Potato salad is a classic dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from picnics to barbecues.
But with so many variations out there, it can be hard to know where to start.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll also show you how to make five of the best potato salads ever, so you can impress your guests with your culinary skills.
Why settle for a boring, plain potato salad when you can try something new and exciting?
First we explain the principles of creating the perfect potato salad, then show you five delicious potato salad recipes that are sure to impress your guests and elevate your BBQ game.
From classic to creative, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Choose the Right Potatoes.
The first step to making perfect potato salad is choosing the right potatoes.
You want to use a potato that will hold its shape and not turn mushy when boiled.
Russet potatoes are not recommended for potato salad because they tend to fall apart.
Instead, choose waxy potatoes like red or Yukon gold potatoes.
These potatoes have a firmer texture and will hold up better in the salad.
Be sure to wash and scrub the potatoes before boiling them.
Cook the Potatoes Perfectly.
Once you have chosen the right potatoes, it’s time to cook them perfectly.
Start by placing the potatoes in a large pot and covering them with cold water.
Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the potatoes until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
This should take about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes.
Be careful not to overcook the potatoes, as they will become mushy and fall apart in the salad.
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Let them cool completely before adding them to the salad.
Add the Right Mix-Ins.
The mix-ins are what make potato salad so delicious and unique.
Some classic mix-ins include chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced celery, diced onion, and chopped pickles.
But don’t be afraid to get creative! Try adding bacon, roasted garlic, fresh herbs like dill or parsley, or even diced apples for a sweet and savoury twist.
Just be sure to chop all your mix-ins into bite-sized pieces so they blend well with the potatoes.
And remember, less is often more when it comes to mix-ins – you don’t want to overpower the flavour of the potatoes.
Make the Perfect Dressing.
The dressing is the key to making the perfect potato salad.
A classic dressing is made with mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, and sugar.
But again, don’t be afraid to get creative!
Try using Greek yoghurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier option, or add some hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Just be sure to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed.
And remember, the dressing should be creamy but not too heavy – you want it to coat the potatoes without drowning them.
Serve and Enjoy!
Once your potato salad is fully mixed and dressed to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy!
This dish is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish for any meal.
Garnish with some fresh herbs or chopped spring onion for an extra pop of flavour and colour.
And don’t forget to store any leftovers in the refrigerator – potato salad can last up to 3-4 days when properly stored.
There’s nothing like a good potato salad on a hot summer day.
7 Creative Side-Dish Ideas to Elevate Your Potato Salad
Spice up your potato salad with these seven creative side-dish ideas that will take your taste buds on a flavourful journey.
Try these ideas out today!
- Grilled meats;
- Potato salad is a classic side dish for grilled meats such as burgers, hot dogs, and sausages.
Or a good meatloaf is perfect.The creamy texture of the potato salad pairs well with the smoky flavor of the grilled meats.
The crispy texture of the chicken complements the creamy texture of the potato salad, while the tangy flavour of the potato salad cuts through the richness of the chicken.
You can also pair with chicken nuggets or cashew crusted chicken with your salad.
The potato salad adds a refreshing and creamy element to the sandwich.
It pairs well with grilled meats, baked beans, and coleslaw.
The creamy texture of the potato salad helps balance out the smoky and spicy flavours of the barbecue.
From pan seared fish to crumbed/breaded fish fillets, any fish recipes would go well with your salad such as Salmon Salpicao.
The creamy texture of the potato salad complements the delicate flavour of the fish.
The roasted vegetables add a sweet and savoury flavour to the meal, while the potato salad adds a creamy and tangy element.
The creamy texture of the potato salad complements the rich and tangy flavour of the deviled eggs.
Plus, they both make great picnic foods!
5 Delicious Potato Salad Recipes for Your Next BBQ
Let's Start With Classic Potato Salad
This classic potato salad recipe is a crowd-pleaser and a staple at any BBQ.
Made with boiled potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and a creamy dressing of mayonnaise and lemon juice, it's simple yet delicious.
This recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.
Ingredients
Classic Potato Salad ingredients;
- 1.5 kg 3 pounds potatoes
- 4 eggs
- ⅔ cup 170g whole egg mayonnaise
- ½ lemon juiced
- Salt & freshly ground pepper
Instructions
- Classic Potato Salad instructions;
- Peel potatoes and cut into roughly 3cm cubes.
- Place the potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with cold water and bring to the boil.
Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until just tender.
Drain well and set aside to cool. - Lightly whisk the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt and pepper together.
Peel the eggs and cut into quarters. - Place the warm potatoes, eggs and mayo in a bowl and fold gently to combine.
- Chill in the fridge for an hour or so, then serve.
Video
Notes
Potato Salad with Spring Onion and Bacon
This potato salad with hard-boiled eggs, mayo, crispy bacon and potatoes combine for a creamy potato salad that's seasoned with spring onion.I love the crispy, crunchy bacon along with the velvety texture that this easy potato salad recipe creates.
Make it up to two days in advance, then stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Potato Salad with Spring Onion and Bacon Ingredients;
- 1.5kg (3 pounds) potatoes
- 4 eggs
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 200g bacon rashers
- ⅔ cup (170g) whole egg mayonnaise
- 3 Spring Onions
- ½ lemon juiced
- Salt & freshly ground pepper
Potato Salad with Spring Onion and Bacon Method;
- Peel potatoes and cut into roughly 3cm cubes.
