This potato salad recipe has apples in the mix for a bit of sweetness and a lot of crunch.
Did you know that potato salad isn’t only for summer BBQs? In fact, in Germany it’s popular to have potato salad (with sausages…yum!) on Christmas Eve.
That may seem a bit strange. But ask yourself why it is that potato salad is so perfect for BBQs. It’s because potato salad is easy to make in large quantities, right? Large quantities that are full of deliciousness. So much deliciousness that I’d be happy to eat large quantities of it at every celebration, from summer to winter and all the months in between.
Lighter Potato Salad
But if we’re going to eat potato salad all year long, I think it’s necessary that we revise the ingredients a little bit to make it a tiny bit healthier (but still celebratory, of course!).
When I think about lightening potato salad, I usually think about the mayonnaise. I end up opting for low-fat mayonnaise, less mayonnaise, or no mayonnaise. But this time I was fixated on the carb loaded potatoes. I thought that one way to make potato salad a bit healthier might be to put less potatoes in it. But what to add instead?
Making Apple Potato Salad
I decided to try adding apples. Why? One of the things I like to add to potato salad is celery. Celery and apples taste amazing together. I was hoping that they would work here. I also added some apple cider vinegar to the dressing to tie that apple flavor in throughout.
The result? You’ve got to try it! The apples add a little bit of sweetness and a lot of crunch. And they just plain work. So much so that I swear I’m going to put apples in all of my potato salads, all year long, from now on.
I used Jazz apples for mine, which are crisp with a good amount of sweetness. Feel free to use Gala or your favorite variety though. For the potatoes, you can use a baking potato like a russet or an all-purpose like Yukon gold potatoes. Find more about the types of potatoes and their uses here.
More Side Dish Recipes
I have over 100 side dishes for you to discover, but here’s a few that I think you’ll especially enjoy if you love this potato salad recipe.
Apple Potato Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooling Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
DESCRIPTION
This potato salad recipe has apples for wonderful crunch and a bit of sweetness. It’s delicious. You got to try it!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. baking potatoes
- Salt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (low-fat or regular)
- 1 Tbsp. cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp. neutral-flavored oil, like grape seed or vegetable
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 2 jazz apples, cored and cut into 1/2-inch chunks (leave the peel on)
Instructions
- Peel the potatoes and cut into 1-inch chunks.
- Put potatoes into a medium pot with 2 teaspoons of salt. Cover with cold water. Heat to a boil over high heat, partially covered.
- Uncover and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until fork-tender, 5-7 minutes.
- Drain and allow to cool for 15-30 minutes.
- In a large bowl use a fork to whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, oil, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Add the celery, green onions, and apples along with the cooled potatoes.
- Stir and serve.
This post originally appeared in July 2014 and was revised and republished in July 2022.
Patricia says
Easy to make and assemble. The apples are a perfect addition for crunch and sweetness.
★★★★★
Christine Pittman says
Thank you so much, Patricia! I’m glad you enjoyed.
Lana says
I think this sounds really good and I’m going to try it. I actually have a summer apple tree, so it will be great for picnics! They come ripe mid July. I picked a bunch this morning.
However, I wanted to point out that apples have as many carbs as potatoes, sometimes more depending on the sweetness of the apple. The saving grace of the apples is they can be eaten raw whereas potatoes just… can’t. That retains more nutrients. In truth, both are pretty healthy and balance each other out well.
Christine Pittman says
Thanks for sharing with us, Lana!
Mary says
LOL, you forgot to add the potatoes in the recipe’s Directions. Just a typo, surely.
Christine Pittman says
The cooked potatoes are added with the other ingredients in step 3, Mary. I’ll edit it above to clarify, thank you.
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Christine Pittman says
Glad you enjoyed, thanks for visiting!
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Eric Hartke says
Hi I was searching for a recipe like my Oma’s (German) and this one seems very similar. I always remember apples being in it and the apples brought a refreshing kick to it. I might given this one a try for our Christmas get together.
Christine Pittman says
Eric, Let me know if you try it. I’d love to hear what you think!
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Robin Maillett says
I had leftover ham and an apple and potatoes from a weekend event. I found your site and used your recipe. Perfect. Thank you.
Christine Pittman says
Robin, So happy you liked it and happy to have helped.
plasterer bristol says
Top marks for this. Tastes great. Thanks for sharing.
Simon
Christine Pittman says
Thanks Simon! I’m so glad you liked it.
CakePants says
Wow, I love the idea of putting apples in potato salad! I had no idea potato salad was a traditional thing to eat on Christmas Eve in Germany…it’s so interesting to learn little bits of culture like that :)
Julie says
I’ve never thought to add apples – I bet it adds some amazing crunch! Great idea!
Angie | Big Bear's Wife says
What an awesome idea!! I would never have thought to add apples but wow! It’s beautiful and I bet it’s wonderful! Oooo and I totally forgot my Crunch to Contribute photo!
Kim - Liv Life says
My daughter has discovered an unconditional love for potatoes this year… however, I don’t believe she has ever had a potato salad!! Love the apple addition, and yes, I think all year round is appropriate!!!
Jeanette | Jeanette's Healthy Living says
I had apples in potato salad for the first time this summer – it was a Brazilian potato salad – loved the combination!
sheila says
This looks amazing! it reminds me of a play on my grandmothers german potato salad…which I think I need to make soon, and I need to give this one a try also. Perfection.
Lisa says
I’m always looking for a new potato salad recipe, adding the apple seems like it would give it a nice sweetness.
★★★★★
Rachel Cooks says
This looks so good! Loving the apples in it. SO unique — I bet the crunch is amazing.
Jenni says
Nice! Would have never thought to add apples to potato salad, but I really like the idea. And the ACV is perfect in the dressing too. :)
Becca from It's Yummi! says
I love your healthy version of potato salad… this is the kind I would love to get addicted to!