10 Potato Salads That Belong at Every Summer Cookout
It's a classic side dish for a reason!
Creamy, crunchy, and always satisfying, potato salad is delicious at any time of year. Still, there’s something about a chilled scoop on a hot summer day that makes it taste even better! Out of all the BBQ sides, no dish is better suited for an outdoor cookout than potato salad (okay, maybe pasta salads). And while the classic mayo-based version is undeniably delicious and always crowd-pleasing, believe it or not, there are so many different ways to whip up this fluffy favorite! Whether you're looking for a traditional Southern-style potato salad, potato salad made in an Instant Pot, or a creative twist that Ree Drummond dreamed up awhile ago, this list of potato salad recipes has it all!
Not sure where to begin? It all starts with the star ingredient: potatoes! Using the right type of potatoes is important to ensure that your side doesn’t turn into... well, mashed potatoes. While some of the below recipes call for mild red potatoes, others call for rich Yukon golds. Then come the different flavor variations: ranch, pesto, and lemon basil just to name a few. With so many equally amazing options to choose from, you might find it hard to pick just one. Luckily, potato salad is one of the best make-ahead cookout dishes, so you can prep a few of your favorites before any party, picnic, or potluck. Whichever style you serve, these potato salad recipes will certainly complete your summer spread!
Perfect Potato Salad
There’s a reason why Ree calls this her “perfect” recipe: Boiled potatoes are coated in a creamy mix of mustard and mayo, then tossed with tasty fixings like hard-boiled eggs, sweet pickles, green onions, and bacon. The combination is fluffy, flavorful, and downright delicious!
Get Ree’s Perfect Potato Salad recipe.
Smashed Potato Salad
Boiled, smashed, and baked, the potatoes in this salad have a crispy finish that’s simply irresistible. Paired with a silky dressing, smoky bacon, and fresh herbs, this dish will be a standout at any cookout, picnic, or potluck.
Get Ree’s Smashed Potato Salad recipe.
Loaded Baked Potato Salad
Turn loaded baked potatoes into a transportable, easy-to-serve side. This recipe is packed with bacon, cheese, onions, and a tangy dressing featuring ranch seasoning. If you have leftovers or want to get a head start on food prep, it’ll keep in the fridge for up to three days!
Get the Loaded Baked Potato Salad recipe.
Red Potato Salad
The red potatoes in this salad get a zingy, crunchy upgrade from fresh dill, chopped celery, crispy bacon, and a zippy dressing. Since this side stays fresh in the fridge for up to five days, you can easily make it the day before your get-together.
Get the Red Potato Salad recipe.
Southern Potato Salad
This classic potato salad recipe is gloriously creamy, chunky, and crunchy, and it pairs perfectly with all your favorite barbecue dishes. Prep this Southern-style staple a few days ahead for stress-free hosting.
Get the Southern Potato Salad recipe.
Green Goddess Potato Salad
While green goddess dressing is usually reserved for leafy green salads, the herby blend also makes a flavorful addition to potato salad—garnished with more parsley and chives, of course. The pop of color will also brighten up your spread.
Get Ree's Green Goddess Potato Salad recipe.
Potato Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette
For a lighter, earthier flavor, try mixing your potato salad recipe in a mustard vinaigrette. Because this dish tastes even better when the dressing has time to marinate, it’s basically made for preparing in advance.
Get Ree's Potato Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette recipe.
Instant Pot Potato Salad
Whipping up potato salad in your Instant Pot will simplify summer hosting! To make this hands-off recipe, just pop the potatoes and eggs in your nifty appliance before draining, cooling, and tossing them in a zingy dressing with crunchy add-ins.
Get the Instant Pot Potato Salad recipe.
Jalapeño Popper Potato Salad
Fusing spicy jalapeño poppers with classic potato salad is the combination you didn’t know you needed for your next cookout! This recipe even spotlights sprinkled bacon bits for a crispy finish.
Get the Jalapeño Popper Potato Salad recipe.
Lemon Basil Potato Salad
Thanks to zippy pesto, zesty lemon, and garden-fresh herbs, this potato salad recipe is bright and cheery. If you’re looking to deviate from the typical mustard-and-mayo concoction, this light, refreshing take is for you!
Get Ree's Lemon Basil Potato Salad recipe.
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