Esther'S Potato Salad
A savory potato salad featuring crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and a tangy sweet-sour dressing, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil small potatoes until tender; peel and slice into a bowl when cooled.
- Fry or microwave bacon until crisp; measure slightly less than 1/2 cup of bacon fat or bits.
- Combine the bacon, water, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and minced onion; bring to a boil and cook vigorously for more than 5 minutes.
- Pour the hot dressing over the sliced potatoes and chopped hard-boiled eggs; toss gently to combine.
- Chill before serving for best flavor.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using smoked bacon instead of regular. You can substitute white vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter taste. If you prefer a creamier texture, add a dollop of mayonnaise to the potato mixture. Adjust the sugar level based on your sweetness preference; you can also use honey as a natural sweetener. Make sure to cool the potatoes completely before combining with the dressing for the best results.
Serving Suggestions
Esther's Potato Salad is perfect for barbecues and picnics, pairing beautifully with grilled meats like Simple Pork Chops or Ham, Cabbage And Noodles. Serve it alongside fresh greens or crusty bread for a complete meal. For an added crunch, consider topping with fresh herbs or croutons just before serving to enhance the texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the salad in the microwave for about 30 seconds, then stir. Note that the flavors will meld even more after a day in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead dish. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Esther'S Potato Salad contains roughly 1360 calories, with 22g protein, 224g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (54% of the Daily Value), potassium (48% of the Daily Value), and protein (44% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1374mg per serving (60% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of potatoes for this salad?
Yes, while small potatoes work well for this recipe, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a different texture and flavor. Just ensure they are cooked until tender and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Is it necessary to chill the potato salad before serving?
Chilling the potato salad allows the flavors to meld, making it taste even better. For optimal flavor, refrigerate for at least an hour before serving, but it can be made a day ahead for convenience.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make Esther's Potato Salad vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and replace the bacon fat with olive oil or a flavored vegetable oil. You can add smoked paprika to replicate the smoky flavor that bacon would provide.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).