10 Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Potato Salad

Potato salad is a classic summer dish, and for good reason. It’s easy to make, it’s versatile, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. But what goes well with potato salad?

There are a few different ways to approach this question. You can think about what flavors go well with potato salad, or you can think about what textures go well with it. Or, you can combine the two and think about foods that have both complementary flavors and textures.

In this article, we’ll explore all of these different factors to help you create the perfect side dish for your next summer barbecue. We’ll start by looking at some of the most popular ingredients in potato salad, and then we’ll discuss some of the different ways to pair them with other foods. By the end of this article, you’ll be an expert on what goes well with potato salad!

| What Goes Well With Potato Salad? | Ingredient | Description |
|—|—|—|
| Meat | Bacon, ham, sausage, pulled pork | Adds protein and flavor |
| Vegetables | Cucumber, radishes, celery, onions, tomatoes | Adds freshness and crunch |
| Dressings | Vinaigrette, mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch dressing | Adds flavor and moisture |

Potato salad is a classic American dish that is often served as a side dish at picnics, barbecues, and other summer gatherings. It is made with boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, eggs, onions, celery, and other vegetables. There are many different variations of potato salad, but the basic ingredients remain the same.

Potato salad is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of main dishes. It is also a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins.

Main Ingredients of Potato Salad

The main ingredients of potato salad are potatoes, mayonnaise, eggs, onions, celery, and cucumbers. Other vegetables that can be added to potato salad include pickles, peppers, cheese, bacon, nuts, herbs, and spices.

Potatoes

Potatoes are the main ingredient in potato salad. They are boiled until tender and then mashed or diced. The type of potato used in potato salad can vary depending on personal preference. Some people prefer to use waxy potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes, while others prefer to use starchy potatoes, such as Russet or Idaho potatoes.

Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is the main dressing used in potato salad. It is a thick, creamy sauce made from oil, eggs, and vinegar. Mayonnaise helps to bind the ingredients together and gives potato salad its signature flavor.

Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs are a common addition to potato salad. They add protein and texture to the dish. Eggs can be chopped or sliced and added to potato salad just before serving.

Onions

Yellow onions are a traditional ingredient in potato salad. They add flavor and crunch to the dish. Onions can be diced or sliced and added to potato salad just before serving.

Celery

Celery is another traditional ingredient in potato salad. It adds flavor, texture, and crunch to the dish. Celery can be diced or sliced and added to potato salad just before serving.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are a refreshing addition to potato salad. They add flavor, texture, and crunch to the dish. Cucumbers can be diced or sliced and added to potato salad just before serving.

Pickles

Pickles are a tangy addition to potato salad. They add flavor and acidity to the dish. Pickles can be chopped or sliced and added to potato salad just before serving.

Peppers

Peppers are a colorful and flavorful addition to potato salad. They add sweetness, heat, and crunch to the dish. Peppers can be chopped or sliced and added to potato salad just before serving.

Cheese

Cheese is a creamy and flavorful addition to potato salad. It adds richness and tang to the dish. Cheese can be grated or crumbled and added to potato salad just before serving.

Bacon

Bacon is a smoky and salty addition to potato salad. It adds flavor and texture to the dish. Bacon can be cooked and crumbled and added to potato salad just before serving.

Nuts

Nuts are a crunchy and flavorful addition to potato salad. They add texture and protein to the dish. Nuts can be chopped or crushed and added to potato salad just before serving.

Herbs

Herbs are a flavorful addition to potato salad. They add freshness and complexity to the dish. Herbs can be chopped or minced and added to potato salad just before serving.

Spices

Spices are a flavorful addition to potato salad. They add heat, depth, and complexity to the dish. Spices can be added to potato salad to taste.

Potato salad is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to use up leftover potatoes and vegetables. With so many different variations, there is sure to be a potato salad recipe that everyone will enjoy.

Side Dishes to Serve with Potato Salad

Potato salad is a classic American side dish that is often served with a variety of main dishes. Here are some of the best side dishes to serve with potato salad:

  • Sandwiches. Potato salad is a great side dish to serve with sandwiches. Some popular sandwich options include grilled cheese sandwiches, BLTs, and club sandwiches.
  • Burgers. Potato salad is also a great side dish to serve with burgers. Some popular burger options include cheeseburgers, bacon cheeseburgers, and veggie burgers.
  • Hot dogs. Potato salad is a great side dish to serve with hot dogs. Some popular hot dog options include chili dogs, corn dogs, and bratwurst.
  • Brats. Potato salad is also a great side dish to serve with brats. Some popular brat options include

3. Drinks to Serve with Potato Salad

Potato salad is a classic American dish that is often served at picnics, barbecues, and potlucks. It is a hearty and filling dish that is perfect for summer weather. However, potato salad can also be a bit heavy, so it is important to serve it with drinks that are light and refreshing.

