There’s something incredibly satisfying about the creamy, rich flavors of a well-made Steakhouse Potato Salad that can transport you straight to your favorite diner or backyard BBQ. Picture this: tender russet potatoes mingling with crispy bacon and fresh chives, all enveloped in a velvety dressing that’s the perfect balance of tangy and savory. This dish isn’t just a side; it’s a memory-maker, ideal for potlucks and summer gatherings, or as a comforting companion to your weeknight dinners.
What I love most about this creamy masterpiece is its versatility. Whether you prefer the classic mayo-based version or are intrigued by a lighter, mayo-free twist, this recipe caters to all palates. So, let’s dive in and create a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends while making your cooking experience enjoyable and stress-free!
Why is Steakhouse Potato Salad a must-try?
Creaminess at its finest: This dish boasts a velvety, mayo-based dressing that brings comfort with every bite.
Crispy Bacon goodness: The addition of crunchy bacon elevates this salad from ordinary to extraordinary.
Customizable to your tastes: With ideas for a mayo-free version and deviled egg variation, everyone can enjoy their own twist.
Perfect for gatherings: A crowd-pleaser that’s great for BBQs, potlucks, or just a cozy dinner at home.
Quick and easy: With simple prep and letting it chill, this recipe is a breeze, leaving you time to relax and enjoy!
Steakhouse Potato Salad Ingredients
• Unleash the flavors of your Steakhouse Potato Salad with these essential ingredients!
For the Salad
- Russet Potatoes – The foundation of this salad, providing a creamy texture; substitutes like Yukon Gold can offer a unique twist.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs – Adds richness and protein; ensure they are fully cooked for the best flavor.
- Celery – Adds a satisfying crunch and freshness; finely diced for even distribution throughout the dish.
- Red Onion – Delivers a sharp bite that complements the creaminess; green onions can be used for a milder taste.
- Cooked Bacon – Introduces savory depth and delightful crunch; skip it for a vegetarian option if desired.
- Fresh Chives – Brightens the salad with their vibrant flavor; green onions can be a great alternative.
For the Dressing
- Mayonnaise – The primary base for creaminess; feel free to reduce it for a lighter Steakhouse Potato Salad.
- Sour Cream – Enhances the creamy texture while adding a tangy kick; Greek yogurt is a healthier substitute.
- Dijon Mustard – Infuses the salad with a touch of sharpness; omit if you prefer a smoother flavor.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Balances the richness with a splash of acidity; white wine vinegar is a suitable alternative.
- Seasonings (salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika) – Elevate the overall flavor profile; customize the amounts to your preference.
How to Make Steakhouse Potato Salad
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Cook the Potatoes: Begin by placing 2 lbs of cubed russet potatoes in a large pot filled with salted water. Bring it to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain and let them cool completely.
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Make the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup of mayonnaise, ½ cup of sour cream, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and a sprinkle of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until smooth and creamy.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently fold the cooled potatoes, 2 chopped hard-boiled eggs, ½ cup of finely diced celery, ¼ cup of diced red onion, 4-6 strips of crumbled cooked bacon, and ¼ cup of chopped fresh chives together until well combined.
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Dress & Chill: Pour the creamy dressing over the potato mixture, folding gently to ensure everything is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Optional: Garnish with extra chives or a sprinkle of paprika before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Steakhouse Potato Salad Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Steakhouse Potato Salad and adjust it to delight your taste buds!
- Mayo-Free: Swap out mayonnaise entirely and use a mix of Greek yogurt and mustard for a tangy twist.
- Deviled Egg Style: Add mashed egg yolks into the dressing for a creamier, deviled egg flavor sensation that everyone will love.
- Dill Pickle Punch: Incorporate diced dill pickles or relish for a zesty kick that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess.
- Bacon Lovers: Add more crispy bacon bits or try smoked bacon for a deeper, smoky flavor that makes every bite irresistible.
- Heat It Up: Mix in a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes if you’re craving a spicy kick that’ll tantalize your taste buds.
- Vegan Delight: Replace mayonnaise and sour cream with avocado and tahini for creamy goodness without any animal products.
- Sweet Surprise: Toss in a tablespoon or two of sweet relish or diced apples for a touch of sweetness that balances the savory richness.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a fresh and fragrant twist that brightens the dish.
How to Store and Freeze Steakhouse Potato Salad
Fridge: Keep your Steakhouse Potato Salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This locks in the creaminess and prevents any odors from mingling.
Freezer: While not recommended for freezing due to the mayonnaise and sour cream, if needed, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: If you’ve frozen the salad, gently reheat by letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before eating, then give it a good stir to restore its creamy texture.
Freshness Tip: Adding fresh chives or a sprinkle of paprika just before serving enhances the presentation and flavor, making your Steakhouse Potato Salad delightful again!
