Delicious Steakhouse Potato Salad: 1 Secret Ingredient

6 de July de 2025

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Steakhouse potato salad is my go-to for any summer BBQ. It all started when I was trying to recreate that amazing side dish from my favorite steak joint – you know, the one that’s creamy, smoky, and just a little bit fancy? After a few tries, I nailed it! This isn’t just your average potato salad; it’s loaded with crispy bacon, tangy Dijon, and a hint of garlic that elevates every bite. The texture? Oh, it’s a dream – tender potatoes, crunchy celery, and creamy dressing all in one. Trust me, this creamy potato salad recipe will steal the show at your next potluck. I even made a huge batch of steakhouse potato salad for a picnic last week. The secret is in the balance of flavors and textures. It’s the perfect sidekick for grilled burgers or a perfectly seared steak. Let’s get cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Steakhouse Potato Salad

It’s got those creamy and comforting flavors that remind you of your favorite steakhouse.
This old-fashioned potato salad is absolutely perfect for BBQs and potlucks – guaranteed to be a hit!
The prep time is quick, so you won’t be stuck in the kitchen all day.
Using budget-friendly ingredients means you can feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
Looking for a crowd-pleasing side dish? This is it!
It elevates any meal, transforming a simple dinner into something special.
This creamy potato salad with bacon is super simple to make, even if you’re not a seasoned chef.
It’s totally customizable to your taste – add more bacon, adjust the seasonings, make it your own!

Ingredients for Steakhouse Potato Salad

2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed (I like russets for their texture, but Yukon Golds will give you an even creamier steakhouse style potato salad.)
4 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped (Make sure they’re chopped evenly; it really does make a difference in texture!)
2 celery stalks, diced (Don’t skip the celery! It adds such a refreshing crunch.)
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped (I prefer red onion because it’s a bit milder than white, but either works.)
6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (Oh yeah, the bacon! This is key for that smoky flavor we all love in a steakhouse potato salad recipe.)
2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (Fresh chives are a MUST. They add this bright, herbal note that really elevates the dish.)
1 cup mayonnaise (Go for the full-fat stuff here, trust me. It makes all the difference in flavor.)
½ cup sour cream (This adds the perfect tanginess to balance the richness of the mayo. Don’t skimp!)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (Just a tablespoon gives it a subtle kick that I always appreciate.)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (This balances the richness of the creamy potato salad beautifully.)
½ teaspoon salt (Enhances all the flavors – adjust to your taste.)
¼ teaspoon black pepper (Adds just a touch of spice.)
¼ teaspoon garlic powder (This little bit of garlic powder adds a savory depth that’s just *chef’s kiss*.)
¼ teaspoon paprika (For a little color and a hint of smokiness. You could even use smoked paprika for extra oomph!)

How to Make Steakhouse Potato Salad

Step 1: Cook the potatoes. Grab your cubed potatoes, toss them into a large pot, and cover them with cold, salted water. Bring that to a boil and let it bubble away for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender. You want them easily pierced with a fork, but definitely not mushy! Drain them well in a colander and let them cool completely. Trust me, this is important, or you’ll end up with sad, soggy potato salad.
Step 2: Make the dressing. While those potatoes are cooling down, let’s whip up the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until everything’s smooth and creamy. Now, give it a taste! This is your chance to adjust the seasonings to your liking. More pepper? Go for it! A little extra Dijon? Why not!
Step 3: Combine the salad. Okay, now for the fun part! In a large bowl, gently mix together the cooled potatoes, chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced celery, chopped red onion, crumbled bacon (mmm, bacon!), and fresh chives. Be gentle here – you don’t want to mash those tender potatoes. We’re aiming for a perfect blend of textures and flavors in our steakhouse style potato salad.
Step 4: Dress and chill. Pour that glorious dressing over the potato mixture and gently fold until everything is evenly coated. Make sure every nook and cranny is covered in that creamy goodness! Cover the bowl tightly and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This chilling time is crucial; it allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to thicken up, transforming it into the ultimate creamy potato salad.

Pro Tips for the Best Steakhouse Potato Salad

Want to take your steakhouse potato salad recipe from good to absolutely unforgettable? Here are a few of my go-to tricks that I’ve learned over the years:

Don’t overcook your potatoes! Slightly firm is better than mushy.
Make the dressing a few hours ahead of time. It gives the flavors a chance to really meld together.
Taste and adjust! Seriously, everyone’s palate is different, so don’t be afraid to tweak the seasonings to your liking.

