Hill Country Potato Salad
A hearty Southern-style potato salad with crispy bacon, tangy vinegar dressing, and fresh herbs, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings seeking bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook potatoes in boiling water with 1 teaspoon salt in a covered saucepan until fork tender, about 35 minutes.
- Peel and dice or partially mash the cooked potatoes.
- In a small skillet, fry diced bacon until crisp.
- Add diced onion to the bacon and sauté until tender but not brown.
- In a bowl, mix cornstarch or flour, sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper.
- Stir in vinegar and water until smooth to make the dressing.
- Add the dressing to the bacon and onion mixture and simmer, stirring until thickened.
- Pour the hot dressing over the potatoes.
- Add 1/4 cup minced onion, snipped parsley, celery seeds, and radishes.
- Gently toss to combine and garnish with celery leaves before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the dressing. If you prefer a smokier flavor, smoked bacon works well in this recipe. You can substitute the red potatoes with Yukon gold for a buttery taste. Be sure to let the potatoes cool slightly before mixing to prevent them from becoming mushy. For extra crunch, add diced celery or bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions
This Hill Country Potato Salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats, making it an excellent side for summer barbecues or picnics. Consider serving alongside dishes like BBQ ribs or fried chicken for a delightful meal. For a complete spread, offer it with American recipes like Ho' Made Chilly or Tater Tot Surprise for a fun twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Alternatively, serve it chilled straight from the fridge for a refreshing side. Always stir well before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hill Country Potato Salad contains roughly 237 calories, with 7g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (34% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 671mg per serving (29% 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 make this potato salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this potato salad a day in advance. Just mix the dressing and potatoes, but wait to add fresh ingredients like parsley and celery until just before serving for optimal freshness.
What can I use instead of bacon?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the bacon with smoked tempeh or omit it entirely. For a similar flavor, consider adding liquid smoke or smoked paprika to the dressing.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply use cornstarch instead of flour in the dressing to keep it gluten-free. Additionally, ensure that all other ingredients, including the bacon, are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
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).