There is no single person credited with inventing potato salad. The dish evolved organically over time, particularly in Germany, after potatoes were introduced to Europe in the 16th century by Spanish explorers returning from the New World
. Early European potato salads were typically made with boiled potatoes dressed with vinegar or oil and herbs, differing from the creamy mayonnaise- based versions popular today
. German immigrants brought their versions of potato salad to the United States, where it evolved further, including the addition of mayonnaise and other ingredients like mustard, onions, pickles, celery, and hard-boiled eggs
. Regional variations exist both in Germany and the U.S., with differences in serving temperature and dressing style. In summary, potato salad is a traditional dish with roots in 16th-century Europe, particularly Germany, and it developed through cultural exchanges rather than being created by a specific individual
