Steakhouse Potato Salad Recipe

Creamy, tangy, and loaded with bold flavors, Steakhouse Potato Salad is truly a showstopper side dish that takes its cues from the best steakhouse tables. It’s packed with chunky red potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, punchy red onion, zesty pickles, and a velvety dressing that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the things I adore most about Steakhouse Potato Salad is that you probably already have most of the ingredients on hand. Every element brings something special—whether it’s a pop of color, a punch of flavor, or a creamy base that ties it all together.

• Red Potatoes (2 pounds, washed & cubed): They hold their shape beautifully and lend a subtle, earthy sweetness, especially if you leave the skins on.
• Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The foundation of that signature creamy texture—use real mayo for best results!
• Sour Cream (1/4 cup): Adds tang, silkiness, and lightens the dressing just enough.
• Apple Cider Vinegar (2 tablespoons): A little splash brings everything into bright, harmonious balance.
• Dijon Mustard (2 tablespoons): For subtle heat and savory depth—don’t skip it!
• Red Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Provides color and a zesty snap that cuts through the creamy stuff.
• Bacon (5 crispy cooked strips, crumbled): Smoky, salty, and pretty much guarantee this salad disappears quickly.
• Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded): The classic potato salad upgrade—choose mild, medium, or sharp based on your taste.
• Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Lifts the salad with fresh, green notes and a beautiful finish.
• Dill Pickles (1/4 cup, chopped): Add classic steakhouse tang and a little crunch to every bite.
• Salt & Black Pepper (to taste): Just enough to make all those bold flavors sing.
• Chopped Chives or Sliced Green Onions (optional garnish): For an extra flourish and a pop of color.

Variations

This Steakhouse Potato Salad is endlessly flexible—think of it as your starting canvas. Depending on what you’ve got in the fridge or who you’re sharing it with, it’s so easy to make it your own with fun twists and substitutions.

• Make It Vegetarian: Skip the bacon altogether, or replace it with smoky roasted chickpeas for an irresistible crunch.
• Swap the Cheese: Try blue cheese crumbles for a real steakhouse vibe, or pepper jack for a touch of heat.
• Add Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs (sliced or chopped) add extra richness and classic picnic flavor.
• Go Herb Crazy: Dill, chervil, or tarragon are wonderful additions for a unique fresh flavor.

How to Make Steakhouse Potato Salad

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Add your cubed red potatoes to a large pot and cover them with cold water—starting with cold water helps them cook evenly and stay tender. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then cook for 10–15 minutes until the potatoes are perfectly fork-tender, not falling apart. Drain them in a colander and let cool to room temperature so they don’t melt your dressing later.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon, and apple cider vinegar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This blend makes up the tangy, velvety backbone of your Steakhouse Potato Salad and comes together in just seconds.

Step 3: Add the Good Stuff

Once the potatoes have cooled, gently add them to your bowl along with the finely chopped red onion, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, parsley, and dill pickles. Fold everything together with a spatula—don’t over-mix, you want those delicious chunks! Taste and add salt and pepper until it’s exactly how you love it.

Step 4: Chill (and Get Excited!)

Cover your masterpiece with plastic wrap or a tight lid and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. This important step gives all those incredible flavors a chance to meld, so each bite is better than the last. Remember—if you chill for more than 4 hours, you might want to stir in a little extra mayo to keep things creamy!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, give your potato salad one last stir, then sprinkle generously with chives or green onions for that classic steakhouse finish. Serve cold and watch it vanish faster than a sizzling steak!

How to Serve Steakhouse Potato Salad

Garnishes

For the prettiest presentation (and a little extra flavor), use plenty of chopped chives or thinly sliced green onions. A dusting of smoked paprika or a sprinkle of extra crispy bacon crumbs makes this Steakhouse Potato Salad look—and taste—like it came straight out of a restaurant kitchen.

Side Dishes

If you’re keeping with the steakhouse theme, pair your potato salad with juicy grilled steaks, hearty burgers, barbecued chicken, or smoky ribs. Roasted veggies, grilled corn, or a simple mixed greens salad are perfect lighter sides that complement every spoonful.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Steakhouse Potato Salad in a chilled glass bowl to show off those vibrant layers, or spoon it into individual mason jars for a fun picnic vibe. For something extra-special, top each portion with a deviled-egg half or a little extra cheese and bacon—everyone loves a personal touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover potato salad in an airtight container in the fridge and it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Keep in mind, the potatoes will absorb more of the dressing over time; just stir in a little extra mayo if you want it extra creamy after a day or two.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing Steakhouse Potato Salad. The creamy dressing and potatoes both suffer in texture after thawing, resulting in a watery or grainy salad. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple days of making!

Reheating

This dish is meant to be served chilled, not warmed up. If you do want to take the chill off, simply let it rest at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving, but skip the microwave—trust me, cold is where all the flavors shine brightest.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Steakhouse Potato Salad is one of those feel-good recipes that never fails to steal the spotlight, no matter the occasion. If you love bold, classic flavors and creamy comfort food, this is the side dish you’ll turn to time and again. Give it a try—and get ready for a flurry of recipe requests at your next gathering!

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