Steakhouse Potato Salad Recipe
If you’re craving a classic side with a rich and tangy twist, this Steakhouse Potato Salad Recipe is exactly what you need to elevate your next meal. Loaded with tender russet potatoes, crisp celery, smoky bacon, and a creamy dressing that perfectly balances sour cream, Dijon mustard, and a touch of apple cider vinegar, this salad brings nostalgic steakhouse vibes right to your kitchen table. It’s comfort food with a splash of sophistication, perfect for family dinners, barbecues, or any time you want to wow your guests with a potato salad that truly stands out.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the fun and success of this salad. Each component here plays a crucial role in creating the perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, and savory flavors and textures. Keep these simple ingredients fresh and top-notch for the best results!
- Russet potatoes: These starchy potatoes hold their shape well and create a creamy yet sturdy base for the salad.
- Hard-boiled eggs: Adds a rich, creamy texture and extra protein, making the dish heartier.
- Celery stalks: Fresh and crunchy, celery introduces a bright contrast that keeps the salad lively.
- Red onion: Provides a mild bite and vibrant color to brighten up the salad visually and taste-wise.
- Bacon: Smoked and crumbled for savory depth and that signature steakhouse flavor magic.
- Fresh chives: A subtle oniony note that lifts the entire salad with fresh green color.
- Mayonnaise and sour cream: The creamy backbone that binds everything and adds luscious richness.
- Dijon mustard: Brings a gentle, tangy kick that makes the dressing zing.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds acidity to balance the richness and brighten flavors.
- Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika: Essential seasonings that tie the whole dish together with savory and slightly smoky notes.
How to Make Steakhouse Potato Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the potatoes
Start by peeling and cubing 2 pounds of russet potatoes into evenly sized pieces for uniform cooking. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil. Cooking the potatoes until just fork-tender—about 15 to 20 minutes—ensures they won’t fall apart when mixing. Once done, drain thoroughly in a colander and allow them to cool completely before combining with other ingredients to prevent the salad from becoming mushy.
Step 2: Prepare the dressing
While the potatoes cook, whip up the dressing by whisking together 1 cup of mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, mixing until smooth and well combined. This dressing is the soul of the Steakhouse Potato Salad Recipe, balancing creamy, tangy, and subtly smoky flavors that come through in every bite.
Step 3: Combine all the ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the cooled potatoes, 4 chopped hard-boiled eggs, 2 diced celery stalks, ¼ cup finely chopped red onion, 6 slices of crumbled bacon, and 2 tablespoons of fresh chives. The combination of textures here—from creamy to crunchy to smoky—makes each forkful interesting and satisfying.
Step 4: Dress and chill
Pour the dressing over the potato mixture and carefully fold everything together until each bite is evenly coated with that luscious sauce. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. This resting time allows all the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste experience. Patience pays off with this Steakhouse Potato Salad Recipe!
How to Serve Steakhouse Potato Salad Recipe

Garnishes
Sprinkle additional fresh chopped chives or crumbled bacon on top for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal before serving. If you want a little zing, a light dusting of smoked paprika adds a beautiful finish and hints at the salad’s rich smoky elements. These simple garnishes make the salad look inviting and taste even better.
Side Dishes
This potato salad is a star side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled steaks, barbecued chicken, or even fish. It also complements lighter mains like roasted vegetables or hearty sandwiches. The Steakhouse Potato Salad Recipe brings a satisfying richness that balances the smoky char of grilled proteins or cools down spicy dishes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the salad in a hollowed-out bread bowl or place it atop a bed of fresh greens for a composed salad plate. Layering it in mason jars for picnics or potlucks makes for great individual portions and a charming presentation. No matter how you plate it, this salad is sure to draw compliments and second helpings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Steakhouse Potato Salad Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Because the potatoes soak up the dressing, the salad may seem even more flavorful the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead option for busy cooks planning ahead.
Freezing
This potato salad does not freeze well due to the mayonnaise and sour cream in the dressing. Freezing would likely cause separation and a watery texture once thawed, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh or refrigerated for a few days.
Reheating
Potato salad is traditionally served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. If you prefer it slightly warmer, allow it to sit outside the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes before serving to take the chill off without compromising texture or flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato for this salad?
Russet potatoes are preferred for their texture, but you can use Yukon Gold for a creamier consistency or red potatoes if you want a firmer bite. Just adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in this recipe?
If you want a lighter version, Greek yogurt is a great alternative that still provides creaminess with less fat. Just keep in mind this will slightly change the flavor profile of the dressing.
How do I make this salad ahead for a party?
Make the salad up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Give it a gentle stir before serving and add any fresh garnishes last minute to keep everything looking crisp and fresh.
Can I add other vegetables or ingredients to this potato salad?
Absolutely! Diced pickles, bell peppers, or even a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill can add exciting new layers of flavor without overwhelming the classic steakhouse taste.
What makes this a “steakhouse” style potato salad?
The combination of smoky bacon, the creamy yet tangy dressing, and hearty chunks of russet potatoes gives this salad the rich flavor and texture reminiscent of classic sides served alongside steaks in steakhouses. It’s that beloved comfort food with an elevated twist.
Final Thoughts
Giving the Steakhouse Potato Salad Recipe a try means welcoming a timeless classic with a few delicious twists right into your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it alongside a juicy grilled steak or bringing it to a family gathering, this dish promises to deliver creamy, smoky, and fresh flavors that everyone will love. So grab those potatoes and start cooking—once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser!
PrintSteakhouse Potato Salad Recipe
This classic Steakhouse Potato Salad is a hearty and flavorful side dish perfect for barbecues, picnics, or family dinners. Made with tender russet potatoes, crisp celery, hard-boiled eggs, smoky bacon, and a creamy tangy dressing featuring mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar, it offers a delicious balance of textures and flavors. Chilled for at least an hour, this potato salad is a refreshing and satisfying complement to any steakhouse or grilled meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Potatoes and Vegetables
- 2 pounds russet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- 2 celery stalks (diced)
- ¼ cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives (chopped)
Protein
- 4 large hard-boiled eggs (chopped)
- 6 slices cooked bacon (crumbled)
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Cook the potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed russet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes well in a colander and set aside to cool completely.
- Make the dressing: While the potatoes are cooking, in a small bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Combine the salad: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the cooled potatoes with the chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced celery, finely chopped red onion, crumbled cooked bacon, and chopped fresh chives until evenly distributed.
- Dress and chill: Pour the prepared dressing over the potato mixture and gently fold to coat all ingredients evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly before serving.
Notes
- Use russet potatoes for their fluffy texture, which is ideal for potato salad.
- Ensure potatoes are completely cooled before mixing with dressing to prevent it from becoming watery.
- Chilling the salad for at least one hour enhances the flavor fusion.
- For a healthier twist, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Bacon can be omitted or substituted with smoked turkey bacon for a lighter version.
Keywords: potato salad, steakhouse potato salad, creamy potato salad, bacon potato salad, picnic side dish, summer salad
