Best Ever Potato Salad Recipe for Every Occasion

Introduction

Potato salad is a timeless classic that has graced countless tables across various cultures and cuisines, especially in North America and Europe. Its versatility makes it suitable for casual picnics, festive gatherings, family dinners, and special occasions like barbecues and potlucks. The Best Ever Potato Salad, as featured on lovewithrecipes.com, elevates this humble dish to new heights with its perfect balance of creamy dressing, smoky bacon, and tender potatoes. This recipe is designed to deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss, making it an ideal choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.

What sets this potato salad apart is the combination of textures and flavors—crisp, salty bacon mingling with soft, buttery potatoes, all coated in a rich, savory dressing infused with a hint of vinegar and chicken bouillon granules that add depth and umami. The simplicity of ingredients, coupled with straightforward techniques, ensures that each bite delivers comfort and satisfaction. Whether you’re preparing for a summer barbecue, a holiday feast, or a quick weeknight meal, this potato salad promises to be a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.

Time

This dish requires approximately 40 minutes from start to finish, with 10 minutes of active prep time and 30 minutes dedicated to cooking the potatoes and bacon. The total time allows for cooling and assembling, making it manageable even on busy days.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Needed Equipment

• Large pot for boiling potatoes
• Medium skillet or frying pan for cooking bacon
• Colander or slotted spoon for draining potatoes
• Sharp chef’s knife for dicing potatoes and chopping ingredients
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowls (preferably large for tossing salad)
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula for mixing
• Paper towels for draining bacon
• Serving platter or bowl for presentation
• Refrigerator (optional, for chilling before serving)

Tags

Comfort Food, Summer, Picnic, Potluck, Easy, Family-Friendly, Make-Ahead, Crowd-Pleaser

Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 8 servings, with each serving weighing around 1 cup (about 240 ml). Adjust quantities proportionally if serving more or fewer guests.

Difficulty Level

Easy — Suitable for beginner cooks with basic kitchen skills, involving straightforward boiling, chopping, and mixing techniques.

Allergen Information

• Contains: Dairy (mayonnaise), Pork (bacon), Eggs (mayonnaise, if store-bought), Gluten (if mayonnaise contains gluten or if cross-contamination occurs)
• Potential allergens depend on specific ingredient brands used; always check labels if you have allergies or sensitivities.

Dietary Preference

This recipe is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans due to bacon and mayonnaise containing animal products. However, modifications can be made by substituting plant-based mayonnaise and omitting bacon for a vegetarian version.

Course

Side Dish, Salad

Cuisine

American, Comfort Food

Ingredients

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Potatoes

Begin by selecting high-quality potatoes suited for salads—Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are excellent choices due to their texture and flavor. Rinse the potatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. If you prefer, peel the potatoes to create a smoother, more uniform salad, or leave the skins on for added texture and nutrients.

Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water, ensuring the water level is at least an inch above the potatoes to facilitate even cooking. Add a pinch of salt to the water to season the potatoes from the inside out, enhancing flavor.

Boiling the Potatoes

Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and maintain a gentle simmer. Cook the potatoes for approximately 20-25 minutes or until a fork inserted into the potatoes pierces easily without resistance. Be careful not to overcook, as overly soft potatoes can become mushy and affect the salad’s texture.

During cooking, you can check for doneness by inserting a skewer or fork into a potato piece—if it slides in easily with little resistance, the potatoes are ready.

Step 2: Preparing the Bacon

While the potatoes are boiling, preheat a medium skillet over medium heat. Once hot, lay the bacon strips flat in the skillet, ensuring they do not overlap excessively. Cook the bacon for about 8-10 minutes or until crisp and browned, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.

The bacon’s fat will render out during cooking, so monitor the heat to prevent burning. Once cooked to your desired crispness, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Allow the bacon to cool slightly before chopping.

Chop the bacon into small, bite-sized pieces, ensuring that the pieces are uniform to distribute evenly throughout the salad.

Step 3: Dicing the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are cooked and slightly cooled to prevent burns but still warm enough to absorb flavors, drain them in a colander. Allow a few minutes for any residual steam to escape.

Using a sharp chef’s knife, dice the potatoes into approximately 1-inch cubes. Cutting while the potatoes are still warm helps them absorb the dressing more effectively, resulting in a more flavorful salad.