Expert Tips for Steakhouse Potato Salad
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Chill Time Matters: Allow your salad to chill for at least 1 hour to really enhance the flavors. This makes for a tastier Steakhouse Potato Salad.
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Potato Preparation: Let the boiled potatoes cool completely before adding the dressing. This prevents the dressing from becoming too runny.
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Bacon Boost: Consider adding an extra slice or two of crispy bacon for an even richer flavor profile. Trust me, it elevates the dish!
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Fresh Herbs: Use fresh chives for a brighter, more lively taste. They really make this creamy salad pop without overpowering the other flavors.
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Gentle Mixing: Stir gently when combining ingredients to maintain the potato shape. You want a creamy mix, not mashed potatoes!
Make Ahead Options
Making your Steakhouse Potato Salad ahead of time is a fantastic way to save precious minutes during busy weeknights or when hosting gatherings! You can prepare and combine the salad ingredients up to 24 hours in advance, keeping everything in the refrigerator. Simply cook the potatoes, cool them, and mix with the chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced celery, red onion, crumbled bacon, and chives, but retain the dressing until you’re ready to serve to maintain that fresh, creamy consistency. When it’s time to enjoy, pour the dressing over the mixture, fold gently, and you’re all set for restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Plus, this salad gets even better as it chills, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully!
What to Serve with Steakhouse Potato Salad?
Looking to enhance your dining experience? Here are some delicious pairings that will elevate your Steakhouse Potato Salad to new heights.
- Grilled Steaks: The rich, juicy flavors of steak perfectly complement the creamy potato salad, creating a classic steakhouse meal.
- BBQ Chicken: Smoky, tender chicken provides a delightful contrast to the cool, creamy potato salad, making each bite a celebration of flavors.
- Corn on the Cob: Fresh, sweet corn offers a crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with the salad’s creaminess—perfect for summer barbecues!
Nothing beats a cozy gathering filled with laughter and good food. Imagine the succulent aroma of grilled meats mingling with the comforting scent of your creamy potato salad and fresh corn.
- Coleslaw: The tangy crunch of coleslaw adds brightness to your meal, balancing the richness of the potato salad beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables: Rich in flavor and texture, roasted vegetables provide a lovely depth, bringing a comforting warmth to the table.
- Chardonnay: A chilled glass of Chardonnay enhances the meal’s richness and complements the creamy dressing while keeping everything refreshing.
- Classic Apple Pie: End your feast on a comforting note with warm apple pie, contrasting the savory elements with its sweet, spiced goodness.
- Garlic Bread: The crusty, buttery goodness of garlic bread serves as a satisfying side, creating a wonderful complement to the creamy potato salad.
With these delightful pairings, your Steakhouse Potato Salad will shine as the star of any meal. Enjoy crafting your culinary masterpiece!
Steakhouse Potato Salad Recipe FAQs
What type of potatoes are best for Steakhouse Potato Salad?
For the best texture and creaminess, I recommend using russet potatoes. However, Yukon Gold or red potatoes can also be excellent substitutes, offering a slightly different flavor profile and texture.
How should I store leftover Steakhouse Potato Salad?
Store your Steakhouse Potato Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its creaminess and prevents any unwanted odors from mixing with other foods.
Can I freeze Steakhouse Potato Salad?
Freezing isn’t recommended due to the mayonnaise and sour cream, which can separate upon thawing. However, if you must, place it in a freezer-safe container and it should last up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and stir gently to restore some creaminess.
What are some common troubleshooting tips for making Steakhouse Potato Salad?
If your dressing is too runny, it might be due to warm potatoes. Make sure to let your potatoes cool completely before mixing in the dressing. If your salad seems bland, add a pinch more salt, or a splash of vinegar for a flavor boost. If you prefer a richer taste, crumbling a bit of extra bacon into the salad can help.
Is Steakhouse Potato Salad suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Yes! This dish is versatile. For a mayo-free version, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Additionally, omitting the bacon makes it vegetarian-friendly, and you can easily add diced dill pickles for extra flavor without any meat. Always ensure ingredients are tailored to any specific allergies.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
Chilling is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Aim for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator. That way, you’ll ensure a deliciously creamy Steakhouse Potato Salad that your guests will love!
Savory Steakhouse Potato Salad with Crispy Bacon Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the Potatoes: In a large pot filled with salted water, boil 2 lbs of cubed russet potatoes for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and cool completely.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and seasonings until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, fold together cooled potatoes, 2 chopped hard-boiled eggs, ½ cup diced celery, ¼ cup diced red onion, 4-6 strips crumbled bacon, and ¼ cup chopped chives.
- Dress & Chill: Pour dressing over potato mixture and fold gently. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Optional: Garnish with extra chives or paprika before serving.