Steakhouse Potato Salad Recipe

If you’re craving a potato salad that feels like it just stepped out of your favorite neighborhood steakhouse, then you have to try this Steakhouse Potato Salad. It’s the perfect harmony of creamy, tangy, and smoky flavors wrapped up with tender red potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and a little zing from fresh herbs and pickles. Whether you’re grilling up steaks or just want a hearty side that steals the show, this salad brings that classic steakhouse charm right to your table. Get ready for a dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple but impactful ingredients is the secret behind this Steakhouse Potato Salad’s deliciosa flavor. Each one plays a special role in creating a balance of creaminess, texture, and bright notes that keep every bite exciting.

• Red potatoes: Their waxy texture holds up beautifully without falling apart, perfect for a hearty salad.
• Mayonnaise: Brings creamy richness that forms the base of our dressing.
• Sour cream: Adds tang and smoothness to the dressing, cutting the richness just right.
• Apple cider vinegar: Injects a subtle acidity that refreshes and balances flavors.
• Dijon mustard: Offers a gentle bite, boosting the dressing’s depth.
• Red onion: Chopped finely for a little crunch and mild peppery sweetness.
• Bacon strips: Crispy and crumbled to add smoky, savory goodness.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts slightly into the salad, providing gooey, sharp flavor.
• Fresh parsley: A burst of herbaceous brightness and color.
• Dill pickles: Bring a tangy crunch that livens things up.
• Salt and pepper: To season perfectly, enhancing all the other flavors.
• Optional chives or green onions: For an extra fresh garnish and mild oniony pop.

How to Make Steakhouse Potato Salad

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

Start by placing the cubed red potatoes into a large pot filled with cold water. Bringing the water to a gentle boil over medium-high heat ensures even cooking. Make sure the potatoes become fork-tender but not mushy; this will take about 10 to 15 minutes. When you can easily pierce them with a fork, they’re ready to drain and cool. Cooling them to room temperature is key because it prevents the dressing from getting runny and helps the salad maintain that perfect creamy texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

While the potatoes are cooling, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a large bowl. Whisk everything together until you get a silky, well-blended dressing. If you want an ultra-smooth texture, a quick pulse with a hand mixer can work wonders. This dressing is what brings the luscious, tangy backbone to your Steakhouse Potato Salad.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Once the potatoes are cool, add them to the dressing along with the chopped red onion, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, parsley, and diced dill pickles. Stir gently to combine, being careful not to mash the potatoes—you want each cube to hold its shape and give you that delightful bite. This step brings all the flavors and textures together so every forkful matches the classic steakhouse experience.

Step 4: Season to Taste

Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper, but remember that with bacon and pickles already in play, you should taste before adding too much salt. Adjust the seasoning so the salad strikes a perfect balance—every ingredient should shine without overpowering the others.

Step 5: Chill

Cover your bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld into one harmonious bite and also thickens the dressing slightly. This resting period is like the magic touch that transforms the salad into that unforgettable Steakhouse Potato Salad you’ll want to revisit time and time again.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle chopped chives or sliced green onions on top for a fresh, vibrant note. For a pop of color, a dusting of paprika is a lovely finishing touch. These simple garnishes elevate the dish and make it look just as good as it tastes.

How to Serve Steakhouse Potato Salad

Garnishes

Enhance your Steakhouse Potato Salad with vibrant garnishes like freshly chopped chives, sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of sweet paprika for color contrast. These small touches brighten up the bowl and introduce subtle layers of flavor that invite you to dig in.

Side Dishes

This potato salad pairs beautifully with grilled steaks, juicy burgers, or smoky barbecue ribs, making it a versatile side for any meat-centric meal. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables, corn on the cob, or freshly baked dinner rolls to round out a comforting feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress at your next gathering? Present your Steakhouse Potato Salad in individual glass jars for an elegant picnic style or spoon it into mini lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld appetizer. Alternatively, layering it on a platter surrounded by fresh herbs and crispy bacon offers a stunning buffet centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Steakhouse Potato Salad in an airtight container and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days, making it a convenient option for meal prep or a quick side for the next day’s dinner.

Freezing

Because of the creamy mayonnaise and dairy in the dressing, freezing this potato salad isn’t recommended as the texture may break down and become watery upon thawing. For the best experience, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

Steakhouse Potato Salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so refrain from reheating. If you prefer it slightly less cold, simply let it sit out for about 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off and intensify the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use different potatoes for this salad?

Absolutely! While red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well, you can use Yukon Gold for a creamier texture or fingerlings for a more rustic look. Just be sure to avoid starchy potatoes like Russets, as they can become too mushy.

Is it possible to make this salad dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative or additional mayonnaise. Just keep in mind this will alter the tang slightly, so you might want to adjust the apple cider vinegar to taste.

How far ahead can I prepare this salad?

This salad can be prepared up to a day in advance. In fact, chilling it overnight enhances the flavors even more. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to refresh the ingredients.

Can I add hard-boiled eggs to the salad?

Definitely! Hard-boiled eggs can be a lovely addition, bringing extra creaminess and protein. Chop them finely and fold them in gently along with the other mix-ins.

What makes this salad different from classic potato salad?

The Steakhouse Potato Salad stands out because of its rich cheddar cheese, smoky bacon, tangy dill pickles, and fresh herbs, all combined in a creamy dressing with a bit of mustard and vinegar kick. It’s heartier and packed with more complex flavors than your traditional mayo-based salad.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so satisfying about a well-made Steakhouse Potato Salad that captures all those comforting, bold flavors you expect from a steakhouse side dish. It’s easy to prepare, makes a fantastic companion to your grilled favorites, and will quickly become a beloved staple at your table. So don’t wait—grab those red potatoes and get mixing, because this salad is waiting to impress your family and friends!

Print