As I tossed the last bits of crispy bacon into the bowl, a wave of anticipation washed over me. This Loaded Steakhouse Potato Salad isn’t just any side dish; it’s a creamy, savory twist that will elevate your barbecues and potlucks. Soft red potatoes lay the perfect foundation, holding their shape while soaking up the rich flavors of a tangy Dijon dressing. Plus, with its customizable toppings, you can adapt this recipe to suit any crowd—making it a true crowd-pleaser! Whether you opt for a vegetarian version or a spicy kick, this salad promises a satisfying bite every time. Ready to turn your gatherings into memorable feasts? Let’s dive into the steps to create this delightful dish!
Why is This Potato Salad a Must-Try?
Creaminess at its finest: This Loaded Steakhouse Potato Salad features a silky blend of mayonnaise and sour cream that promises to envelop your taste buds in deliciousness.
Customization options galore: Whether you prefer crumbled blue cheese or want to spice it up with jalapeños, this recipe allows you to be creative, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.
Perfect for gatherings: It’s the ultimate potluck side that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, making it a go-to dish for summer BBQs and family reunions.
Simple yet satisfying: With just a few easy steps, you can whip up impressive flavors that will have your guests coming back for seconds, just like my favorite Feta Avocado Salad.
Embrace this twist on a classic and watch it disappear faster than you can say “steakhouse”!
Steakhouse Potato Salad Ingredients
For the Salad
- Red Potatoes – The foundation for our creamy salad, they maintain their shape beautifully when cooked.
- Mayonnaise – Adds that essential creaminess; consider Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative.
- Sour Cream – Brings a delightful tanginess, perfect for enhancing the creamy texture.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Essential for balancing the flavors with a bright acidity.
- Dijon Mustard – Provides the savory depth that defines the Steakhouse Potato Salad’s flavor profile.
- Red Onion – Offers crunch and a sharp kick; yellow or green onions are great substitutes.
- Bacon – Introduces a smoky flavor and crunch; for vegetarians, omit or replace with extra pickles.
- Cheddar Cheese – Adds rich, melty goodness; feel free to use gouda or Monterey jack instead.
- Fresh Parsley – Brightens up the dish with freshness; cilantro can be used for a different twist.
- Dill Pickles – Contribute a salty bite and tang; swap for sweet pickles if you prefer.
- Salt and Black Pepper – Key to enhancing all flavors; adjust to suit your taste.
- Chives/Green Onions (garnish) – A fresh and colorful finishing touch for an appealing presentation.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Loaded Steakhouse Potato Salad
Step 1: Cook Potatoes
In a large pot, place the cubed red potatoes and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook the potatoes for 10-15 minutes, or until they are fork-tender but still hold their shape. Drain them and let them cool for about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare Dressing
While the potatoes are cooling, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, incorporating all the ingredients. This tangy dressing will bring flavor and richness to your Loaded Steakhouse Potato Salad.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Once the potatoes have cooled, gently fold them into the creamy dressing along with the chopped red onion, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, fresh parsley, and dill pickles. Stir carefully to ensure everything is well integrated without breaking the potatoes. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences.
Step 4: Chill the Salad
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the Loaded Steakhouse Potato Salad to chill for at least 1 hour. This resting period helps the flavors meld beautifully, making for a more delicious and rich taste when serving.
Step 5: Serve with Garnish
When you’re ready to serve, take the salad out of the refrigerator and give it a gentle stir. Garnish with freshly chopped chives or green onions for a pop of color. Enjoy your flavorful Loaded Steakhouse Potato Salad within the next 1-4 hours for the best taste and texture!
How to Store and Freeze Steakhouse Potato Salad
Fridge: Place leftover steakhouse potato salad in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, preserving its creamy texture.
Freezer: Although it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the salad for up to 2 months. Separate the ingredients like bacon and cheese before freezing for better quality upon thawing.
Thawing: To thaw, move the frozen salad to the fridge overnight. Reassemble any separated toppings fresh before serving for optimal flavor.
Reheating: Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it may alter the texture. Instead, enjoy it chilled or at room temperature to maintain that delicious creamy goodness.
Expert Tips for Steakhouse Potato Salad
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Choose Quality Potatoes: Red potatoes are ideal due to their waxy texture, which retains shape during cooking. Avoid mealy potatoes for the best results.
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Don’t Overcook: Boil potatoes just until fork-tender. Overcooking can make them mushy, causing your steakhouse potato salad to lose that satisfying texture.
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Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter version, substitute some or all mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. This adds protein and maintains the creamy consistency without sacrificing flavor.
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Garnish Wisely: Chives or green onions enhance presentation and flavor. Don’t skip this step—fresh herbs elevate your dish from good to spectacular!
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Mix It Up: Explore various toppings like crumbled blue cheese or jalapeños for a spicy twist. Customization is key to making your steakhouse potato salad stand out at gatherings.
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Serve Fresh: Enjoy your salad within 1-4 hours of preparation for the best texture and taste; prolonged chilling can cause potatoes to absorb moisture and become too soggy.