What’s the secret to perfect Steakhouse Potato Salad?

Okay, listen up: it’s all about using high-quality mayonnaise. Seriously, splurge on the good stuff! It makes a HUGE difference in the overall flavor and creaminess of this homemade potato salad.

Can I make Steakhouse Potato Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I almost always do. This old-fashioned creamy potato salad is even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to mingle. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Steakhouse Potato Salad?

The biggest mistake I see people make is using warm potatoes. Make sure those spuds are completely cool before you add the dressing, or you’ll end up with a sad, watery, mess. Trust me, I’ve been there!

Best Ways to Serve Steakhouse Potato Salad

This steakhouse potato salad is the perfect side dish for, well, just about anything! I love serving it alongside grilled steak (obviously!), burgers, or even pulled pork sandwiches. It’s especially great at BBQs and potlucks – it always disappears fast! For a pretty presentation, I like to mound the potato salad in a bowl and garnish it with extra crumbled bacon and fresh chives. It also pairs wonderfully with my Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chipotle Lime Butter – the smoky flavors complement each other perfectly. Serve it chilled for the best taste and texture!

Steakhouse Potato Salad - detail 2

Nutrition Facts for Steakhouse Potato Salad

Alright, let’s talk nutrition! Here’s what you can expect in each serving of this delicious steakhouse potato salad:

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 330 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 8 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Remember, this is just an estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy!

How to Store and Reheat Steakhouse Potato Salad

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This creamy potato salad recipe is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. I don’t recommend freezing it, as the texture can change and become a bit watery once thawed. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just give it a good stir. There’s really no need to reheat it – it’s meant to be enjoyed cold! If it seems a little dry after being in the fridge, stir in a tablespoon or two of mayonnaise to restore that creamy goodness. Trust me, it’ll be just as delicious as the first time!

Frequently Asked Questions About Steakhouse Potato Salad

Can I use different types of potatoes for this creamy potato salad recipe?

Absolutely! While I personally love russets for their slightly fluffy texture, Yukon Golds will give you an even creamier result. Red potatoes also work well, but keep in mind they have a waxier texture. You can even mix and match for a more interesting potato salad! Just make sure you cook them all to the same level of doneness.

What about sweet potatoes? I wouldn’t recommend it for this particular recipe, as the sweetness might clash with the other flavors.

Is there a substitute for bacon in this steakhouse style potato salad?

If you’re not a bacon fan (gasp!), or you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, you can definitely get creative! Smoked paprika can add a smoky depth, or you can try using a plant-based bacon substitute. Another option is to add some chopped smoked almonds for a bit of crunch and smoky flavor.

Can I use turkey bacon? Sure! It’ll give you a similar flavor profile with slightly less fat.

How can I make this homemade potato salad healthier?

There are a few easy ways to lighten things up! You can substitute plain Greek yogurt for some of the sour cream to reduce the fat content. Also, using less mayonnaise overall will make a noticeable difference, but be careful not to sacrifice too much flavor! Loading up on the veggies, like celery and red onion, will add extra nutrients and fiber.

Can I use light mayonnaise? Yes, but keep in mind that it might not have quite the same rich flavor as full-fat mayonnaise.

Why is my potato salad watery?

The most common reason for watery potato salad is adding the dressing to warm potatoes. Make sure your potatoes are completely cooled before mixing in the dressing. Also, avoid overcooking the potatoes, as they’ll absorb too much water. If your potato salad is already watery, you can try draining off some of the excess liquid and adding a bit more mayonnaise or sour cream to thicken it up.

What if I already added the dressing to warm potatoes? Try chilling the potato salad for a longer period of time. Sometimes, that’s all it needs!

Variations of Steakhouse Potato Salad You Can Try

Vegan: Swap out the mayonnaise and sour cream for plant-based alternatives. Use a vegan bacon substitute or smoked paprika to maintain that smoky flavor.
Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a little kick! You can also add some chopped jalapeños for extra heat.
Loaded Baked Potato Salad: Bake the potatoes instead of boiling them for a smokier flavor. Then, load it up with all the classic baked potato toppings like cheddar cheese, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream.
Herby: Experiment with different fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or tarragon to create a unique flavor profile. Each herb will add a distinct twist to this steakhouse-inspired potato salad.