- Place the potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with cold water and bring to the boil.
Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until just tender.
Drain well and set aside to cool. - Dice bacon, heat the oil in a frying pan over a medium heat.
Add the bacon and cook, stirring for 7-8 minutes or until golden.
Set aside in pan. - Lightly whisk the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt and pepper together.
Peel the eggs and cut into quarters.
Thinly slice the spring onions. - Place the warm potatoes, eggs and mayo in a bowl and fold gently to combine.
- Sprinkle the spring onion over the top.
- Lastly sprinkle your bacon on top of everything also drizzling the bacon dripping over as well.
- Chill in the fridge for an hour or so, then serve.
Italian Potato Salad Recipe
Craving a potato salad with a little extra pizzazz?This Italian Potato Salad recipe is the perfect solution. It's simple, flavourful, and oh-so-satisfying. Skip the mayo and go for an Italian-style olive oil dressing for warm new potatoes. All jazzed up with basil, Parmesan and sundried tomatoes
Italian Potato Salad Ingredients;
- 1.5kg (3 pounds) baby new potato, halved
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp grated parmesan (or vegetarian alternative)
- small bunch basil , roughly chopped
- 6 finely sliced sundried tomatoes
Italian Potato Salad Method;
- Boil the potatoes until tender, about 15 mins, then drain and allow to cool slightly.
- Whisk together the olive oil, Parmesan and a little seasoning.
- Toss through the potatoes with the basil and sundried tomatoes.
- Serve warm.
Loaded Baked Potato Salad with Bacon and Cheddar.
Take your potato salad to the next level with this loaded baked potato salad recipe.It's packed with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and spring onions, all mixed together with a creamy sour cream and mayonnaise dressing. This recipe is sure to be a hit at your next BBQ or potluck.
Loaded Baked Potato Salad Ingredients;
- 1.5kg (3 pounds) red potatoes, washed and cut into 3cm (1.5 inch) pieces
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh black pepper
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 10 slices bacon, cooked until crisp, chopped
- 2 – 3 tablespoons chopped spring onions
Loaded Baked Potato Salad Method;
- Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with water.
- Bring water to a boil and simmer potatoes for 9-10 minutes, until fork tender.
- Drain potatoes and rinse with cold water. Allow them to cool completely.
- In a medium bowl mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Set aside. - When the potatoes are cooled, place them in a large bowl.
- Pour the sour cream mixture on top and stir to coat.
- Mix in the cheese, bacon and spring onions, stirring to combine.
- Chill for 3 hours, or overnight.
- Garnish with more cheese, bacon bits, and chives, parsley or basil, if desired.
German Potato Salad with Vinegar and Bacon.
German Potato Salad Ingredients;- 1.5kg (3 pounds) red potatoes, washed and cut into 3cm (1.5 inch) pieces
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp whole grain mustard
- 1 Tbsp white sugar
- Freshly cracked pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (plus more for the potato water)
- 10 slices bacon
- 1 small yellow onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
German Potato Salad Method;
- Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with water.
- Bring water to a boil and simmer potatoes until fork tender.
- Drain potatoes and rinse with cold water.
Allow them to cool completely. - Cut the bacon into 2.5 cm (one inch) pieces and add them to a large skillet.
- Sauté the bacon over medium heat until brown and crispy.
Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel lined plate to drain.
Leave the remaining bacon grease in the skillet. - While the bacon is cooking, Dice the onion.
After removing the bacon, add the onion to the skillet and sauté it in the leftover bacon grease until the onions are soft and transparent. Turn the heat off. - Add the prepared dressing and whisk until the dressing is well blended with the bacon fat and it has thickened just slightly.
- Add the sliced potatoes, cooked bacon, and chopped parsley to the skillet with the dressing.
Stir to combine. - Serve immediately while the potatoes are still warm.
Mediterranean Potato Salad with Olives and Feta.
This Mediterranean-inspired potato salad is a refreshing and flavorful twist on the classic BBQ side dish. Boiled potatoes are tossed with a tangy dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then topped with crumbled feta cheese and sliced Kalamata olives. It's a perfect accompaniment to grilled fish or chicken, and the bright flavours will transport you straight to the shores of the Mediterranean.Mediterranean Potato Salad Ingredients;
- 1.5kg (3 pounds) baby new potato, skin on, washed and halved
- 1.5 red onions Julienne cut
- 2 cups cubed feta cheese
- 400 grams pitted olives
- 3 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
- 150 ml (6 tbsp) olive oil
- 150 ml (6 tbsp) apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
- 6 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1½ teaspoons dried oregano or 3 tablespoons fresh oregano
- ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper
Mediterranean Potato Salad Method;
- Add all the potatoes (no need to peel them) to a pan of water, bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked but not too soft.
Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside to cool. - Meanwhile, make the dressing by adding all dressing ingredients to a bowl and whisking to combine.
- Toss the cooled potatoes and onion with the dressing, then add the feta and olives and gently toss again.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve cold, garnished with mint.