Make Ahead Options
These Loaded Steakhouse Potato Salad preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prep the potatoes and dressing separately up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cook the potatoes, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container. For the dressing, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar, and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to combine. On serving day, gently fold the cooled potatoes with the dressing, chopped red onion, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and pickles. To maintain that delightful creaminess, consider reserving a bit of dressing to refresh the salad just before serving. This way, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish with minimal last-minute effort!
What to Serve with Loaded Steakhouse Potato Salad?
Transform your gathering into a culinary celebration with tasty pairings that elevate this delightful side dish.
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Grilled Steaks: Juicy, charred meats complement the creamy textures of the potato salad, creating a mouthwatering combination. Nothing beats a summer BBQ where both shine together.
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Baked Beans: The sweet, smoky flavors of baked beans balance the salad’s richness, making them a classic picnic duo. Together, they create a satisfying filling meal that everyone will love.
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Fresh Coleslaw: Crunchy and tangy, coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty potato salad, enhancing your plate with vibrant colors and varied textures. It’s a must-have for casual gatherings.
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Cornbread: Sweet and crumbly cornbread is the perfect vehicle for scooping up salad and adds a delightful sweetness to the savory feast. It rounds out any summer gathering beautifully.
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BBQ Chicken: Flavorful and smoky, BBQ chicken enhances the savory notes of the salad while adding a different protein profile to your serving spread. It’s a combination that leave guests craving more!
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Iced Tea or Lemonade: Refreshing beverages like iced tea or homemade lemonade bring brightness to your meal and balance the richness of the potato salad. Enjoy them ice-cold on a warm day.
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Cheesecake: For dessert, a light and fluffy cheesecake provides a sweet ending that contrasts the savory side dish perfectly. A berry coulis or whipped cream can take this pairing to the next level.
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Grilled Veggies: Roasted vegetables provide a delightful char and earthy flavor that enhances the rich potato salad while delivering a pop of color to your plate. It’s a healthy twist everyone will appreciate.
Steakhouse Potato Salad Variations
Feel free to make this loaded salad your own with these delightful variations that bring exciting flavors and textures to the table!
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Dairy-Free: Replace mayonnaise and sour cream with cashew cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative for a creamy, non-dairy version. This twist lets everyone join in on the deliciousness without compromising texture.
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the salad for an extra zing. The heat balances beautifully with the creamy dressing, taking your taste buds on a thrilling ride.
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Gourmet Touch: Crumble some blue cheese into the mix for a punch of rich flavor. The tanginess complements the smoked bacon perfectly, giving your salad a gourmet upgrade that is sure to impress.
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Herb Twist: Swap parsley for fresh dill or cilantro. Each herb brings its unique flavor profile, brightening up the dish in delightful ways—perfect for those who love experimenting with fresh tastes.
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Vegan Delight: Omit the bacon and cheese, and add extra pickles or roasted chickpeas for texture. This ensures everyone can enjoy a creamy, satisfying potato salad, regardless of dietary choices.
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Creamy Avocado: Mix in mashed or diced avocado for an added layer of creaminess and healthy fats. The natural lushness of avocado elevates the richness and makes every bite a luscious treat.
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Sweet Addition: Toss in a handful of sweet corn or diced apples for a surprising burst of sweetness. This contrast with the savory ingredients adds complexity and keeps guests coming back for more.
For even more ideas, check out my Herby Barley Salad or consider making a delicious side pairing with Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds. Enjoy personalizing your steakhouse potato salad!
Loaded Steakhouse Potato Salad Recipe FAQs
What type of potatoes should I use for the salad?
Absolutely! For this Loaded Steakhouse Potato Salad, I highly recommend using red potatoes. They have a waxy texture, which means they hold their shape well during cooking, giving your salad a nice structure. Avoid starchy potatoes like russets, as they can turn mushy.
How should I store leftovers?
Very! To keep your leftover steakhouse potato salad fresh, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay good for up to 3 days. Just remember to give it a gentle stir before serving—you might want to add a bit more dressing if it looks dry.
Can I freeze this potato salad?
Yes! Although it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the Loaded Steakhouse Potato Salad for up to 2 months. Just be sure to separate ingredients like bacon and cheese prior to freezing. When you’re ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reassemble any toppings for the best taste.
What should I do if my potatoes are mushy?
Oh no! If you find that your potatoes have become mushy, you can still salvage your salad by adding more diced pickles and crunchy vegetables, like celery or bell peppers, to enhance the texture. Next time, be sure to boil the potatoes only until they are fork-tender, around 10-15 minutes.
Can this salad be made ahead of time?
For sure! You can make the salad a day in advance. However, I recommend preparing the dressing separately and adding it to the potatoes just a few hours before serving. This way, the potatoes won’t soak up too much dressing and remain perfectly creamy!
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it can be! To make this Loaded Steakhouse Potato Salad vegetarian-friendly, simply omit the bacon and maybe add some extra dill pickles or veggies for crunch. You can still enjoy all the creamy goodness without sacrificing flavor!
Creamy Steakhouse Potato Salad Loaded with Flavorful Toppings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot, place the cubed red potatoes and cover them with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, reduce to a simmer, and cook for 10-15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and cool for 10 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold the cooled potatoes into the dressing along with red onion, bacon, cheddar cheese, parsley, and dill pickles. Stir carefully to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and garnish with chopped chives or green onions. Enjoy!
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