Our ultimate guide will take you through all the different types of potato salads, as well as tips on how to make them ahead of time, store them correctly, and even jazz them up with fun toppings.
So fire up that grill and get ready for some seriously tasty taters!
What kind of potatoes to use?
There are many different types of potatoes that can be used for potato salad. The most common type of potato is the Idaho potato.
However, other popular types of potatoes include red potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes, and Russet potatoes. Each type of potato has its own unique flavor and texture, so it is important to choose the right type of potato for your salad.
If you want a classic potato salad, then the best choice is to use Idaho potatoes. These potatoes are large and have a firm texture. They also have a mild flavor that pairs well with other ingredients in a salad.
Red potatoes are another good choice for potato salad. They are smaller than Idaho potatoes and have a slightly sweeter flavor. Red potatoes also have a softer texture, which can make them easier to mash or cut into small pieces.
Yukon Gold potatoes are similar to red potatoes in terms of size and sweetness. However, they have a more golden color and a creamier texture. Yukon Golds are also less starchy than other types of potatoes, so they tend to hold their shape better when cooked.
Russet potatoes are the largest type of potato and have a very dense texture. They also have a strong flavor that some people find to be too overpowering for a salad. If you do choose to use Russet potatoes, then you may want to cut them into smaller pieces or mash them before adding them to the salad.
How much potato salad per person?
When it comes to serving potato salad at your next BBQ, the general rule of thumb is one pound of potatoes per person. However, this can vary depending on the size and appetite of your guests.
If you have a large group of people, you may want to make a bit more just to be safe.
If you’re not sure how much potato salad to make, a good rule of thumb is one pound of potatoes per person. This should be enough to satisfy most appetites, but if you have a large group of people, you may want to make a bit more just to be safe.
And if you have any leftovers, they’ll keep in the fridge for up to a week.
Tips for making the perfect potato salad
When it comes to potato salad, there are a few key things to keep in mind in order to make the perfect dish.
- Start with good quality potatoes. Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are best. Avoid using waxy varieties like Red Bliss, as they won’t hold up as well during cooking.
- Cut the potatoes into even-sized pieces so they cook evenly. No one wants to bite into a hard, undercooked potato or a mushy, overcooked one.
- Season the potatoes generously with salt and pepper before cooking them. This will help bring out their flavor.
- Use mayonnaise or a mixture of mayonnaise and sour cream for the dressing. Avoid using Miracle Whip or other similar products, as they can make the salad too sweet.
- Add in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor.
- Stir everything gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix, or you’ll end up with a mashed potato salad instead!
Follow these tips and you’ll be sure to have the perfect potato salad for your next BBQ!
Recipes for classic and creative versions of potato salads
Potato salad is a classic dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you’re looking for a traditional potato salad recipe or something more creative, we’ve got you covered.
For a classic potato salad, start with boiled potatoes and add your favorite mix-ins like chopped celery, onions, hard-boiled eggs, and pickles. Then, dress it up with a mayonnaise or mustard-based dressing.
If you’re looking for something more creative, try adding unexpected ingredients like bacon, avocado, grilled corn, or even fruits and nuts.
Get creative with your dressings too – try using a vinaigrette or yogurt-based dressing instead of mayo.
Serving suggestions
Assuming you have already cooked your potatoes, start by chopping them into small, bite-size pieces. You don’t want anyone at your party struggling to fit a big potato chunk onto their fork!
Next, add in some chopped onion and celery for crunch and flavor. Now it’s time to mix in your desired dressing. Mayonnaise is the most popular option for potato salad, but you could also use Miracle Whip, olive oil, or even just plain old vinegar.
Once everything is mixed together, taste it and see if it needs more of anything. Add salt and pepper to taste. If the salad seems a bit dry, you can add a little more dressing.
Now put the salad in the fridge to let the flavors meld together for at least an hour before serving.
When it’s time to eat, serve the potato salad cold or at room temperature. It’s best served on a plate or in a bowl, not straight out of the container it was mixed in.
Garnish with some fresh parsley or chives if you’re feeling fancy!
Nutritional information
Your potato salad is only as good as the quality of the ingredients you use. That’s why, when it comes to making this classic dish, we only use the freshest, most flavorful potatoes, eggs, and herbs.
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for our Ultimate Potato Salad:
- 1 serving = 1/2 cup (120g)
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 310mg
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Vitamin A: 4% Vitamin C: 15% Calcium: 2% Iron: 6%
FAQs
Does potato salad have to cool before refrigerating?
After the potatoes have been cooked and mayonnaise has been added, the mixture must “cool to 70° F in 2 hours or less and then to 41° F in 4 hours or less” to be ready.
Notably, we advise disposing of the potato salad if maintained at a temperature above 41°F for more than two hours.
Is potato salad better fresh or next day?
Yes, potato salad improves when kept in the refrigerator overnight. It becomes more tasty as the flavors blend and the potatoes take in more of the spice or dressing.
What makes potato salad go bad?
Temperature and timing are frequently two factors that can go wrong at your picnic. Bacteria are invited when food is left in the temperature risk zone for longer than two hours, even salad.
This period is reduced to one hour if the temperature is higher than 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Conclusion
With these tips, you are now ready to whip up a delicious potato salad for your next BBQ. From the type of potatoes and dressing to the right ratio of ingredients, this guide has given you all that you need to make a perfect side dish.
Potato salad is always sure to be a hit at any summer gathering, so why not try out some of these recipes? Your guests will thank you for it!
