How to make Potato Salad just like Oma!

➤ by Oma Gerhild Fulson

Learn how to make potato salad that tastes just like it does in northern Germany. This cold German potato salad, aka Kartoffelsalat, comes from my Mutti's handwritten cookbook. 

It was always such a treat when she served it for supper.

And yes, this one is German. In fact, the mayonnaise in this, tells me it's from the northern part of Germany. Southern Germany's salads rarely have mayo. Looking for a non-mayo one? Check the ones listed below.

It seems like there are as many traditional recipes for German potato salad as there are German Omas (grandmothers).

Each has just a slight difference, meaning, there's no ONE way of making it.

More Potato Salad Tips ...

• Use new potatoes or regular ones. Scrub them and cook unpeeled in water to cover until tender (gently pierce with a knife to check). Depending on their size, this can take from 15 - 30 minutes. Do not overcook or they may fall apart.
• To make peeling easier, gently dump the hot potatoes in colander or sink; briefly pour cold water over them. Let cool before peeling. You can cook them the day before, but I find peeling them while they are still warm is easier.
• This is a traditional recipe done in a traditional way, but when I follow an "assembly line" method, it goes fairly quickly. Having everything chopped and ready to go helps make the preparation of this traditional potato salad go fairly quickly.

---

Oma says,

When questioned about the authenticity of its German origins, I did some research. Each family, it seems, has their own way of how to make potato salad. And each is delicious. 

In northern Germany, most potato salads are cream based, such as this one below. My Mutti, coming from Berlin, made it this way. 

In southern Germany, most potato salads are made with a vinegar, bacon, and broth base.

Check out this one sent in by one of our readers. Take a look at all my potato salads here.

---

Lydia Remembers...

I have so many wunderbar memories in the kitchen with my Oma, and have had MANY of her most popular and traditional recipes, like this German potato salad! 

I love Oma's German potato salad! I ALWAYS request this one. Especially during summertime, it's the perfect accompaniment to a fresh bratwurst off of the BBQ. 

Want to make sausage just like that beautifully cooked one below to pair with your potato salad? Here's the recipe for Oma's bratwurst sausage!

I remember making this salad recipe with Oma many times! It is such a hit amongst our family and is an absolute staple during our summer get-togethers. I know what you're thinking, "But Lydia, I can just go to the store and buy one already made." Well, why would you buy it when you can make it just like Oma! 

There are so many great reasons to make your own potato salad. Not only can you make a bigger portion, but you can add a little bit of this and a little bit of that to spruce it up and really make it your own! Play around with some seasoning, or you can add more potatoes and pickles if you wish. 

That's the best part of making your own! You can alter it to be truly yours!

My favorite part of Oma's potato salad is the pickles. They give it a nice extra crunch and punch of flavor! Pickles are also my favorite food...so it really is a treat for me. When I make this potato salad at home, I always add quite a few pickles in there, just because. :) 

Learn a little bit about me, Lydia, and my kitchen adventures with Oma!

---

This potato salad is also what I'm usually asked to bring to parties. It always brings rave reviews and I've learned to have the recipe ready to give out. 

If you want a still easier and quicker recipe, try the adaptation of this, my Easy Potato Salad.

But first, here's the salad just like my Mutti used to make ...

Ready to make this German Potato Salad?

*  *  *  *  *

PIN this ...