Here are some of the best drinks to serve with potato salad:

  • Beer is a classic choice for pairing with potato salad. The malty flavor of beer complements the creamy texture of the potato salad. A light lager or pilsner is a good choice, as it will not overpower the flavors of the dish.
  • Wine is another good option for pairing with potato salad. A crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, is a good choice. A dry ros wine can also be a good option.
  • Soda is a good choice for people who do not drink alcohol. A lemon-lime soda or ginger ale is a good choice. A sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice is also a good option.
  • Lemonade is a refreshing and thirst-quenching drink that pairs well with potato salad. A homemade lemonade is best, but store-bought lemonade is also a good option.
  • Iced tea is a good choice for a hot summer day. A sweet tea or unsweetened iced tea is a good choice.
  • Water is always a good option, especially if you are watching your calories. Sparkling water is also a good option.

When choosing a drink to serve with potato salad, it is important to consider the flavors of the dish. A light and refreshing drink will help to balance out the richness of the potato salad.

4. Desserts to Serve with Potato Salad

Potato salad is a hearty and filling dish that is often served as a main course. However, it can also be enjoyed as a side dish or even as a dessert. If you are looking for a sweet and refreshing way to end your meal, here are some of the best desserts to serve with potato salad:

  • Pies are a classic choice for dessert. A sweet potato pie or a peach pie would be a delicious way to end a meal of potato salad.
  • Cakes are another good option for dessert. A chocolate cake or a vanilla cake would be a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
  • Cookies are a light and airy dessert that pairs well with potato salad. A chocolate chip cookie or a snickerdoodle cookie would be a delicious choice.
  • Ice cream is a great way to cool down on a hot day. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a scoop of chocolate ice cream would be a perfect way to end a meal of potato salad.
  • Fruit salad is a healthy and refreshing dessert that pairs well with potato salad. A fruit salad made with fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and bananas would be a great way to end a meal.
  • Sorbet is a frozen dessert that is made with fruit juice. Sorbet is a light and refreshing dessert that pairs well with potato salad. A sorbet made with mango or pineapple would be a delicious choice.

When choosing a dessert to serve with potato salad, it is important to consider the flavors of the dish. A sweet and refreshing dessert will help to balance out the richness of the potato salad.

What Goes Well With Potato Salad?

Potato salad is a classic summer dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal. There are many different ways to enjoy potato salad, and the best sides to serve with it will depend on your personal preferences. Some popular options include:

  • Vegetables: Cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, and celery are all great options for adding color and crunch to your potato salad.
  • Fruit: Fresh berries, peaches, or mangoes can add a sweet and refreshing touch.
  • Protein: Grilled chicken, smoked sausage, or tofu can help to make your potato salad more filling.
  • Dressings: A simple vinaigrette or mayonnaise-based dressing is a classic choice for potato salad, but you can also experiment with other flavors, such as a ranch dressing, a balsamic vinaigrette, or a mustard-based dressing.

Here are some additional tips for making the perfect potato salad:

  • Use high-quality potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes.
  • Boil the potatoes until they are tender, but not mushy.
  • Let the potatoes cool completely before adding them to the salad.
  • Use a light hand when mixing the ingredients, so that the potatoes don’t become too mashed.
  • Serve the potato salad immediately, or chill it for later.

With so many delicious options to choose from, there’s sure to be a perfect side dish to complement your next pot of potato salad. Experiment with different combinations until you find the perfect one for you!

Potato salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of different foods. Whether you’re looking for a simple side dish or a main course, there’s a potato salad recipe out there for you.

When choosing what to serve with potato salad, it’s important to consider the flavors and textures of the dish. For example, if you’re making a creamy potato salad, you might want to pair it with something crunchy, like a fresh salad or grilled vegetables. If you’re making a vinegar-based potato salad, you might want to serve it with something salty, like a ham or bacon.

Here are a few ideas for what to serve with potato salad:

  • Fresh vegetables: A simple salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots is a great way to add some freshness and color to your meal.
  • Grilled vegetables: Grilled asparagus, zucchini, or peppers are a delicious and healthy way to round out your meal.
  • Ham or bacon: A slice of ham or bacon adds a salty, smoky flavor to potato salad.
  • Hard-boiled eggs: Hard-boiled eggs are a classic addition to potato salad.
  • Canned or fresh fruit: Canned peaches, pears, or pineapple are a sweet and refreshing way to finish your meal.

No matter what you choose to serve with your potato salad, be sure to enjoy it! It’s a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Author Profile

Jennifer Lucks
Jennifer Lucks
With over 30 years experience, Lucks Caterers is a second generation family owned and operated business. We are committed to maintaining our family tradition of outstanding quality, excellence and reliability.
Our European trained head chef develops beautiful and delicious foods to catch the eye and satisfy the palate. Lucks provides you with imaginative and affordable menu selections.
In 2024, we embarked on a new chapter in our journey as we expanded our horizons to share our wealth of knowledge and expertise with a broader audience. With a keen focus on event management and culinary arts, we launched an informative blog aimed at empowering individuals with the insights and inspiration they need to plan unforgettable events and elevate their culinary skills.
Thank you for considering Lucks Caterers as your partner in culinary excellence. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to collaborate with you and create unforgettable memories together.