Growing up, Steakhouse Potato Salad was a summer staple in our household. My mom would make giant batches of it for every backyard barbecue and family gathering, and it was always the first thing to disappear from the buffet table. There was just something so irresistible about that perfect blend of tender potatoes, crisp veggies, and a rich, creamy dressing – it was like taking a bite of a steakhouse experience in every forkful.
I can still remember the way the kitchen would smell as the potatoes simmered on the stove, or the satisfying crunch when you’d hit a nugget of crunchy bacon in the salad. And the best part? My mom’s recipe was so simple, yet utterly delicious. It’s the kind of dish that always brings back those warm, nostalgic feelings of summer days spent with loved ones.
That’s why I’m so excited to share this Steakhouse Potato Salad recipe with you today. It’s the same beloved version I grew up with, but with a few expert tips and tricks to make it even better. Trust me, once you try this Steakhouse Potato Salad, it’s going to become your go-to summer side dish.
Why This Steakhouse Potato Salad Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Steakhouse Potato Salad
The key to making this Steakhouse Potato Salad truly stand out is all in the details. We’re not just talking about boiling some potatoes and mixing in a few ingredients – no, this recipe takes it to the next level with some special techniques that unlock maximum flavor and texture.
For starters, we’re using a blend of Yukon Gold and red potatoes, which gives you the perfect combination of creamy and firm. Then, we’re cooking the potatoes in a flavorful broth infused with aromatics like garlic, onion, and celery. This ensures the potatoes soak up all that delicious steakhouse-inspired seasoning.
But the real secret weapon? The creamy dressing. Rather than a basic mayo-based dressing, we’re making a rich, tangy sauce that’s spiked with Dijon mustard, vinegar, and just the right amount of sugar to balance it all out. It’s the kind of dressing that makes you want to keep going back for more.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Yukon Gold potatoes: These creamy, buttery potatoes hold their shape beautifully when cooked.
- Red potatoes: The perfect complement to the Yukon Golds, adding a nice firm texture.
- Hard-boiled eggs: For that classic steakhouse potato salad flavor and creaminess.
- Crispy bacon: The salty, smoky crunch is simply irresistible.
- Diced onion, celery, and bell pepper: These fresh veggies add a lovely crunch and sweet flavor.
- Mayonnaise: The base of our creamy dressing.
- Dijon mustard: Provides a tangy punch that balances the richness.
- Apple cider vinegar: Brightens up the dressing and adds a subtle tang.
- Sugar: Just a touch to round out the flavors.
- Salt and pepper: To season the salad to perfection.
Step-by-Step Steakhouse Potato Salad Instructions
Preparing Your Steakhouse Potato Salad
This Steakhouse Potato Salad is surprisingly easy to make, with just a handful of simple steps. The total prep and cook time comes out to around 1 hour, and you’ll need a large pot, a bowl for mixing, and a few other basic kitchen tools. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be whipping up batches of this crowd-pleasing side dish all summer long.
1- Start by cutting the potatoes into 1-inch cubes and placing them in a large pot. Cover with a flavorful broth made by simmering onion, celery, garlic, and a bit of salt and pepper.
2- Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the potatoes simmer until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.
3- While the potatoes are cooling, hard-boil the eggs and let them cool as well. Peel and dice the eggs.
4- In a large bowl, combine the cooked, cubed potatoes with the diced eggs, crumbled bacon, onion, celery, and bell pepper. Toss gently to mix.
5- Make the creamy dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
6- Pour the dressing over the potato mixture and stir gently until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to nailing this Steakhouse Potato Salad is all about attention to detail. Here are a few pro tips to ensure your salad turns out perfectly:
- Don’t overcook the potatoes – you want them tender but still holding their shape.
- For the best texture, let the potatoes cool slightly before adding the other ingredients.
- Be gentle when mixing the salad to prevent the potatoes from getting too smashed.
- Taste the dressing before adding it and adjust the flavors to your liking.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Serving and Storing Your Steakhouse Potato Salad
Perfect Pairings for Steakhouse Potato Salad
This Steakhouse Potato Salad is the ultimate summer side dish, pairing perfectly with all your favorite grilled meats, burgers, and hot dogs. It’s also a fantastic addition to potlucks, picnics, and backyard barbecues.
