Potato salad is a classic dish that can be served as a side or main dish. If you’re looking for tasty and easy options to pair with your potato salad, check out these 20+ delicious ideas!
Potato salad is a classic dish that works beautifully as a side or even a main meal. Whether you’re planning a summer barbecue, a picnic, or a quick midweek dinner, this creamy and comforting dish is always a favourite. It pairs well with a variety of foods, from grilled meats and seafood to fresh salads and vegetables.
If you’re wondering what to serve with potato salad for dinner or looking for meal ideas with potato salad, this guide will help you find the perfect combination. But first, let’s start with a simple and delicious potato salad recipe you can make at home.
Basic Potato Salad Recipe
This easy classic potato salad is creamy, flavourful, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1kg new potatoes or baby potatoes, halved
- 150g mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 3 spring onions, finely chopped
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or dill), chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
Method:
- Cook the potatoes – Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Add the potatoes and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain and let them cool slightly.
- Make the dressing – In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Combine – Add the cooled potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Stir in the chopped onions, fresh herbs, and boiled eggs (if using). Pour over the dressing and gently mix until everything is coated.
- Chill and serve – Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavours develop.
This creamy potato salad is a great base that can be adjusted to your taste. You can swap the mayonnaise for Greek yoghurt for a lighter version or add extras like crispy bacon, pickles, or celery for extra crunch.
Sweet Potato Salad Recipe
If you’re looking for a twist on the classic potato salad, this sweet potato salad is a fantastic alternative. It has a slightly caramelised flavour, a hint of spice, and a delicious balance of textures. Perfect as a side for grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, or even a fresh green salad.
Ingredients:
- 1kg sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 100g feta cheese, crumbled
- 50g walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
- 1 small red onion, finely sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (coriander or parsley), chopped
- 2 tbsp dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds (optional)
Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Method:
- Roast the sweet potatoes – Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Toss the sweet potatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking tray and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender. Let them cool slightly.
- Prepare the dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the salad – In a large bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes, red onion, feta, nuts, and dried fruit (if using). Drizzle over the dressing and gently toss to coat.
- Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve warm or at room temperature.
Now, let’s look at the best dishes to serve with potato salad!
Grilled Meats
Potato salad is a popular side dish at BBQs. It’s cool, easy to make and transport, and offers a very different taste and texture, making it the perfect side whether you are BBQing at home, or travelling to a larger gathering and want something to take with you.
Of course, BBs aren’t the only time that we grill meat. Either way, potato salad is a great side to eat with your favourite grilled meats.
Grilled chicken: A light and flavourful option, perfect with classic potato salad.
Steak: Juicy and rich, balancing the creamy texture of the salad.
Sausages: A great choice for barbecues and casual gatherings.
BBQ pulled pork: The smoky and tangy flavours go well with creamy potato salad.
Pork chops: A hearty meal idea with crispy or juicy cuts.
Barbecue ribs: A tender, flavour-packed option that pairs well with creamy or sweet potato salad.
For me, the best meaty option to serve with a potato salad has got to be a beef burger or, even better, a cheeseburger.
Seafood
Seafood is a popular summer dinner or lunch and is perfect if you are hosting guests or a summer party, and want something a little fancier. Serve potato salad along with a range of sides like bread, vegetables and green salad for a lovely summer meal.
Grilled shrimp: A light, slightly smoky addition to your plate.
Grilled fish: Salmon, cod, or sea bass are excellent choices.
Crab cakes: Their crispy coating contrasts beautifully with a creamy potato salad recipe.
Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are a fantastic vegetarian side dish, or an option to add to the table for some colour, variety and nutrition with a meaty main course.
Courgette: Mild and slightly sweet, balancing the dish.
Bell peppers: Adds colour and crunch.
Mushrooms: Their umami flavour works well with a potato-based meal.
A traybake of mixed Mediterranean vegetables is a great option too.
Fresh Fruit
Fresh fruit offers a juicy and refreshing side, perfect in the summer, or when you want to add a sweet element without tons of fat.
Watermelon: Refreshing and hydrating, especially for summer meals.
