Steakhouse Potato Salad is a creamy, flavorful side dish that’s perfect for barbecues, picnics, or any meal that needs a comforting yet sophisticated addition. Tender red potatoes are paired with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, tangy dill pickles, and fresh herbs, all coated in a rich, tangy dressing. This dish will surely be a hit at any gathering, and it’s easy to make, requiring just 30 minutes of prep and 1 hour of chilling time.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 lbs red potatoes, cubed

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup sour cream

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 small red onion, chopped

• 5 strips cooked bacon, crumbled

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ¼ cup chopped parsley

• ¼ cup chopped dill pickles

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional: Chives or green onions for garnish

Directions

1. Cook the Potatoes: Place the cubed red potatoes into a large pot and cover them with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain and let them cool to room temperature to prevent the dressing from becoming runny.

2. Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and creamy.

3. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled potatoes, chopped red onion, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped parsley, and chopped dill pickles to the bowl with the dressing. Stir gently to combine, being careful not to mash the potatoes.

4. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the bacon and pickles will add some salt, so taste before adding extra.

5. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the dressing to thicken.

6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chives or green onions before serving for a fresh, vibrant touch. You can also sprinkle a bit of paprika for color.

Nutrients

• Calories: 421 kcal (per serving)

• Fat: 26g

  • Saturated Fat: 6g

  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g

• Carbohydrates: 40g

  • Fiber: 4g

  • Sugar: 3g

• Protein: 7g

• Cholesterol: 25mg

• Sodium: 720mg

Why Steakhouse Potato Salad is Perfect for Any Gathering

This potato salad is not only a delicious comfort food but also a great way to elevate your traditional barbecue sides. Its creamy dressing and combination of hearty ingredients make it a satisfying dish that works as a side for steaks, burgers, grilled chicken, or even seafood. The addition of crispy bacon and sharp cheddar brings a touch of indulgence that turns a simple potato salad into something special, perfect for impressing guests at any occasion.

The beauty of Steakhouse Potato Salad also lies in its simplicity. With only a handful of ingredients, it’s a no-fuss recipe that’s easy to prepare, requiring only 30 minutes of prep time and about an hour of chilling time to allow the flavors to meld together. It’s a side dish that can be made ahead of time, freeing up your focus for other elements of your meal.

The Essential Ingredients and Their Roles

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in contributing to the overall flavor and texture of the potato salad. Let’s break down the key components:

Red Potatoes

Red potatoes are the star of this salad. Their waxy texture makes them ideal for potato salads, as they hold their shape when boiled and have a smooth, creamy texture. They are perfect for soaking up the creamy dressing while still maintaining a nice bite. Their thin skins also add a slight earthiness, making them a great complement to the tangy and savory ingredients in this dish.

Mayonnaise and Sour Cream

The combination of mayonnaise and sour cream forms the creamy base of the dressing. The mayonnaise adds richness and a smooth texture, while the sour cream brings a slight tang that balances the richness of the potatoes and bacon. Together, they create a dressing that is velvety and full of flavor without being too heavy.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Dijon Mustard

Apple cider vinegar adds a tart, acidic element to the dressing, helping to cut through the richness of the mayonnaise and sour cream. It also enhances the overall flavor of the potato salad. Dijon mustard adds a sharp, mildly spicy kick that complements the vinegar and adds a layer of complexity to the dressing.

Red Onion

Chopped red onion adds a slight bite and a mild sweetness that balances the tanginess of the vinegar and the richness of the dressing. It brings a fresh crunch to the potato salad, providing a contrast to the creaminess of the potatoes and the bacon.

Bacon

Crispy bacon is a must for this recipe. It adds a salty, smoky crunch that brings a savory element to the dish. The bacon complements the creamy potatoes and dressing, and its crispy texture provides a contrast to the softness of the potatoes. The crumbled bacon also infuses the salad with its flavor, making every bite a bit indulgent.

Cheddar Cheese

Shredded sharp cheddar cheese brings a creamy, slightly tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the richness of the potatoes and the dressing. The cheese melts into the salad just enough to add creaminess, but still provides a texture contrast that makes the dish feel hearty and satisfying.

Dill Pickles

Dill pickles are the perfect addition to this steakhouse-inspired potato salad. Their tangy, briny flavor contrasts with the creaminess of the potatoes and dressing, adding a burst of freshness to each bite. The pickles also provide a crunch that complements the soft potatoes and other ingredients, making the salad feel more dynamic.

Fresh Parsley and Optional Chives

Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a mild, herbaceous flavor that lightens the richness of the salad. For garnish, you can also use chives or green onions to add a fresh, slightly oniony flavor that enhances the overall taste.

The Simple Cooking Process

Making Steakhouse Potato Salad is straightforward, and the steps involved are quick and easy. Here’s an overview of how to make this delicious dish:

Cook the Potatoes

Start by placing the cubed red potatoes in a large pot and covering them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat and cook the potatoes for 10-15 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Be sure not to overcook the potatoes, as they should hold their shape and not become mushy. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and let them cool to room temperature to avoid the dressing becoming too runny.

Prepare the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar until the dressing is smooth and creamy. This will be the base of the flavor profile, so make sure the ingredients are well combined.

Combine the Ingredients

Add the cooled potatoes, chopped red onion, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped parsley, and chopped dill pickles to the bowl with the dressing. Gently stir everything together, being careful not to mash the potatoes. The goal is to coat the ingredients with the creamy dressing without breaking up the potatoes.

Season the Salad

Taste the potato salad and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Remember that the bacon and pickles will add some salt, so taste before adding extra. If you prefer a bit more tang, you can add more vinegar or mustard.

Chill the Salad

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together. The chilling process also helps the dressing thicken and become more cohesive, making the salad even more delicious.

Garnish and Serve

Once chilled, garnish the potato salad with chives or green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor. You can also sprinkle a little paprika on top for added color and flavor. Serve the potato salad chilled as a side dish to your favorite main courses.

Serving Suggestions

Steakhouse Potato Salad pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, making it an excellent choice for barbecues, picnics, or casual meals. Here are a few ideas for what to serve it with:

• Grilled Steaks or Burgers: The rich, creamy texture of the potato salad complements grilled meats beautifully. Serve it alongside steaks, burgers, or grilled chicken for a complete meal.

• BBQ Ribs or Pulled Pork: The smoky flavor of BBQ ribs or pulled pork pairs wonderfully with the tangy and creamy potato salad, creating a balanced, satisfying meal.

• Grilled Vegetables: For a lighter option, serve the potato salad with grilled vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers.

Conclusion

Steakhouse Potato Salad is a crowd-pleasing side dish that brings together the comforting flavors of tender red potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and tangy pickles—all in a rich, creamy dressing. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or preparing a special meal for family and friends, this potato salad is sure to be a hit. Its balanced flavor, creamy texture, and satisfying ingredients make it a versatile and indulgent addition to any meal. With just a little prep time and a bit of chilling, you can enjoy this delicious side dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated.