Steakhouse Potato Salad
Steakhouse Potato Salad is not your average side dish; it’s a creamy, loaded version that elevates classic potato salad. This dish combines soft red potatoes with a zesty dijon mustard dressing and is packed with flavor from crispy bacon, shredded cheese, red onion, and dill pickles. Perfect for any gathering, potluck, BBQ, or summertime picnic, this steakhouse potato salad will be the star of your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy dressing and savory add-ins creates a taste explosion.
- Versatile Side Dish: Ideal for BBQs, picnics, or family dinners—this salad pairs well with any main course.
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and minimal time commitment, this recipe is perfect for busy cooks.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s hard to resist a dish loaded with bacon and cheese; everyone will be asking for seconds!
- Make Ahead: This potato salad can be prepared in advance, making it a convenient choice for entertaining.
Tools and Preparation
To make the best Steakhouse Potato Salad, you’ll need a few key tools that simplify the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Plastic wrap or lid
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling potatoes evenly until fork tender.
- Colander: Helps drain water efficiently after boiling the potatoes.
- Mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients without making a mess.
- Plastic wrap or lid: Keeps the potato salad fresh while it chills in the fridge.
Ingredients
For this delicious Steakhouse Potato Salad, gather the following ingredients:
Potatoes & Base
- 2 pounds red potatoes (washed & cubed)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Flavorings & Dressing
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 1 small red onion (finely chopped)
Add-Ins
- 5 crispy cooked bacon strips (crumbled)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (mild, medium, or sharp cheddar)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped dill pickles
Seasoning & Garnish
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
- Chopped chives or sliced green onions (optional garnish)
How to Make Steakhouse Potato Salad
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
- Place potatoes into a large pot and cover them with cold water.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, cook for 10-15 minutes until fork tender.
- Drain in a colander and let them cool to room temperature.
- You can peel the skin off or leave it on – both options work well!
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
- Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Add cooled cooked potatoes, red onion, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, parsley, and dill pickles into the bowl with dressing.
- Stir gently until everything is well combined.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to blend.
- Note: For best results, do not refrigerate longer than 4 hours to keep the salad creamy; add extra mayonnaise if needed before serving.
Enjoy your vibrant Steakhouse Potato Salad at your next gathering!
How to Serve Steakhouse Potato Salad
Steakhouse Potato Salad makes for a delightful side dish that complements various meals. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
Family Barbecue
- Serve it chilled alongside grilled meats like burgers and hot dogs. The creamy texture pairs well with the smoky flavors from the grill.
Picnic Delight
- Pack it in a cooler with some crispy chips and fresh fruit. This potato salad is easy to transport and perfect for outdoor gatherings.
Potluck Classic
- Bring it to your next potluck event where everyone will love the hearty flavors. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can easily feed a large group.
Summer Cookout
- Pair it with fresh corn on the cob and watermelon slices for a quintessential summer meal. The freshness of the corn balances the richness of the salad.
Weeknight Dinner
- Enjoy it as a quick side for roasted chicken or steak. It adds a comforting touch to any weeknight meal.
Game Day Snack
- Serve in small cups for easy eating while watching the game. It’s a fun way to enjoy this dish without needing utensils.

How to Perfect Steakhouse Potato Salad
To ensure your Steakhouse Potato Salad turns out perfectly every time, follow these essential tips.
- Choose the right potatoes: Use red potatoes as they hold their shape better and offer a creamy texture when cooked.
- Cool before mixing: Let the potatoes cool completely before adding them to the dressing; this prevents them from soaking up too much moisture.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference. Each batch may need different amounts based on personal taste.
- Add ingredients gradually: Mix in ingredients like bacon and cheese gradually so you can control how loaded you want your salad.
- Serve chilled: Allow at least an hour in the fridge after mixing to let all flavors meld together beautifully.
- Garnish just before serving: Add fresh herbs like chives or parsley right before serving for extra flavor and color.
Best Side Dishes for Steakhouse Potato Salad
When planning your meal, consider these side dishes that pair wonderfully with Steakhouse Potato Salad.
- Grilled Asparagus – Lightly seasoned and grilled, asparagus adds a fresh crunch that complements the creamy potato salad.
- Corn on the Cob – Sweet, juicy corn enhances any summer meal, making it an excellent choice alongside this rich dish.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast, balancing out the heaviness of the potato salad.
- Baked Beans – Hearty baked beans provide protein and sweetness, creating a satisfying combination with your potato salad.
- Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread adds flavor and texture; it’s perfect for scooping up potato salad too!
- Caprese Salad – Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a light option that brightens up the plate without overpowering other flavors.
- Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits brings sweetness and acidity, making it a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of creamy goodness.
- Stuffed Peppers – Whether filled with rice, meat, or cheese, stuffed peppers add vibrant colors and flavors alongside your potato salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Steakhouse Potato Salad, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your salad turns out perfectly.
- Overcooking the Potatoes: Cooking the potatoes for too long makes them mushy. Aim for fork tenderness, typically around 10-15 minutes of boiling.
- Skipping the Cooling Step: Adding warm potatoes to your dressing can lead to a greasy texture. Always let them cool to room temperature before combining.
- Not Seasoning Properly: Failing to season with salt and pepper results in bland flavors. Taste as you mix and adjust accordingly.
- Using Low-Quality Ingredients: The quality of ingredients affects the taste. Use fresh herbs, good mayonnaise, and crispy bacon for the best result.
- Refrigerating Too Long: Leaving it in the fridge for too long can dry out the salad. Ideally, serve within 1-4 hours after mixing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Ensure it’s cooled completely before sealing.
Freezing Steakhouse Potato Salad
- Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in potatoes and dressing.
- If necessary, use a freezer-safe container, but consume within a month for best quality.
Reheating Steakhouse Potato Salad
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil and heat until warm, about 15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Steakhouse Potato Salad that might help you as you prepare this dish.
Can I make Steakhouse Potato Salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a few hours in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
What can I add to my Steakhouse Potato Salad?
Feel free to customize by adding ingredients like hard-boiled eggs, celery, or different cheeses for more flavor and texture.
Is there a gluten-free version of Steakhouse Potato Salad?
Yes! Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that any added sauces or dressings are also gluten-free.
How spicy is Steakhouse Potato Salad?
The spice level is mild but can be adjusted by adding jalapeños or using spicy mustard if desired.
Can I leave out pickles from the recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer no pickles, simply omit them or substitute with something else like diced bell peppers for crunch.
Final Thoughts
Steakhouse Potato Salad is a delicious side dish that brings comfort and joy to any gathering. Its creamy texture combined with savory add-ins makes it incredibly versatile—perfect for BBQs, picnics, or family dinners. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients; make it your own!

Steakhouse Potato Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Steakhouse Potato Salad is a creamy and loaded twist on the classic side dish that’s sure to steal the show at your next gathering. This delectable salad combines tender red potatoes with a zesty dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, and Dijon mustard. It’s enriched with crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and crunchy dill pickles, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. Perfect for barbecues, picnics, or potlucks, this hearty potato salad is not just a side but a standout dish that complements any main course beautifully. Easy to prepare and delightful to serve, it can be made ahead of time for added convenience.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds red potatoes
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 5 strips cooked bacon (crumbled)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped dill pickles
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil cubed red potatoes in salted water for 10-15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and let cool.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
- Once cooled, combine potatoes with dressing, bacon, cheese, onion, parsley, and pickles in the bowl. Mix gently.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg