Austrian Erdäpfelsalat (Warm Potato Salad with Vinegar Dressing)

About This Recipe

Austrian Erdäpfelsalat is a real, traditional Austrian dish, known as Warm Potato Salad with Vinegar Dressing. Thinly sliced warm potatoes dressed in a tangy broth, vinegar and mustard dressing, the classic Austrian companion to schnitzel.\n\nErdäpfelsalat is the traditional accompaniment to Wiener Schnitzel across Austria, distinguished from creamy mayonnaise-based potato salads by its light, vinegar-forward dressing absorbed while the potatoes are still warm.\n\nThe result is a dish worth making on its own merits: it rewards patience with the technique and delivers real, specific flavor rooted in Austrian home cooking, not a generic stand-in for a search term.

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 1 kgwaxy potatoes
• 200 mlbeef or vegetable broth(hot)
• 3 tbspwhite wine vinegar
• 1 tbspDijon or Austrian mustard
• 1yellow onion(finely diced)
• 3 tbspneutral oil
• 1 tspfine sea salt(to taste)
• 0.25 tspblack pepper
• 2 tbspchopped fresh chives

Instructions

1. 1

   Boil the potatoes

   Boil the potatoes whole, skin-on, until just tender, about 20 minutes.

2. 2

   Slice while warm

   Peel and slice the potatoes thinly while still warm, since they absorb the dressing best at this stage.

3. 3

   Make the dressing

   Whisk together hot broth, vinegar, mustard, diced onion, oil, salt and pepper.

4. 4

   Dress

   Pour the warm dressing over the sliced potatoes while everything is still warm, tossing gently.

5. 5

   Rest

   Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes so the potatoes fully absorb the dressing.

6. 6

   Serve

   Sprinkle with fresh chives and serve warm or at room temperature alongside schnitzel.

Variations

• •

  Add crispy bacon bits for a heartier version.

• •

  Some households add a splash of pumpkin seed oil, an Austrian specialty, for extra flavor.

• •

  A version with a touch of sugar balances the vinegar for those who prefer a milder tang.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or stock to loosen the texture.

Frequently Asked Questions