Step 4: Making the Dressing and Assembling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, vinegar, chicken bouillon granules, and finely chopped onion. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and the bouillon granules are dissolved.

The vinegar adds a subtle tang that balances the richness of the mayonnaise, while the chicken bouillon enhances the umami depth of the dressing.

Combining the Ingredients

Add the warm diced potatoes to the dressing mixture. Using a large wooden spoon or silicone spatula, gently toss the potatoes in the dressing until they are evenly coated. Be careful not to break the potatoes apart; gentle mixing preserves their shape.

Next, fold in the chopped bacon pieces, incorporating them evenly throughout the salad. This step ensures that each bite contains the smoky flavor and crunch of bacon.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serving

Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if necessary. You may want to add a pinch of salt, pepper, or extra vinegar depending on your flavor preferences.

For an added visual appeal and flavor enhancement, garnish with additional bacon bits, chopped green onions, or fresh herbs like parsley or chives.

Serve the potato salad while still slightly warm for a comforting experience, or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes if you prefer it chilled. The flavors meld beautifully after chilling, making it an excellent make-ahead dish.

Preparation Tips

• Uniformity in chopping: Keep potato cubes uniform in size for even cooking and consistency in texture.
• Seasoning: Always taste the dressing before combining with the potatoes to adjust acidity and salt levels.
• Cooling the bacon: Allow cooked bacon to cool thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from diluting the salad’s flavor.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh potatoes, good-quality mayonnaise, and crispy bacon significantly improve the final dish.
• Variations: Incorporate chopped celery, boiled eggs, or pickles for additional texture and flavor diversity.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• For creamier dressing: Use full-fat mayonnaise and consider adding a splash of buttermilk or sour cream.
• Enhancing flavor: Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a pinch of smoked paprika for depth.
• Making ahead: Prepare the salad a few hours in advance, storing it covered in the refrigerator to allow flavors to meld.
• Texture variation: Mix in chopped celery or pickles for crunch and tang.
• Serving temperature: Serve immediately for a warm, comforting dish or chill thoroughly for a refreshing cold salad.

Add-ons

• Chopped hard-boiled eggs
• Chopped celery or pickles for extra crunch
• Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill
• Crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar for a flavor twist
• Hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick

Side Dishes

• Grilled burgers or hot dogs
• Barbecue ribs or chicken
• Fresh garden salad with vinaigrette
• Cornbread or garlic bread
• Fresh fruit platter or coleslaw

Improvements

• Use roasted garlic in the dressing for added depth
• Substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream for mayonnaise for a healthier version
• Incorporate roasted or caramelized onion for a richer flavor
• Experiment with different types of bacon, such as applewood smoked or thick-cut
• Add a dash of hot sauce or minced jalapeños for spice

Save and Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Due to the mayonnaise content, it is not recommended to freeze potato salad, as the texture may become compromised upon thawing. For best results, consume fresh within the specified timeframe.

Before serving leftovers, give the salad a gentle stir and, if necessary, add a splash of vinegar or mayonnaise to refresh the flavor and texture.

FAQ

Can I make this potato salad ahead of time?

Yes. Preparing the salad a few hours in advance enhances the flavor as the potatoes soak up the dressing. Keep it refrigerated and add any fresh garnishes just before serving.

Can I omit the bacon for a vegetarian version?

Absolutely. Simply leave out the bacon or substitute with crispy fried tofu or tempeh bits for added protein and crunch.

How do I ensure the potatoes don’t turn mushy?

Cook the potatoes just until tender, not overdone. Drain thoroughly and avoid overmixing once combined with the dressing to maintain their structure.

Is this potato salad suitable for gluten-free diets?

Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always verify that your mayonnaise and bouillon granules are gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

Conclusion

The Best Ever Potato Salad from lovewithrecipes.com is a quintessential dish that combines simplicity, flavor, and comfort in every bite. Its balance of creamy dressing, smoky bacon, and tender potatoes makes it an irresistible side that can elevate any meal or gathering. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe is a staple that you will return to time and again. Whether served warm or chilled, it offers a satisfying experience that appeals to a wide range of palates. Perfect for summer barbecues, holiday dinners, or casual family meals, this potato salad will undoubtedly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

References

• Lovewithrecipes.com – Original source of this classic potato salad recipe
• Joy of Cooking, 2019 Edition – For general potato salad techniques and variations