Amid the bustling sounds of summer barbecues, I discovered a treasure that made every grill master’s heart skip a beat. The Creamy Steakhouse Potato Salad has stolen the spotlight, and for good reason! This delightful dish takes tender red potatoes and wraps them in a zesty Dijonnaise embrace, punctuated with smoky bacon and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s not just any side; it elevates your gatherings, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s both beginner-friendly and a showstopper. Imagine serving a bowl of this creamy comfort next to sizzling steaks and juicy burgers—it’s a flavor combination that leaves everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re bringing a plate to a potluck or spicing up your weeknight dinners, this recipe effortlessly marries ease and sophistication. Ready to discover your new go-to dish? Let’s dive in!

Why is This Potato Salad a Must-Try?

Creamy Delight: This Steakhouse Potato Salad combines tender red potatoes with a rich, zesty dressing that’s pure bliss.

Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for any gathering, it charms everyone from BBQ newbies to seasoned cooks.

Versatile Options: Easily switch up ingredients—try feta instead of cheddar or add peas for extra nutrition!

Beginner-Friendly: With a simple prep and mix method, even novice chefs can impress their guests with culinary delights.

Make Ahead: Whip it up a day in advance, and enjoy the flavors enhancing overnight—just like our delicious Pesto Pasta Salad.

Elevate your meals today with this flavorful dish!

Steakhouse Potato Salad Ingredients

For the Salad
Red Potatoes – These waxy beauties serve as the creamy base of your Steakhouse Potato Salad.
Bacon – Adds a smoky, savory flavor; turkey bacon is a healthier alternative if you’re looking for a lighter option.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese – This cheese provides a rich and tangy punch; feel free to swap with pepper jack for an added kick.
Dijon Mustard – A key ingredient that gives your dressing a zesty base; yellow mustard can be used for a milder flavor.
Dill Pickles – Introduce scrumptious acidity and crunch; sweet pickles can be substituted if you prefer a sweeter taste.
Fresh Herbs (e.g., parsley, chives) – They bring freshness and color to your dish; basil or cilantro work well for a different flair.
Mayonnaise – Ensures creaminess and richness; Greek yogurt is an excellent option if you want a lighter twist.

For Serving
Optional Garnishes – Sprinkling extra diced herbs or crumbled bacon on top adds a beautiful finish and keeps the flavors vibrant.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Steakhouse Potato Salad

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Begin by washing about two pounds of red potatoes, then place them in a large pot filled with salted water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat and cook the potatoes until fork-tender, which will take approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and let them cool completely to maintain their perfect texture in the Steakhouse Potato Salad.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon
While the potatoes are cooling, take six slices of bacon and cook them in a frying pan over medium heat until they are crispy and golden brown, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon from the pan and place it on paper towels to drain excess grease. After cooling, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces for a smoky punch in your salad.

Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a mixing bowl, combine one cup of mayonnaise with two tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. This zesty dressing will envelop the potatoes beautifully, enhancing the overall flavor of your Steakhouse Potato Salad.

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled potatoes, crumbled bacon, one cup of sharp cheddar cheese, one cup of diced dill pickles, and any fresh herbs you choose, such as chopped parsley or chives. Pour the creamy dressing over this mixture and gently fold everything together until the potatoes and ingredients are well-coated, ensuring a delightful blend of flavors.

Step 5: Chill and Serve
Transfer the combined salad into a serving bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling allows the flavors of the Steakhouse Potato Salad to meld beautifully, making each bite irresistibly delicious. Serve it as a side dish at your next gathering or barbecue for a hit among friends and family!

Storage Tips for Steakhouse Potato Salad

Fridge: Store your Steakhouse Potato Salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keeping it covered helps retain freshness and flavor.

Make-Ahead: This salad can be made a day in advance; the flavors deepen beautifully as they meld overnight. Just ensure it’s well-sealed in the fridge.

Freezer: While freezing isn’t ideal for potato salad, if necessary, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving, but note that texture may change.

Reheating: Serve chilled for best flavor. If you prefer it warm, reheat gently in a microwave, but be cautious not to overheat as it may affect creaminess.

Expert Tips for Steakhouse Potato Salad

Cool Completely: Make sure to cool the potatoes thoroughly before mixing; this prevents your Steakhouse Potato Salad from becoming mushy.

Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning gradually; always taste along the way to achieve your desired flavor balance.

Liquid Gold: Add a splash of pickle juice to the dressing before mixing for an extra burst of tanginess that elevates the dish.

Prep Ahead: For best flavors, prepare the salad a day in advance, allowing the ingredients to meld beautifully overnight.

Texture Matters: If you’re adding fresh herbs or vegetables, chop them finely to maintain the creamy texture of the salad while adding freshness.

What to Serve with Steakhouse Potato Salad

Picture a sunny backyard gathering where love and laughter fill the air, and you’re about to elevate that experience with delightful pairings!

  • Grilled Steaks: The savory char of a perfectly grilled steak complements the creaminess of the potato salad, creating a satisfying contrast that’s hard to resist. The robust flavors harmoniously mingle, ensuring every bite is a culinary delight.

  • Juicy Hamburgers: Summer festivities aren’t complete without juicy burgers! Their savory richness alongside the tangy notes of the salad will keep your taste buds dancing.

  • Barbecue Chicken: The smokiness of barbecued chicken pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of the salad, balancing the meal with a truly comforting experience.

  • Roasted Corn on the Cob: Sweet and succulent, roasted corn adds a pop of sweetness and crunch that enhances the overall meal, providing a refreshing juxtaposition to creamy dishes.

