Ah, potato salad. That creamy, comforting side dish that graces picnics, barbecues, and buffets across the UK. But what if you’re staring at a bowl of this deliciousness and wondering, “What on earth do I eat with it?” Fear not, fellow food lover! This ultimate guide will unveil a world of flavourful pairings for your potato salad, turning it into the star of the show.
Considering the Classics:
Potato Salad is a true team player, happy to share the spotlight with a variety of dishes. Here are some timeless combinations that are guaranteed to please:
- The All-American BBQ: Burgers and hot dogs are a match made in barbecue heaven with potato salad. The creamy potato salad cuts through the richness of the burgers, while the tangy dressing complements the smoky flavours of grilled meats.
- Chicken, Any Style: Grilled, baked, fried, or barbecued – chicken is a fantastic partner for potato salad. The mild flavour of chicken allows the potato salad to shine, while the protein keeps you feeling satisfied.
- Pulled Pork Perfection: Slow-cooked pulled pork with tangy barbecue sauce is a hearty and delicious main course for your potato salad. The sweetness of the barbecue sauce balances the creaminess of the potato salad, creating a flavour explosion in every bite.
- Ribs for the Win: Barbecue ribs, another picnic favourite, go hand-in-hand with potato salad. The smoky, sticky flavours of the ribs are beautifully offset by the cool and creamy potato salad.
Thinking Outside the Box:
While the classics are always welcome, there’s a whole world of possibilities waiting to be explored! Here are some unique ideas to elevate your potato salad experience:
- Seafood Sensations: Grilled fish like salmon, trout, or cod pairs beautifully with potato salad. The lightness of the fish complements the richness of the potato salad, making it a perfect summer meal.
- Veggie Power: Don’t underestimate the power of vegetables! Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers add a pop of colour and freshness to your potato salad spread.
- Hearty Beans: Black beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas add a protein punch and a delightful textural contrast to potato salad.
- Sandwich Surprise: Potato salad isn’t just for the sides! Elevate your lunch game by putting potato salad on a toasted bun with your favourite protein, like grilled chicken or shredded beef.
Keeping it Simple:
Sometimes, simplicity is key. Here are some quick and easy ideas for a satisfying potato salad meal:
- Bread Basket Bonanza: A basket of crusty bread rolls or fluffy dinner rolls is the perfect accompaniment for scooping up every last bit of your potato salad.
- Fresh and Fruity: A light and refreshing side salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of potato salad.
- Deviled Egg Delight: Deviled eggs are a classic picnic food that goes perfectly with potato salad. The creamy filling and tangy pickle relish add a delightful contrast to the flavours.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pairings:
- Consider the Flavour Profile of Your Potato Salad: Is it a classic creamy salad, a lighter dill-based salad, or a tangy mustard potato salad? Each type pairs differently with other dishes.
- Think About Texture: Potato salad already has a creamy, soft texture. Balance it out with something crunchy or fresh, like grilled vegetables or a side salad.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: The beauty of potato salad is its versatility! Get creative and try different combinations to discover your favourite pairings.
Taking Your Potato Salad to the Next Level:
While a simple potato salad is delicious, there are ways to jazz it up and impress your guests. Here are some ideas:
- Herb Heaven: Fresh herbs like dill, chives, or parsley add a vibrant pop of flavour to your potato salad.
- Cheese Dreams: Crumbled cheddar cheese, feta cheese, or even blue cheese can add a delightful salty and tangy element to your potato salad.
- Crunchy Delights: Chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds add a delightful textural contrast and a touch of richness.
- Pickled Perfection: Chopped pickles or cornichons add a tangy and crunchy element to your potato salad.
The Final Scoop:
Potato salad is a true chameleon of the side dish world. With its endless pairing possibilities, it can be the star of a simple lunch, a delightful addition to a picnic spread, or a crowd-pleasing side dish at a barbecue.
So, the next time you have a bowl of potato salad, get creative, explore different flavours, and discover your perfect pairings. After all, food is meant to be enjoyed, and with this guide, your potato salad adventures are guaranteed to be delicious!
Bonus: Easy Potato Salad Recipe:
No potato salad pairing guide is complete without a recipe! Here’s a simple and classic potato salad recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 500g potatoes (Maris Piper or Desiree work well)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard
- 1 tablespoon chopped red onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped celery
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: Chopped cooked ham, chopped hard-boiled eggs, or crumbled cheese for added protein and flavour
Instructions:
- Wash and chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and cool slightly.
- While the potatoes are cooking, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, red onion, celery, and dill in a large bowl.
- Add the cooled potatoes to the dressing and mix gently to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Fold in any additional ingredients you’d like, such as ham, eggs, or cheese.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
This recipe is a great starting point, and feel free to customize it with your favourite ingredients!
Additional Resources:
- For more potato salad inspiration, check out these websites:
- Allrecipes Potato Salad: [invalid URL removed]
- BBC Good Food Potato Salad: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/classic-potato-salad
- Want to learn more about different potato varieties? Check out the Love Potatoes: [invalid URL removed] website.
With this ultimate guide and a little creativity, your potato salad will be the star of the show at any gathering. So, grab your favourite potato salad recipe, get paired, and enjoy!
