texture. With this presentation, you will have an appealing and flavorful German potato salad that is sure to tantalize your taste buds!
Tips on How to Choose the Most Suitable side dishes for German potato salad
1. Consider the flavors of your German potato salad – what herbs and spices are used, and what other ingredients are in it
2. Think about complementary flavors that will go well with the potatoes – bacon, chives, onions, etc
3. Choose a side dish that has similar textures to the potato salad – for example, if you have a creamy dressing on your potatoes, then try pairing them with something crunchy like croutons or nuts
4. Take into account any dietary restrictions of your guests when selecting sides
5. Try to pick dishes that can be prepped ahead of time so you don’t have to worry about last-minute cooking
6. Look at traditional German side dishes such as sauerkraut or red cabbage for inspiration
7. Balance out heavier items like a sausage with lighter sides like salads or vegetables
Explore More: 39 Side Dishes to serve with Potato Salad and Baked Beans
Wrap Up on what to serve with German potato salad
German Potato Salad is a delicious dish that is loved by many. However, choosing the right-side dish is important to make the meal complete.
The above-mentioned side dishes will complement the flavors of the German Potato Salad perfectly.
Whether you’re grilling in the backyard or hosting a dinner party, these side dishes are guaranteed to impress your guests.
Whether you’re looking for something light or something savory, the above dishes will make your meal complete. Try them out and take your taste buds on a journey to Germany!
FAQs
How much German potato salad per person?
When making German potato salad, it’s recommended to plan for about 2/3 cup of salad per person.
This amount will allow everyone to have a generous portion of the classic dish.
German potato salad is typically served warm or at room temperature and can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as potatoes, bacon, onions, vinegar, sugar, and mustard.
When making this dish for a large gathering, it’s best to use waxy potatoes rather than starchy potatoes so that they hold their shape better during the cooking process.
Using plenty of fresh herbs like parsley and chives adds flavor and texture to the dish.
For a traditional dressing, mix together equal parts vinegar and vegetable oil with some sugar and salt for balance.
Serve the salad alongside grilled meats or vegetables to make a complete meal.
Which is the most famous potato dish in Germany?
One of the most famous potato dishes in Germany is Kartoffelpuffer, also known as Reibekuchen.
It is a traditional German dish made from potatoes, eggs, flour and onions, which has been grated and fried until golden brown.
It is often served with various accompaniments such as applesauce, quark or jam. Kartoffelpuffer is very popular in Germany and can be found at many festivals, fairs and restaurants.
It’s also a common side dish served with sausage or fish. Potato pancakes are usually crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside due to the mixture of ingredients that are used to make them.
Additionally, they are usually served either hot or cold, depending on preference. Kartoffelpuffer is a delicious meal that many enjoy in Germany!
What is the most eaten vegetable in Germany?
In Germany, potatoes are the most widely eaten vegetable. They are an essential part of traditional German cuisine and account for almost a third of all vegetables consumed in Germany.
Potatoes are served in many different forms, including boiled, mashed, fried as chips or crisps, roasted and stewed.
Other popular vegetables include cabbage, tomatoes, spinach and carrots. Onions and garlic also feature heavily in German dishes.
Germans also enjoy salads made with various types of lettuce, such as romaine and iceberg. Asparagus is particularly popular during the spring season when it is in season.
Germans consume an estimated 20kg of vegetables per capita each year – one of the highest levels in Europe.
What meat goes with the German potato salad?
One of the most popular meats to pair with German potato salad is bacon.
Not only does the salty smokiness of the bacon provide a great flavor contrast with the creamy, tangy dressing, but its texture also adds an interesting element to the dish.
Other pork products, such as ham or sausage, can also be used in combination with or instead of bacon.
If you’re looking for a lighter option, grilled chicken is another classic accompaniment that pairs beautifully with German potato salad.
For vegetarians, there are many options, such as pan-fried mushrooms, seared tempeh, or even just adding extra vegetables like onions and peppers to give the dish more substance.
Whichever you choose, it’s sure to be a delicious and satisfying pairing!