  • Fresh Garden Salad: A light and crisp garden salad featuring mixed greens and seasonal veggies offers refreshing contrast. Consider a simple vinaigrette for a zesty touch that harmonizes well.

  • Grilled Asparagus: The slight char and bitterness of grilled asparagus provide an earthy flavor that complements the richness of the potato salad, adding depth to the meal.

  • Lemonade or Iced Tea: Quench your thirst and enhance your barbecue with chilled lemonade or iced tea. Their refreshing zest cuts through creaminess, providing a delightful balance.

  • Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad brings seasonal sweetness and a burst of color to your table, cleansing the palate and adding a refreshing touch after savory bites.

Embrace these pairings to create an unforgettable, flavor-packed spread that celebrates the beauty of home-cooked meals!

Make Ahead Options

These Steakhouse Potato Salad is perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prep the potatoes and dressing separately up to 24 hours in advance. Just boil the potatoes, cool them completely, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dressing can also be whisked together and refrigerated. This keeps the potatoes firm and prevents them from absorbing too much moisture. When ready to serve, simply combine the chilled potatoes, crumbled bacon, cheese, pickles, and dressing in a large bowl. Toss gently, and enjoy a delicious side dish that tastes just as fresh, making your meal prep a breeze!

Steakhouse Potato Salad: Customization Ideas

Feel free to explore these variations and make this delightful Steakhouse Potato Salad uniquely yours!

  • Cheese Swap: Use feta or gouda for a different flavor profile. Each cheese adds its own personality to the mix.

  • Vegetable Boost: Mix in cooked peas or corn for added color and nutrition. They not only enhance the look but also bring a sweet crunch.

  • Protein Punch: Add hard-boiled eggs for extra creaminess and protein. The eggs contribute a lovely richness that pairs wonderfully with the potatoes.

  • Herb Twist: Substitute fresh herbs—like cilantro or basil—instead of parsley for a fresh twist. Each herb brings a unique fragrance and flavor to your salad.

  • Dijon Variation: Replace Dijon mustard with spicy brown mustard for an extra kick. This little twist boosts the salad’s flavor profile to new heights.

  • Sweet Pickle Swap: Opt for sweet pickles if you prefer a hint of sweetness to balance the savory elements. It creates an interesting contrast that might surprise your taste buds.

  • Vegan Option: Use vegan mayonnaise and chickpea bacon for a plant-based version. You won’t lose any of the richness while keeping it vegan-friendly.

Pair your salad with delicious sides like Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes or a flavorful Sausage Potatoes Skillet for a complete meal.

Let your creativity shine as you adapt this recipe!

Steakhouse Potato Salad Recipe FAQs

What type of potatoes are best for potato salad?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and creaminess in your Steakhouse Potato Salad, I recommend using red potatoes. Their waxy texture holds up well and creates a delightful base. If you prefer, you can also use Yukon golds for a buttery taste.

How should I store my potato salad?
Store your Steakhouse Potato Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it sealed helps maintain freshness and flavor. If you’re preparing it ahead of time, this salad can be made a day in advance, and the flavors only get better as they mingle!

Can I freeze potato salad?
While freezing isn’t the best option for potato salad due to the creaminess, you can freeze it if necessary. Divide it into portions and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight. Just remember that the texture might change slightly, so it’s best served chilled after thawing.

What should I do if my potato salad turns out too mushy?
If you find your Steakhouse Potato Salad is mushy, no need to worry! First, try to use slightly fewer potatoes next time or ensure they cool completely before mixing. If it’s already made, consider adding a handful of crumbled bacon or extra diced pickles to enhance texture and flavor.

Is this potato salad suitable for those with food allergies?
Great question! This recipe contains common allergens like dairy and eggs from mayonnaise. For those with allergies, you can substitute regular mayonnaise with an egg-free or vegan variety. If you’re serving everyone, be sure to check for personal dietary restrictions and offer alternatives when necessary.

Can I modify the ingredients to suit my taste?
Very much so! This salad is quite versatile. You can swap sharp cheddar with feta or gouda for different flavors, or consider adding vegetables like peas, corn, or even diced hard-boiled eggs for extra texture and nutrition. Personalizing your Steakhouse Potato Salad ensures it’s a perfect fit for any gathering!

Steakhouse Potato Salad

Steakhouse Potato Salad: Creamy, Flavor-Packed Perfection

Steakhouse Potato Salad is a creamy, flavor-packed dish that elevates any gathering with tender potatoes, zesty dressing, smoky bacon, and sharp cheddar.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 pounds red potatoes waxy variety
  • 6 slices bacon can substitute with turkey bacon
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese can swap with pepper jack for an added kick
  • 1 cup mayonnaise Greek yogurt is an alternative
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard yellow mustard for milder flavor
  • 1 cup diced dill pickles can use sweet pickles for a sweeter taste
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • as desired fresh herbs (e.g., parsley, chives) basil or cilantro are alternatives
For Serving
  • as desired optional garnishes (e.g., extra diced herbs or crumbled bacon)

Equipment

  • large pot
  • frying pan
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • Serving bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Wash about two pounds of red potatoes, then place them in a large pot filled with salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and let cool.
  2. Cook six slices of bacon in a frying pan over medium heat until crispy and golden brown, about 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine one cup of mayonnaise with two tablespoons of Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  4. In a large bowl, add cooled potatoes, crumbled bacon, one cup of sharp cheddar cheese, one cup of diced dill pickles, and fresh herbs. Pour dressing over and gently fold until well-coated.
  5. Transfer to a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 6gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Cool potatoes completely before mixing to avoid a mushy salad. Adjust seasoning as needed while tasting. For extra tanginess, add a splash of pickle juice to the dressing before mixing.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!