oma’s creamy german potato salad
I’ve been elbow-deep in this potato salad before. I kid you not. There’s a story that’s circulated around my family for years — and that story involves a baby me, sitting in the car seat on the way home from my grandparents’ house for Easter when my parents suddenly smelled something… onion-y. And potato-y.
And when they turned around they found me, with both of my baby hands stashed in the Tupperware containing my Oma’s creamy potato salad, munching away on the leftovers. It was then they knew I’d grow up to a be a food blogger.
Just kidding. But it did solidify for me a lifelong love of this potato salad.
This potato salad has been gracing the Easter dinner table at my great grandparents’ and grandparents’ houses for years — well, since I was a baby, obviously. I’m pretty sure the recipe hasn’t changed even one. tiny. bit. since its inception. Because why fix what’s not broken, amiright? And this potato salad, simple as it may be, is perfection. Whenever Easter draws nigh, or it’s potluck/picnic/potato salad season, I start getting major cravings for it. And no other version can quite satiate my appetite.
I’m sure a lot of those cravings are coupled with nostalgia, but I happen to know this recipe has gained devoted fans who didn’t grow up with it — take my husband, for example. Though the man loves a good frozen pizza and a trip to the golden arches, he is a sharp critic of the following: cucumber sandwiches, tuna salad, deviled eggs and potato salad. No, I can’t explain this. But to him, this potato salad passes the test.
And I think I know why: Because it has two special ingredients. The first? White vinegar. Just a tablespoon or so is all you need, and it gives the salad just enough tang to make it interesting. The second ingredient? Sugar. Just a half-teaspoon so you don’t even taste it, and yet it’s what my grandmother says makes the dish because it brings out all of the flavors. I completely concur.
Both my great grandmother (Oma, as we called her) and my grandmother have been topping their potato salads with sliced hard-boiled eggs forever and ever, so I decided to follow suit. I also added some chopped hard-boiled egg whites to the salad itself, which they didn’t always do but I like the addition. My grandmother also said it tastes great with chopped celery, pickles or fresh herbs mixed in, but I don’t recall ever eating it with any of those ingredients so I left them out — but jazz it up as you will. Just maybe don’t tell my husband, lest you encounter his potato salad judgement.
Oh, and another thing: My grandma has always served her potato salad freshly made, but I’ll tell you another secret — it’s even better the next day, when the flavors have had a chance to sit a spell and settle down together. It’s good enough to consider grabbing fistfuls from the Tupperware all over again.
Seriously, though. That spoon is just for show.
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Oma’s Creamy German Potato Salad
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Cuisine: German
Ingredients
- 2 lbs red or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 4 hard-boiled eggs
- 1/2 sweet onion, peeled and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup light sour cream
- 1 to 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add cut potatoes and boil 5 to 10 minutes until just barely fork-tender. Drain and cool to room temperature.
- Meanwhile, peel hard-boiled eggs and use a very sharp knife to slice eggs. Reserve slices with yolks in the center; chop remaining egg whites.
- In a large bowl, combine potatoes, chopped egg whites, chopped onion, mayonnaise, sour cream, 1 tablespoon vinegar (or 2 tablespoons, if desired), sugar and salt to taste. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish top with sliced eggs. Serve immediately, or chill at least 2 hours before serving.
Not gonna lie, I’ve never encountered a mayo-y potato salad that I’ve truly loved…but I suspect this might be THE one such salad that changes my mind!
I LOVED that story about you in the car! Food blogging career destiny. There’s a similar one of me, but with a bowl of whipped cream. I’m not usually a potato salad lover either, but you have me sold!
Potato salad is just about the best thing ever… For real.. I grew up on that stuff and could eat it everyday. Your Oma knows her stuff cause this potato salad looks incredible!
Yay for Easter nostalgia! But seriously, this looks full of all sorts of homegrown deliciousness!
What a funny story! I don’t blame you – this looks fantastic. Potato salad is basically my favorite thing ever…if it were socially acceptable, I’d totally eat this by the fistful!
I love a good potato salad, but I’ve never seen it with eggs! Yum!
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com
Hahhah baby Steph knew what’s up!! This salad looks amazing and I just want a bowl to snack on. It’s snack right since it is a side?
This looks like my Nana’s recipe for potato salad!! I’m all over this!
A foodie since the beginning! Love it. I also love a good classic potato salad and this one looks like a clear winner, and obviously too good to waste time with spoons or forks!
My favorite potato salad recipes always have vinegar and sugar. I know, without a doubt, I’d love this recipe from your Oma!
I love recipes like these that evoke such special memories. I, am also a sharp critic of potato salads (too mustard-y, too runny, etc.) but yours looks just perfect.
I love that you are continuing the tradition of making this. I love recipes like this. It looks incredible.
Hahaha love that story! I hope Avery has an incident like that too! I always make my Grandpa’s potato salad which is very similar! He always added in celery and green onion. YA know for color. Gotta love recipes with heart!
Family recipes are the best! Thanks for the sugar tip, will definitely be using that one! 🙂
Haha, so cute, I loved the story behind your love for potato salads! This looks amazing! Love that it’s a family recipe too 🙂