Perfect Red Potato Salad Recipe – Classic Cookout Side
This dish brings crisp celery, smoky bacon, and fresh dill together in perfect harmony.
The Ultimate Red Potato Salad for Summer Cookouts
When it comes to classic summer side dishes, few can compete with a perfectly crafted red potato salad. This beloved cookout staple brings together the earthy richness of red potatoes with the satisfying crunch of fresh celery, the smoky flavor of crispy bacon, and the bright herbaceous notes of fresh dill. What sets this red potato salad apart from its traditional counterparts is the careful balance of textures and flavors that make every bite a delightful experience.
Red potatoes are the star of this dish, chosen specifically for their waxy texture and ability to hold their shape when cooked. Unlike russet potatoes that can become fluffy and break apart, red potatoes maintain their structure while absorbing the creamy dressing beautifully. The result is a potato salad that looks as good as it tastes, with distinct potato pieces that provide the perfect canvas for the complementary ingredients.
Why Red Potatoes Make the Perfect Choice
The secret to exceptional potato salad lies in selecting the right type of potato, and red potatoes are undoubtedly the superior choice for this particular recipe. These small, round potatoes have a naturally waxy texture that comes from their lower starch content compared to russet potatoes. This characteristic allows them to maintain their shape during the cooking process, preventing the mushy texture that can plague other potato salad varieties.
Red potatoes also have a naturally creamy texture and subtle, sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich dressing and bold accompaniments in this recipe. Their thin, tender skin eliminates the need for peeling, saving time and adding visual appeal with pops of red color throughout the salad. The skin also provides additional nutrients and fiber, making this dish both delicious and nutritious.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Red Potato Salad
Creating the perfect red potato salad requires high-quality ingredients that work harmoniously together. Each component serves a specific purpose in building the complex flavor profile that makes this dish so memorable.
The Foundation: Red Potatoes
Three pounds of small red potatoes form the base of this recipe, providing enough servings for a typical family gathering or cookout. The key is selecting potatoes that are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking. Look for potatoes that are firm to the touch with smooth, unblemished skin.
The Creamy Dressing
The dressing combines two-thirds cup of mayonnaise with half a cup of sour cream, creating a rich and tangy base that coats the potatoes beautifully. The mayonnaise provides the classic creamy texture that potato salad is known for, while the sour cream adds a subtle tang that brightens the overall flavor profile.
Two tablespoons of white wine vinegar and one tablespoon of Dijon mustard add complexity to the dressing. The vinegar provides acidity that helps balance the richness of the mayonnaise and sour cream, while the Dijon mustard contributes both flavor and acts as an emulsifier, helping to bind the dressing together.
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Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers
A full teaspoon each of kosher salt and ground black pepper ensures that every bite is well-seasoned. These fundamental seasonings are crucial for bringing out the natural flavors of all the other ingredients.
The Supporting Cast
Two stalks of chopped celery provide the essential crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy potatoes. The celery should be diced into small, uniform pieces that distribute evenly throughout the salad.
One-quarter cup of fresh chopped dill adds a bright, herbaceous note that elevates this potato salad from ordinary to extraordinary. Fresh dill is essential here – dried dill simply cannot provide the same vibrant flavor and aroma.
Six slices of cooked bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces, provide the smoky, salty element that makes this potato salad truly irresistible. The bacon should be cooked until crispy to ensure it maintains its texture when mixed into the salad.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Cooking the Potatoes
The foundation of great potato salad begins with properly cooked potatoes. Place the three pounds of small red potatoes in a large pot and cover completely with cold water. Adding a generous amount of salt to the cooking water seasons the potatoes from the inside out, ensuring that they’re flavorful throughout.
Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. This prevents the potatoes from bouncing around violently in the pot, which could cause them to break apart. Cook the potatoes for approximately 20 minutes, or until they’re fork tender – a fork should pierce through easily without resistance, but the potatoes shouldn’t be falling apart.
Once cooked, drain the potatoes immediately and allow them to cool slightly before handling. Cut the potatoes in half or quarters, depending on their size, aiming for uniform pieces that will be easy to eat. Allow the cut potatoes to cool completely, which takes about one hour. This cooling period is crucial because adding warm potatoes to the dressing can cause the mayonnaise to break and create an unappetizing texture.
