German potato salad without mayonnaise: a light and hearty Christmas side dish

German potato salad without mayonnaise: a light and hearty Christmas side dish

Name: German potato salad without mayonnaise: a light and hearty Christmas side dish
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 kg potatoes, cooking type A (salad potatoes); 1 large red onion; 250 ml hot stock (beef, chicken or vegetable); 4 tablespoons apple or wine vinegar; 3 tablespoons quality vegetable oil (rapeseed or sunflower); 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; salt to taste; freshly ground black pepper; finely chopped pickled cucumber, apple, chives, crispy fried bacon.

Easy to prepare
4 serving
40 minutes

Jan, 28. 12. 2025

Print recipe

Looking for a lighter alternative to the classic Christmas potato salad with mayonnaise? German potato salad without mayonnaise, also known as Kartoffelsalat, is an ideal choice for anyone who wants easier digestion while still enjoying good flavor.

It’s quick to prepare, has a full flavor and its secret lies in a single ingredient – quality stock, which gives the potatoes depth and juiciness.

Unlike the Czech classic it does not contain mayonnaise or eggs, so it is lower in calories, easier to digest and also stays fresh longer. It goes great as a side to fried fish, schnitzel or roast meat, but also holds up as a standalone light dish.

For 4 serving

Ingredients

1 kg potatoes, cooking type A (salad potatoes)
1 large red onion
250 ml hot stock (beef, chicken or vegetable)
4 tablespoons apple or wine vinegar
3 tablespoons quality vegetable oil (rapeseed or sunflower)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper

Optional variations:

finely chopped pickled cucumber, apple, chives, crispy fried bacon.

Preparation procedure

Thoroughly wash the potatoes and boil them in their skins in salted water until tender. Take care not to overcook them.
Let the cooked potatoes cool slightly, peel them and cut into larger cubes or slices.
Peel the red onion and chop finely.
In a bowl, mix the hot stock, vinegar, oil and Dijon mustard. Salt and pepper to taste. The dressing should be more pronounced, slightly tangy and salty.
Place the potatoes in a large bowl, add the onion and pour over the warm dressing.
Mix very gently so the potatoes do not fall apart, and let rest for at least 10–15 minutes.
Serve ideally lukewarm, when the flavors of the potatoes and dressing come through best.

Number of servings

4 servings

Total preparation time

40 minutes

(of which approx. 25 minutes for cooking the potatoes)

Tips for a perfect result

The foundation of success is the right type of potatoes and quality stock. It is the stock that turns a simple salad into an exceptional side dish. If you want to vary the salad, you can add fried bacon for a more pronounced flavor or, conversely, apple for a fresh contrast.

Conclusion

German potato salad without mayonnaise is proof that a simple recipe can still offer full and honest flavor. It is light, easy to digest and at the same time perfectly complements a traditional Christmas menu. If you are looking for an alternative to the classic potato salad that will not offend even lovers of tradition, this recipe is definitely worth trying – not only at Christmas, but all year round.