Summertime is synonymous with potato salad, but what dishes complement this classic side? Potato salad’s versatility shines when paired with a variety of foods. Explore 13 of our favorite dishes to serve alongside it.
There are numerous variations of potato salad to enjoy. From the Southern American classic to the Chinese version with soy sauce and vinegar, the Greek version with olive oil and lemon, or the creamy Amish style, they all have a place at the table. The following pairings work well with most styles of potato salad.
1. Hamburgers
Whether you bake your hamburgers in the oven or grill them, they make a perfect companion to creamy potato salad. A juicy, savory burger on a toasted bun is irresistible when paired with a chilled side dish at your summer barbecues.
2. Barbecue Chicken
Baked barbecue glazed chicken is a summer favorite because it’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
Prepare your potato salad in advance and let it chill, so it’s ready to go when the chicken is done. This makes mealtime a breeze!
3. Baked Brats
One of the most popular recipes is baked brats and sauerkraut. This recipe, passed down from a beloved grandma, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Serving cold, creamy potato salad with the steaming hot bratwurst and warm, tangy sauerkraut creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Alt text: Delicious baked bratwursts with sauerkraut on a baking sheet, ready to be served with creamy potato salad.
4. Steak
Who doesn’t love a good steak? While roasted potatoes might be a go-to side in the winter, a cool potato salad is the ideal complement to steak during the summer.
The combination works so well because of the complementary flavors. The savory and meaty flavor of the steak pairs exceptionally well with the creamy taste and texture of potato salad. Seasoning such as salt, pepper, and herbs, further enhances the flavors, creating a satisfying and balanced meal.
5. Grilled Sausages
Barbecue glazed grilled sausages are an easy and crowd-pleasing meal option. Prepare your potato salad ahead of time for a quick and convenient dinner.
6. Ribs
Smoking racks of ribs is a great weekend meal. You can also bake them or use a slow cooker! Ribs and potato salad are a classic combination, especially in the South.
The low and slow cooking method for ribs gives you ample time to prepare your potato salad and allow it to chill. If you don’t have a smoker, you can also grill ribs.
7. Ham
Glazed ham is another fantastic main dish to serve with potato salad. Whether it’s a casual Sunday dinner or leftover holiday ham, potato salad makes the perfect accompaniment.
8. Grilled Fish
Grilled grouper is a summer favorite. Packed with flavor, it pairs beautifully with a mellow side like potato salad. The key lime grilled grouper recipe is a definite must-try.
Potato salad also works well with other types of grilled fish, such as tilapia, salmon, halibut, mahi mahi, catfish, or trout. Choose whatever you have on hand for a delicious and balanced meal.
9. Shrimp
Boiled, grilled, or fried shrimp can serve as a fantastic main dish alongside potato salad. Consider topping your potato salad with Old Bay seafood seasoning to enhance the flavor and create an even better pairing!
For an interesting twist, try this shrimp boil on the grill for a unique and flavorful alternative.
10. Calico Beans
Main dishes aren’t the only things that pair well with potato salad. Side dishes can also be chosen to complement it. Baked calico beans are a great hot summer side dish to serve with potato salad.
This hearty dish features three types of beans baked with bacon, ground beef, and sausage. It’s substantial enough to be a main course when served with potato salad.
11. Corn on the Cob
Nothing says summer like a fresh cob of sweet corn! Try grilling corn on the cob wrapped in foil and serving it with cool, creamy potato salad for the perfect match. Mexican street corn (elotes) is a delicious alternative. These two summer sides paired with any of the mains above create a complete and satisfying meal.
12. Pasta Salad
Like potato salad, pasta salad can be made in advance, chilled, and served when you’re ready. Chicken pasta salad, Italian pasta salad, BLT pasta salad, and Tuscan pasta salad are some popular and delicious varieties.
13. Cucumber Salad
Creamy cucumber salad is another cool and creamy make-ahead dish that complements potato salad perfectly. This refreshing and delicious recipe is easy to throw together.