Preparing the Creamy Dressing
While the potatoes are cooling, prepare the dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise, sour cream, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed – it should be well-balanced with a slight tang from the vinegar and mustard.
Assembly and Final Touches
Once the potatoes have cooled completely, add them to the bowl with the prepared dressing along with the chopped celery and fresh dill. Stir gently to combine, being careful not to mash the potatoes. The goal is to coat every piece evenly while maintaining the integrity of the potato pieces.
The chopped crispy bacon should be added just before serving to ensure it maintains its crunch. This timing prevents the bacon from becoming soggy and losing its textural contrast.
Pro Tips for Perfect Potato Salad Every Time
Creating exceptional potato salad requires attention to detail and a few professional tricks that can make all the difference in the final result.
Temperature Matters
Always allow potatoes to cool completely before adding them to the dressing. Warm potatoes will cause the mayonnaise to break down and create a greasy, unappetizing texture. Plan accordingly and give yourself enough time for proper cooling.
Seasoning the Cooking Water
Generously salt the water used to cook the potatoes. This is your opportunity to season the potatoes from the inside out, ensuring flavor throughout rather than just on the surface.
Gentle Mixing Technique
When combining the ingredients, use a gentle folding motion rather than vigorous stirring. This helps maintain the shape and integrity of the potato pieces while ensuring even distribution of the dressing.
Make-Ahead Considerations
This potato salad actually improves in flavor when made a few hours ahead of serving, allowing the flavors to meld together. However, add the bacon just before serving to maintain its crispy texture.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This red potato salad is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide variety of main dishes. It’s the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, barbecued chicken, or fish. The creamy, rich texture provides a cooling contrast to spicy or heavily seasoned main courses.
Delicious Variations
While this recipe is perfect as written, there are several variations that can customize it to different tastes and dietary preferences. For a tangier version, increase the amount of white wine vinegar or add a splash of pickle juice. Those who prefer a more herbaceous flavor can add chopped chives or green onions along with the dill.
For an extra indulgent version, consider adding crumbled blue cheese as suggested in the original recipe. The pungent, creamy cheese adds another layer of complexity and richness that pairs beautifully with the bacon and dill.
Storage and Food Safety
Proper storage is essential for maintaining both the quality and safety of your potato salad. Store the finished salad in the refrigerator in a covered container for up to three days. The mayonnaise-based dressing means this dish should never be left at room temperature for more than two hours, or one hour if the temperature is above 90°F.
When serving at outdoor events or picnics, keep the potato salad in a cooler with ice packs and try to keep it in the shade as much as possible. Consider bringing the salad in a smaller serving bowl and refilling it from a larger container stored in the cooler to minimize temperature exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this potato salad ahead of time?
Yes, this potato salad actually tastes better when made a few hours ahead of serving as it allows the flavors to meld together. However, add the bacon just before serving to maintain its crispy texture. The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Red potatoes are ideal because of their waxy texture and ability to hold their shape when cooked. Their thin skin doesn’t require peeling and adds visual appeal to the finished dish. Avoid russet potatoes as they tend to become too fluffy and may fall apart.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise with something lighter?
While you can use light mayonnaise or a combination of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, keep in mind that this will change the texture and flavor of the final dish. The full-fat mayonnaise contributes significantly to the creamy, rich texture that makes this potato salad special.
How do I prevent my potato salad from becoming watery?
Make sure to cook the potatoes just until fork tender – overcooking will cause them to absorb too much water and break down. Also, allow the cooked potatoes to cool completely before adding the dressing, and avoid adding the bacon until just before serving.
What can I serve alongside this red potato salad?
This potato salad pairs excellently with grilled meats, barbecued chicken, fish, hamburgers, and hot dogs. It’s also delicious alongside other summer favorites like coleslaw, baked beans, and corn on the cob for a complete cookout spread.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a35888627/red-potato-salad/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MqXB4h6zL4
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a10223/fourth-of-july-week-perfect-potato-salad/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g43377810/potato-salad-recipes/
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