9 Easy Potato Salad Recipes You'll Want to Serve All Year Round

These upgrades prove potato salad is no one-trick wonder.

Potato Salad Recipes, including this Garlic and Herb Potato Salad Served in a Yellow Bowl
Photo: GREG DUPREE

Potato salad is the ideal side dish, some might argue. It's simple to make ahead, full of tasty ingredients, and pairs well with almost any meat, chicken, or fish. Most commonly spotted at backyard barbecues, we offer easy potato salad recipes that beg the question, "Why don't we make potato salad throughout the year?"

Of course, there's the classic potato salad—that creamy, mayo-based version—but we present iterations made with BBQ sauce, tangy vinaigrette, spicy mustard, kimchi, and even fish sauce. Whether you're planning an outdoor party, need a make-ahead dish for a potluck, or are just craving potato salad, whip up one of these easy potato salad recipes, no matter what time of year it is.

  • When making potato salad, not all types of potatoes are created equal. Most recipes call for Yukon gold or red potatoes because they're best for holding their shape. Russets are also good because they absorb dressing well, but they tend to fall apart when cooked.
  • Start boiling your spuds in cold, heavily salted water. This step helps prevent overcooking.
01 of 09

Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Loaded-Potato-Salad

Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Carla Gonzalez Hart

This is one potato salad that eats like a meal. Red potatoes get tossed in a traditional mayo and sour cream dressing spiked with onion, chives, and onion and garlic powders. Fold in some bacon and top it all with more bacon and shredded cheese. This baby won't last long at the cookout, so scoop some onto your plate when you can!

02 of 09

BBQ Potato Salad

BBQ Potato Salad Served in a White Bowl
Jennifer Causey

Who says BBQ sauce is just for chicken and steak? Think about it: Is there a better flavor combination than potatoes, BBQ sauce, and bacon? This potato salad recipe also calls on coarse-grain mustard for a subtle kick and scallions for a touch of freshness.

03 of 09

Niçoise-Inspired Potato Salad

Nicoise-Inspired-Potato-Salad

Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Carla Gonzalez Hart

Take everyone's favorite side dish on a spin through the south of France by mashing up the potato salad and Niçoise salad. Here, fingerling potatoes get roasted and then tossed in a mustard-dill dressing with blanched green beans, olives, tomatoes, and sunny hard-boiled eggs.

04 of 09

Kimchi Potato Salad

Kimchi Potato Salad

Greg DuPree Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer Prop Stylist: Carla Gonzalez Hart

Add some punch to your potato salad with this zippy, umami-packed version of the classic. The dressing is made with mayo, gochujang (a Korean chile paste; look for it near the soy sauce), chili-garlic sauce, and lime juice. Cooked potatoes and dressing are combined with funky kimchi and then topped with scallions and sesame seeds. It's an unexpected side that will disappear fast.

05 of 09

Garlic and Herb Potato Salad

Garlic Herb Potato Salad in a yellow bowl with red speckled serving spoon.
Greg DuPree

If you're seeking a lighter potato salad, look no further. Unlike traditional recipes, this garlicky version calls for tangy vinegar, spicy mustard, and freshly chopped parsley and basil. Break out an oversized serving bowl and display this gorgeous, eight-serving herby potato salad at your next gathering.

06 of 09

Herb Potato Salad

Herb Potato Salad Served in a Green Bowl
Anna Williams

Every potato salad arsenal needs at least two basic recipes: one creamy (dressed in mayonnaise) and one acidic. This potato salad recipe is the latter. It's a deliciously mustardy, vinegary dish that adds heaps of fresh herbs—parsley, tarragon, chives, or whatever you have—plus scallions and olive oil.

07 of 09

Creamy Potato Salad With Bacon

Creamy Potato Salad With Bacon in a Small White Pot
Con Poulos

Its name says it all: This potato salad recipe packs new potatoes with mayo, sour cream, vinegar, celery, and all the fresh herbs. Oh, and besides the bacon, the best part is it only takes 30 minutes to make.

08 of 09

Sesame-Ginger Potato Salad

Sesame Ginger Potato Salad
Greg DuPree

This mayo-free recipe takes potatoes for a walk on the Asian side with a dressing that features fish sauce, soy sauce, freshly minced ginger, and zesty lime. Skin-on red baby new potatoes, sliced red cabbage, and scallions provide vibrant color. Add the optional Asian chili-garlic sauce if you like a cold potato salad with a little heat.

09 of 09

German Beet and Potato Salad

German Beet and Potato Salad in a Serving Platter with Metal Spoon, Surrounded by Glass Cups
Victor Protasio

German potato salad is undoubtedly delicious, but adding perfectly cooked golden beets makes it a dish to write home about. The cidery-mustard vinaigrette adds the perfect amount of acid, and crunchy bacon brings texture to every bite. This mayo-less potato salad is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for serving alongside chicken, sausage, or fish.

Was this page helpful?

Related Articles