Steakhouse Potato Salad Recipe

Prepare to make your new favorite side dish! This Steakhouse Potato Salad brings together everything you love about those classic American steakhouse meals: savory potatoes, a creamy tangy dressing, smoky bacon, and plenty of bold mix-ins for texture and flavor. It’s hearty, craveable, and absolutely perfect for gatherings or as a showstopping side any night of the week. This is not your average potato salad—it’s the hearty, flavor-packed upgrade you never knew you needed.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Steakhouse Potato Salad irresistible is how simple each ingredient is, yet how they all contribute their unique flair. With only a handful of basic ingredients and a few fresh garnishes, you’ll create magic in no time. Every bite celebrates creamy, crunchy, cheesy, smoky, and fresh notes.

• Red potatoes: These hold their shape perfectly and have a creamy texture that soaks up the dressing beautifully.
• Mayonnaise: For that classic creamy base that brings the whole salad together.
• Sour cream: Adds tang and lightens up the richness of the mayo.
• Apple cider vinegar: Brightens and sharpens the flavors for that steakhouse zing.
• Dijon mustard: Lends a subtle heat and depth, elevating the salad above bland versions.
• Red onion: Finely chopped for a gentle bite and color pop.
• Crispy cooked bacon strips: Smoky, salty crunch in every forkful.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: For extra richness and a savory cheese pull—choose your favorite sharpness.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped for a burst of herby freshness and vibrant color.
• Dill pickles: A tangy, crunchy surprise that keeps things interesting.
• Salt & black pepper: Essential for balancing and highlighting all those bold flavors.
• Chopped chives or sliced green onions (optional garnish): Sprinkle over the top for a fresh finish and restaurant-style look.

How to Make Steakhouse Potato Salad

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Potatoes

Begin by adding your cubed red potatoes to a large pot and cover them with cold water. Bring the pot up to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, cook for about 10–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork. Drain them in a colander to stop the cooking process and let them cool down to room temperature. The key here is not to overcook—the potatoes should hold their shape, giving your Steakhouse Potato Salad that chunky, hearty texture you want. Feel free to leave the skins on for a pop of color and extra fiber, or peel them for a smoother bite.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Dressing

While the potatoes are cooling, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk these together until you have a smooth, creamy, and slightly tangy dressing. It’s the backbone of Steakhouse Potato Salad, offering the creamy richness you expect, with just the right touch of tartness.

Step 3: Bring Together the Main Ingredients

Once the potatoes are cool, add them to your bowl of dressing. Top them with finely chopped red onion, crispy crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, parsley, and that essential crunch of chopped dill pickles. Gently stir everything together—folding, not mashing—to combine. Give it a quick taste, then season with salt and black pepper as needed so every bite pops.

Step 4: Let the Flavors Meld

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a tight lid, and pop it into the fridge for at least one hour before serving. This short rest lets all those bold flavors blend and deepen, making every bite of your Steakhouse Potato Salad truly memorable. For best texture, don’t chill for more than four hours before serving; the potatoes can soak up too much dressing if left too long. If that happens, a quick dollop of mayo will bring the creaminess back.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Right before bringing your salad to the table, give it a gentle stir and top with a generous sprinkle of chopped chives or sliced green onions. This final touch gives you that classic steakhouse look and an extra layer of flavor. Serve immediately and watch it disappear!

How to Serve Steakhouse Potato Salad

Garnishes

The perfect finishing touch for Steakhouse Potato Salad is a scatter of fresh, colorful garnishes. Chopped chives or green onions add a little oniony brightness, while an extra crumble of crispy bacon or a handful of sharp cheddar can make it feel even more indulgent. If you’re feeling extra, a dusting of smoked paprika or freshly cracked black pepper looks and tastes fantastic on top.

Side Dishes

This hearty salad fits right in beside grilled steak, barbecue chicken, burgers, or anything coming off the backyard grill. For a true steakhouse spread, serve it alongside garlic bread, asparagus, corn on the cob, or even a wedge salad. Steakhouse Potato Salad also shines at potlucks and picnics—you’ll be the talk of the table!

Creative Ways to Present

Why not take your Steakhouse Potato Salad presentation to the next level? Try serving it in a chilled glass bowl so those gorgeous layers are on display, or scoop it into individual small mason jars or cups for easy party servings. You can even set up a “build-your-own” bar with bowls of extra bacon, cheese, pickles, and herbs for guests to top their own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Steakhouse Potato Salad can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will mingle even more overnight, but you may find the potatoes absorb some dressing. Stir in a little extra mayo or sour cream before serving to revive the creaminess.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad. The creamy dressing tends to separate and the potatoes can turn mealy after thawing, losing that beloved texture that makes Steakhouse Potato Salad special. It’s best made fresh—or enjoyed as leftovers within a few days.

Reheating

Since Steakhouse Potato Salad is best served cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. However, if you want to take the chill off, let it sit on the counter for about 20–30 minutes before serving. Just give it a quick stir to redistribute the dressing before dishing it up.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato?

Absolutely! While red potatoes hold their shape wonderfully, Yukon Golds are also a great choice for Steakhouse Potato Salad thanks to their buttery flavor. Avoid russets, as they tend to break down and become too starchy.

Is it okay to make this potato salad a day ahead?

You can prepare Steakhouse Potato Salad a day ahead, but keep in mind the potatoes may soak up some of the dressing. Simply stir in a bit more mayo or sour cream before serving to bring back that perfect creamy texture.

How can I make this salad vegetarian?

Just leave out the bacon, and for an extra pop of flavor, add some smoked paprika, roasted chickpeas, or even swap in some crispy fried shallots. The rest of the ingredients deliver plenty of taste, so your Steakhouse Potato Salad will still shine.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Definitely! This recipe is super flexible. Diced celery, sliced radishes, or a handful of chopped hard-boiled eggs are classic additions. Try experimenting with your favorite steakhouse toppings to make your Steakhouse Potato Salad uniquely yours.

What’s the best way to keep the salad cold when serving outdoors?

To keep your salad safe and cold at a picnic or BBQ, nestle the serving bowl inside a larger bowl filled with ice. This helps preserve the creamy dressing and keeps your Steakhouse Potato Salad fresh and food-safe throughout the gathering.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a side that will truly impress, Steakhouse Potato Salad is the answer. Each bite is hearty, flavorful, and packed with crowd-pleasing steakhouse flair. Give it a try and make it your own—your table (and your taste buds) are in for a real treat!

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