Vegetarian German Potato Salad Recipe

Here’s a flavorful Vegetarian German Potato Salad recipe that is both satisfying and easy to make. This version omits bacon while still delivering a delicious tangy flavor.

Ingredients

2 lbs waxy potatoes (such as red or yellow potatoes), scrubbed and cut into ½-inch cubes
3-4 cloves garlic, smashed
¼ cup white distilled vinegar
2 tablespoons water
1½ tablespoons coconut sugar (or regular sugar)
½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon cooking oil (olive oil or vegetable oil)
½ yellow onion, diced (about ¾ cup)
4-5 stalks celery, diced (about ¾ cup)
1-2 green onions, thinly sliced
3-4 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Potatoes:

In a large pot, add the cubed potatoes and smashed garlic cloves. Cover with cold water and bring to a boil. Simmer for about 10-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Dressing:

In a bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, water, coconut sugar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Sauté Vegetables:

Heat the cooking oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and celery with a pinch of salt. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onions start to become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Combine Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm potatoes with the sautéed vegetable mixture. Pour in the dressing and gently mix to coat all ingredients evenly.

Garnish and Serve:

Add sliced green onions and chopped parsley, then toss gently again. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips:

For added flavor, consider incorporating some finely chopped dill or chives.
This salad can be made ahead of time; it tastes even better after sitting for a few hours as the flavors meld together.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Here are some ideas and tips for enhancing your vegetarian German potato salad:

Other Vegetables to Add

Green Beans: Blanched green beans add a nice crunch and color.
Radishes: Thinly sliced radishes provide a peppery bite.
Peas: Fresh or frozen peas can add sweetness and texture.
Carrots: Diced or shredded carrots contribute color and a slight sweetness.
Bell Peppers: Chopped bell peppers can add crunch and flavor.

Making a Spicy Version

To spice up your vegetarian German potato salad:

Add Jalapeños: Finely chop fresh or pickled jalapeños for heat.
Use Spicy Mustard: Substitute regular Dijon mustard with a spicy variety.
Incorporate Hot Sauce: A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce can enhance the flavor.
Add Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a kick.

Using Sweet Potatoes

Yes, you can use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes. They will give the salad a slightly different flavor and sweetness, but they work well with the tangy dressing.

Good Side Dishes to Pair With Vegetarian German Potato Salad

Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies complement the salad nicely.
Coleslaw: A tangy slaw adds crunch and freshness.
Bread Rolls: Soft rolls or crusty bread can be great for soaking up flavors.
Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad pairs well with the richness of potato salad.
Vegetarian Sausages: Grilled or sautéed vegetarian sausages make a hearty addition.

Making a Gluten-Free Version

To ensure your vegetarian German potato salad is gluten-free:

Check Ingredients: Use gluten-free mustard and vinegar (most are naturally gluten-free).
Avoid Broth with Gluten: If using broth, ensure it’s labeled gluten-free or use water instead.
Use Gluten-Free Croutons (if desired): If adding croutons, choose gluten-free varieties.

Unique Herbs to Add

Dill: Fresh dill adds a bright, tangy flavor that complements the potatoes well.
Tarragon: This herb provides a slightly sweet and anise-like flavor.
Chervil: Offers a delicate flavor similar to parsley but with a hint of anise.
Basil: Adds a fresh, aromatic note that can lighten the dish.
Thyme: A few sprigs of fresh thyme can add depth and earthiness.

Adding Roasted Vegetables

Yes, you can definitely add roasted vegetables to your potato salad! Consider incorporating:

Roasted Bell Peppers: For sweetness and color.
Carrots: Roasted carrots add a nice sweetness and texture.
Zucchini: Adds moisture and a subtle flavor.
Red Onions: Roasting brings out their natural sweetness.

Making It Creamy Without Dairy

To achieve creaminess without using dairy:

Vegan Mayonnaise: Use plant-based mayo for a creamy texture.
Avocado: Mash ripe avocado into the dressing for creaminess and healthy fats.
Silken Tofu: Blend silken tofu until smooth and mix it into the dressing for added creaminess.
Cashew Cream: Soak cashews and blend them with water, lemon juice, and spices for a rich, creamy dressing.

Vegetarian Alternatives to Bacon

For vegetarian bacon alternatives in German potato salad:

Tempeh Bacon: Marinated and cooked tempeh offers a smoky flavor.
Mushroom Bacon: Sautéed mushrooms seasoned with soy sauce or liquid smoke can mimic bacon’s umami flavor.
Smoked Paprika: Use this spice in the dressing to impart a smoky taste without actual bacon.
Coconut Bacon: Toasted coconut flakes seasoned with liquid smoke provide crunch and flavor.

Using Different Types of Potatoes

You can use different types of potatoes in your salad:

Yukon Gold Potatoes: These are great for their creamy texture and buttery flavor; they hold up well in salads.
Red Potatoes: Their waxy texture makes them ideal for potato salads as they maintain their shape.
Avoid Russet Potatoes: They are starchy and tend to fall apart, which may not be ideal for this type of salad.

These tips will help you customize your vegetarian German potato salad to suit your tastes and dietary preferences!

Enjoy this hearty vegetarian German potato salad as a side dish for barbecues, picnics, or any meal!