[1][2] American potato salad most likely originated from recipes brought to the U.S. by way of German and other European immigrants during the nineteenth century.

Ingredients often include mayonnaise or a comparable substitute (such as yogurt or sour cream), herbs, and raw vegetables (such as onion and celery).

[3] South German-style potato salad is served warm or at room temperature and is made with a vinaigrette (rather than a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing), and typically includes bacon.

The earliest known American potato salad recipes date back to the mid-19th century and are rooted in German cuisine, which was introduced to the United States by European settlers.

Carrot, cucumber, ham, and mashed boiled eggs can also be added to the salad as desired.