Potato Salads for Summer

Versatile potato salads are one of summer’s staple dishes. So if you haven’t experimented beyond the basic recipe, now is the time!

Roasted Sweet Potato Salad

Roasted Sweet Potato Salad

Traditional potato salads such as our popular Best Basic Potato Salad opens in a new tab are always a hit at picnics, barbeques and outdoor gatherings. However it’s fun to try something different and put a new twist on this old favorite. With plenty of unique recipes such as Greek-style Lemony Potato Salad opens in a new tab, Vegan Potato Salad with Arugula and Celery opens in a new tab and Potato Salad with Cabbage and Spicy Mustard opens in a new tab, you’re bound to discover unique ideas that inspire you. 

Although typically served as a side dish, potato salad can easily become a hearty main if vegetables, cheese, meat or eggs are added. Tryout a variety of potatoes but remember that red potatoes, Yukon gold, Yellow Finn and fingerling potatoes tend to keep their shape during boiling, roasting, grilling and refrigeration, whereas starchier Idaho, Russet or baking potatoes, may become too soft or mushy when cooked. 

Growing up in Hawaii, I often had Japanese potato salad, which is typically made with semi-mashed potatoes, Japanese mayonnaise (slightly salty and tangy), vegetables such as carrots, peas, and onions, and sometimes ham or boiled eggs. You too can experiment with unexpected additions to the basic potato salad recipe. Here is some inspiration:

  • Sliced cabbage or kale

  • Capers, sundried tomatoes and sliced olives

  • Feta or a cubed cheese such as Manchego sheep cheese from Spain, jalapeño Jack cheese, super sharp cheddar, Murcia Curado Naked Goat cheese, or Comté cheese from France

  • Fresh herbs such as basil, chives, marjoram, oregano, dill, etc

  • Dried fruits such as figs, raisins or cranberries

  • Legumes such as black, pinto or garbanzo beans

  • A variety of seasonal vegetables

  • Lemon or lime juice, vinegar or wine

  • Dill or sweet pickles, or pickle relish

  • Tuna, eggs, ham, turkey, shrimp or crumbled bacon or ham

  • Marinated and grilled chopped meats, tofu or tempeh

  • Dijon mustard, honey mustard or any favorite spicy-hot mustard

  • A dash of Tabasco, Worcestershire, barbeque sauce, sliced jalapeño or other chili peppers

  • Nuts or seeds such as walnuts, pine nuts, sunflower, pumpkin or sesame seeds (these make a great garnish!)

Vegan Potato Salad with Arugula and Celery

Vegan Potato Salad with Arugula and Celery

Looking for recipes?

What’s your idea of a great potato salad? I’d love to know.

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