Steakhouse Potato Salad Recipe

 

If you’re craving a potato salad that feels like the star side dish at your favorite steakhouse, then you’re in for a real treat with this Steakhouse Potato Salad. Packed with tender red potatoes, crispy bacon, tangy pickles, and a creamy, zesty dressing, this salad strikes the perfect balance between hearty and refreshing. It’s a wonderfully comforting dish that brings a splash of bold flavor and savory goodness to any meal, whether it’s a casual cookout or a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this Steakhouse Potato Salad just right comes down to using simple, everyday ingredients that each bring their own magic to the table. From creamy mayonnaise to crisp bacon bits, every component plays a crucial role in making each bite irresistibly delicious and colorful.

• 2 lbs red potatoes: Their waxy texture holds up perfectly when boiled, keeping the salad nice and chunky.
• ½ cup mayonnaise: Adds creamy richness that melds all the flavors together smoothly.
• ¼ cup sour cream: Brings a slight tang and extra creaminess that brightens the dressing.
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar: Introduces a subtle acidity that balances the richness.
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard: Provides a gentle kick and depth to the dressing’s flavor.
• 1 small red onion, chopped: Offers a mild sharpness and crunch for texture contrast.
• 5 strips cooked bacon, crumbled: Adds irresistible smokiness and a crispy bite.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts slightly into the salad, contributing a nutty creaminess.
• ¼ cup chopped parsley: Gives a fresh, herbal lift and pretty green flecks throughout.
• ¼ cup chopped dill pickles: Brings tangy, crunchy bursts that elevate every mouthful.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
• Optional: chives or green onions: Sprinkle on top for a gentle oniony garnish and vibrant color.

How to Make Steakhouse Potato Salad

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

Start by placing the cubed red potatoes into a large pot and covering them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then cook the potatoes for 10 to 15 minutes until they’re fork-tender. A fork should slide in easily without the potatoes falling apart. Once cooked, drain the potatoes in a colander and let them cool to room temperature. This cooling step helps keep the salad creamy by preventing the dressing from becoming watery.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

While the potatoes cool, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a large bowl. Whisk these together until silky smooth and evenly blended. For an ultra-smooth finish, you can use a hand mixer, but a sturdy whisk does the job wonderfully. This creamy, tangy dressing is the heartbeat of the Steakhouse Potato Salad’s flavor profile.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

With the potatoes nicely cooled, add them into the bowl with the creamy dressing. Toss in the chopped red onion, crumbled crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, fresh parsley, and chopped dill pickles. Gently stir everything together, taking care not to mash the potatoes—you want each chunk to keep its shape and texture. This mix of flavors and textures is what really makes this salad sing.

Step 4: Season to Taste

Now comes the seasoning moment. Sprinkle in salt and black pepper, tasting as you go. The bacon and dill pickles already bring some saltiness, so be cautious to avoid over-salting. Adjust the seasonings to your liking until all the flavors strike that perfect harmony you’re looking for in your Steakhouse Potato Salad.

Step 5: Chill

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. This chilling phase is critical because it lets the flavors meld beautifully and allows the dressing to thicken just slightly. The Steakhouse Potato Salad tastes even better after it has had some time to relax and develop.

How to Serve Steakhouse Potato Salad

Garnishes

Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped chives or green onions over the top. These garnishes add a wonderful pop of color and a subtle oniony freshness that complements the salad’s smoky and tangy flavors. Plus, they make for a beautiful presentation that will impress your guests!

Side Dishes

This Steakhouse Potato Salad is perfect alongside a juicy grilled steak or barbecue ribs, making it a classic steakhouse pairing. It also pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even as a hearty addition to a picnic spread. Its creamy, smoky notes elevate almost any hearty main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this salad in individual mason jars or small bowls at a party for easy handling and charming presentation. Layer the salad with extra bacon crumbles and cheese on top for a tempting, layered look. You can also spoon it onto toasted baguette slices for a delightful appetizer that feels fancy yet approachable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Steakhouse Potato Salad keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop even after resting, making it taste just as good, if not better, the next day. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again.

Freezing

Because of the creamy dressing with mayonnaise and sour cream, freezing Steakhouse Potato Salad is not recommended. Freezing would cause the texture to become watery and the dressing to separate, compromising the delicious creaminess you want to enjoy.

Reheating

This potato salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If you prefer, you can bring it to room temperature by letting it sit out for 20 to 30 minutes before serving, but avoid warming it up, as that will affect the textures and flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato for this salad?

Absolutely! While red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well, Yukon gold potatoes are another great option for a creamy, buttery texture. Just avoid starchy potatoes like russets, which tend to break down too much.

Is it possible to make this salad dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the mayonnaise with a dairy-free version and use a non-dairy sour cream alternative. Keep in mind that this will slightly change the flavor, but it will still be delicious and creamy.

What is the best way to cook the potatoes?

Boiling them until just fork-tender is key to keeping the potato chunks intact and the salad texture perfect. Avoid overcooking to prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy in your Steakhouse Potato Salad.

Can this salad be prepared the day before?

Definitely! The flavors actually intensify and develop more depth when the salad is made ahead and chilled overnight. Just be sure to stir gently before serving to recombine any dressing that settles.

How can I add extra crunch to the salad?

Aside from the crispy bacon and pickles, adding finely chopped celery or radishes would bring a fresh, crisp bite that complements the creamy texture beautifully.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a potato salad recipe that truly feels like a steakhouse favorite brought straight to your kitchen, give this Steakhouse Potato Salad a try. Its rich, layered flavors and satisfying textures make it a standout side that everyone will ask for again and again. Once you make it, you’ll discover why this recipe is one of my absolute favorites to share with friends and family — it’s just that good.

 

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