Pineapple: A tropical touch that pairs well with barbecue dishes. Add it to the grill for an extra special touch.
Peaches: Sweet and juicy, balancing savoury main dishes.
A fruit salad is a great side option for a light and refreshing contrast.
Green Salads
Personally, I like to pile my potato salad onto a green salad, so I get lots of the dressing and chunks of potato with every bite. I do the same with coleslaw and other nice wet salady options.
You can serve it in a more traditional side dish sense though.
Mixed greens: A simple, fresh way to lighten up a meal.
Caesar salad: The creamy dressing complements a classic potato salad.
Greek salad: The tangy feta and olives offer a bold contrast.
Sandwiches
Sandwiches are the perfect easy lunch. But on their own, they can be dry and uninspiring. Adding a bowl of potato salad to the side is refreshing, and creates a more filling meal without being too heavy.
BLT: Crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and tomato make a perfect combo. One of my absolute favourite sandwiches.
Turkey and avocado: A protein-packed option for lunch or a light dinner.
Egg salad sandwich: If you love eggs in potato salad, this is a great match.
Sloppy Joes: The savoury filling pairs well with a creamy potato salad.
Quinoa Or Grain Bowls
If you’re looking for a nutritious option for what to serve with potato salad vegetarian-style, quinoa or grain bowls are an excellent choice. They add texture, protein, and a satisfying bite, making your meal more balanced and filling.
Quinoa, bulgur wheat, couscous, or brown rice all work well alongside a creamy potato salad or sweet potato salad. These grains absorb flavour beautifully and can be customised with a variety of ingredients.
How to Serve Quinoa or Grain Bowls with Potato Salad:
Flavour with fresh herbs – Chopped parsley, coriander, dill, or chives adds freshness and aroma.
Drizzle with olive oil – A light dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and black pepper enhances the taste.
Add roasted vegetables – Roasted peppers, courgettes, aubergines, or cherry tomatoes bring depth and sweetness.
Include a protein boost – Chickpeas, tofu, or nuts (like almonds or walnuts) make the bowl more filling.
Roasted Or Steamed Vegetables
Adding roasted or steamed vegetables to your meal is a simple way to bring extra colour, flavour, and nutrition to the plate. Whether you’re serving creamy potato salad, traditional potato salad, or sweet potato salad, vegetables provide a delicious contrast in texture and taste.
Best Vegetables to Serve with Potato Salad:
Carrots – Slightly sweet and earthy, roasted carrots bring a natural caramelisation that pairs beautifully with a classic potato salad. Try drizzling them with olive oil, honey, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flavour.
Broccoli – Whether steamed or roasted, broccoli adds a vibrant crunch. Roasting it with garlic and black pepper enhances its natural taste, making it a great complement to creamy dishes.
Asparagus – Lightly roasted or grilled asparagus with olive oil and a pinch of sea salt make for a simple but flavourful side. It’s especially good with grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, or a fresh green salad alongside your potato salad.
FAQ: What To Serve With Potato Salad?
What protein goes with potato salad?
Grilled chicken, steak, BBQ pulled pork, pork chops, and grilled shrimp are excellent protein options.
What meat goes good with potato salad for dinner?
Barbecue ribs, grilled fish, crab cakes, and sausages are all delicious choices.
What vegetable goes with potato salad?
Grilled vegetables like courgette and mushrooms, steamed broccoli, and roasted carrots all pair well.
What to serve with potato salad and baked beans?
Pulled pork, grilled chicken, or a simple green salad make great additions to this meal.
What to eat with potato salad UK-style?
Cold meats, quiche, or sausage rolls work well in a traditional UK meal.
What are some dinner ideas with potato salad?
Pair it with barbecue meats, sandwiches, seafood, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
What can I serve with potato salad for a picnic?
Cold roast chicken, sandwiches, fruit salad, and pasta salad are easy picnic-friendly options.
Is potato salad good for dinner?
Yes! It can be served as a side with grilled meats or seafood or as a main with protein-rich ingredients like eggs or quinoa.
Honestly, I’d happily eat potato salad as it is, straight out of the bowl that I mixed it in. But, if you are looking for a more balanced dinner, these options are great.
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