Main Dish Potato Salad
A hearty and colorful potato salad packed with fresh vegetables, cheese, ham, and hard-cooked eggs. The creamy dressing is complemented by mustard and celery seed, making it a versatile dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or family dinners. It offers a satisfying blend of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine salad dressing, mustard, celery seed, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Add cubed cooked potatoes, broccoli flowerets, cubed cheddar cheese, ham strips, chopped hard-cooked eggs, celery slices, and chopped onion to the dressing mixture.
- Mix lightly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, let the potato salad chill for at least an hour before serving. You can substitute Greek yogurt for half of the salad dressing for a lighter version. If you prefer, add diced bell peppers or pickles for a tangy crunch. Using leftover cooked potatoes will save time and effort. For a vegetarian option, replace the ham with chickpeas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this potato salad chilled as a hearty side dish at barbecues, picnics, or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with Barbecue Pork Sandwiches or grilled meats. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain its freshness, avoid adding the dressing until just before serving. If the salad becomes too dry after refrigeration, stir in a little extra dressing to revive its creamy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Main Dish Potato Salad contains roughly 292 calories, with 5g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value) and potassium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1692mg per serving (74% 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 potato salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the potato salad a day in advance. Just be sure to store it covered in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. The flavors will actually improve overnight as they meld together.
What type of potatoes work best for potato salad?
Waxy potatoes like red or Yukon Gold are ideal for potato salad because they hold their shape well when cooked. Avoid starchy potatoes like Russets, as they can become mushy.
Can I add other vegetables to this potato salad?
Absolutely! You can include vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or even corn for added color and flavor. Just ensure to chop them into similar sizes for even mixing.
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).