For a classic steakhouse-inspired meal, serve the Steakhouse Potato Salad alongside grilled steak, roasted chicken, or juicy burgers. It also makes a great accompaniment to barbecue ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, or a hearty hot dog spread.
And don’t forget the drinks! This potato salad pairs beautifully with refreshing lemonade, iced tea, or even an ice-cold beer. It’s the perfect way to beat the heat on a summer day.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this Steakhouse Potato Salad is that it’s so easy to make ahead of time. In fact, I’d recommend making it a day in advance to allow the flavors to really come together.
To store, simply transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to serve, give it a gentle stir and you’re good to go. The salad also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Steakhouse Potato Salad
Creative Steakhouse Potato Salad Variations
While this classic Steakhouse Potato Salad is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to mix things up and put your own spin on it. Try adding diced dill pickles or fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives. For a little zing, stir in some finely chopped red onion or a dash of hot sauce.
You can also swap out the bacon for crispy prosciutto or pancetta, or try using Greek yogurt in place of some of the mayo for a tangier, lighter dressing. And in the summertime, consider adding in some fresh, seasonal veggies like cherry tomatoes, grilled corn, or roasted asparagus.
Making Steakhouse Potato Salad Diet-Friendly
To make this Steakhouse Potato Salad a bit more diet-friendly, there are a few easy swaps you can try:
- Use low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the dressing.
- Omit the bacon or swap it for a plant-based “bacon” alternative.
- Reduce the sugar in the dressing or use a sugar substitute.
- Incorporate more veggies like celery, bell peppers, and onions.
- Serve the salad over a bed of mixed greens for added nutrients.
These simple tweaks can help lighten up the dish without sacrificing any of the delicious, steakhouse-inspired flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of potato besides Yukon Gold and red?
A: You can certainly experiment with other potato varieties, but Yukon Gold and red potatoes work best for this Steakhouse Potato Salad recipe. They hold their shape nicely after cooking and provide a great contrast in texture.
Q: How long does the potato salad need to chill before serving?
A: I recommend chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving, but you can make it up to a day in advance. The flavors will continue to meld and the texture will be even better the next day.
Q: Can I make this Steakhouse Potato Salad vegan?
A: Absolutely! To make a vegan version, simply swap out the mayonnaise for a plant-based mayo alternative, omit the hard-boiled eggs, and use a vegan “bacon” substitute.
Q: How many people does this recipe serve?
A: This Steakhouse Potato Salad recipe makes enough to serve 6-8 people as a side dish. If you’re serving it as part of a larger spread, it can easily feed 10-12 people.
Q: What should I do if the salad seems too dry?
A: If your Steakhouse Potato Salad appears a bit dry, simply add a bit more of the creamy dressing and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Start with a tablespoon or two and mix well before adding more.
Steakhouse Potato Salad
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of this Steakhouse Potato Salad! Loaded with tender potatoes, crisp bacon, and a tantalizing dressing, it’s the perfect companion for all your barbecues and gatherings.
Ingredients
– 3 lbs red potatoes, cubed
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
– 1/4 cup chopped chives
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and cook until fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes.
2. – Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.
3. – In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until well blended.
4. – Add the cooked potatoes, crumbled bacon, chopped chives, and paprika. Gently fold everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated.
5. – Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. – Refrigerate the Steakhouse Potato Salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
For a creamier texture, add an extra 1/4 cup of mayonnaise. You can also customize the salad by adding diced celery, hard-boiled eggs, or diced onions.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s just something so deliciously comforting about a big, creamy bowl of Steakhouse Potato Salad, don’t you think? The tender potatoes, the crunchy veggies, that tangy-sweet dressing – it’s the perfect summer side dish that’s sure to have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
I hope this recipe has inspired you to whip up your own batch of this steakhouse-inspired masterpiece. Trust me, once you try it, it’s going to become a new go-to in your recipe repertoire. So grab those potatoes, get cooking, and get ready to enjoy the taste of summer perfection. Bon appétit!
