This Grilled Potato Salad is a perfect balance of smoky flavors and creamy richness. The grilled potatoes take on a charred, crispy edge while remaining tender on the inside, making them the ideal base for a creamy, tangy dressing. Fresh herbs like dill and parsley bring vibrant color and aroma to this side dish.
It’s a great addition to any BBQ or picnic spread, and because it’s so customizable, you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes. Add crispy bacon for extra crunch, or swap in your favorite herbs for a personalized touch. Whether served warm or chilled, this salad will be a hit at any outdoor gathering.
Full Recipe:
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2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
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1/2 cup chopped green onions
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
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1/4 cup crumbled bacon (optional)
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2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Directions:
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Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
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Toss halved potatoes in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
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Place potatoes on the grill, cut side down, and cook for 10-12 minutes until tender and lightly charred, turning occasionally.
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Remove from the grill and let them cool slightly.
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In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, and smoked paprika.
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Once the potatoes are cooled, chop them into bite-sized pieces and toss with the dressing.
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Add chopped green onions, parsley, bacon, and dill to the salad and mix gently.
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Serve warm or chilled, garnished with extra parsley and dill if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes / Cooking Time: 15 minutes / Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 250 kcal / Servings: 6 servings
Grilled Potato Salad: A Perfect Summer Side Dish
When it comes to outdoor grilling and summer BBQs, having the right side dishes is key to making the meal memorable. Grilled Potato Salad is one of those dishes that instantly elevates any meal. Unlike the traditional creamy potato salad that’s often made ahead of time and served cold, this version combines the smoky, crispy goodness of grilled potatoes with a creamy, tangy dressing that’s loaded with fresh herbs. The result is a vibrant, flavorful side that is perfect for any occasion.
The Charred Perfection of Grilled Potatoes
The star of this dish is, of course, the potato. By grilling them, you introduce a layer of complexity and texture that you don’t get from simply boiling or roasting. Grilling the potatoes brings out their natural sweetness, while the heat creates beautiful charred marks that add depth and smokiness to the flavor. This method not only enhances the potatoes but also gives them a satisfying crunch on the outside, while the inside remains soft and creamy.
Unlike traditional potato salad, where the potatoes are boiled and then tossed with mayonnaise or vinaigrette, grilling them brings an entirely new dynamic to the table. The slight crispiness and smoky flavor of the potatoes pair perfectly with the creamy dressing, creating a harmony of textures and flavors.
Why Grilled Potato Salad is a Game-Changer
The best part about this dish is its versatility. The smoky flavor from the grilled potatoes acts as a base that can be elevated in countless ways. You can add crispy bacon for that extra crunch, or toss in your favorite fresh herbs for a burst of flavor. Dill and parsley are classic choices, but don’t be afraid to experiment with thyme, rosemary, or even basil for a different twist. The creamy dressing—made with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and a touch of white wine vinegar—adds a tangy contrast to the smokiness of the potatoes, balancing the dish perfectly.
Additionally, this recipe can be made ahead of time and served chilled, or it can be served warm as a hearty side dish. It works beautifully at BBQs, picnics, potlucks, or even as a comforting side for a weeknight dinner. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together, whether you’re enjoying a meal with friends and family or impressing guests with your culinary skills.
The Healthier Side of Grilled Potato Salad
While potato salad often gets a bad rap for being heavy or unhealthy, grilled potato salad is a much lighter, healthier alternative. Potatoes, especially when grilled, are a great source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber. By skipping the heavy mayo dressing in favor of a lighter version, you keep the dish fresh and balanced. The addition of fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and green onions adds an extra layer of nutrition, providing antioxidants and vitamins while enhancing the flavor.
For those who are watching their calorie intake or prefer to avoid mayonnaise, there’s always the option of using Greek yogurt or sour cream in the dressing. This alternative will still deliver that creamy texture but with a healthier twist. Even with the rich dressing, the smoky grilled potatoes and fresh veggies keep this salad from feeling too indulgent, making it a great option for anyone looking for a satisfying yet light side dish.
Serving Suggestions: Perfect Pairings for Grilled Potato Salad
One of the best aspects of Grilled Potato Salad is its versatility in terms of pairing with other dishes. Because it combines smoky, creamy, and tangy elements, it goes well with a wide variety of grilled meats, seafood, and even vegetarian options. If you’re serving it at a BBQ, try pairing it with grilled steak, chicken, or sausages for a classic combo. For seafood lovers, grilled salmon or shrimp would complement the salad beautifully, as the light, crispy potatoes balance the richness of the fish.
Vegetarians will also appreciate this dish, as it can be paired with grilled vegetables or even served alongside a veggie burger for a hearty, plant-based meal. The smoky flavors in the potatoes and the creamy dressing bring out the best in whatever you’re serving, making it a go-to side dish for any meal.
How to Customize Your Grilled Potato Salad
One of the reasons Grilled Potato Salad stands out is its adaptability. It’s easy to customize based on personal preferences, dietary needs, or what you have available in your pantry or garden. For example, you could swap the mayo for a vegan option, like cashew cream or a dairy-free dressing, for a vegan-friendly version of this dish. You could also make it spicy by adding some chili flakes or smoked paprika to the dressing, giving it a kick that complements the smoky potatoes.
The addition of crunchy elements like bacon bits, roasted nuts, or even crumbled feta cheese can add texture and flavor complexity. If you’re looking to make the dish lighter, feel free to skip the bacon or reduce the amount of dressing used. Add-ins like sliced radishes, chopped cucumbers, or even pickled onions can bring a refreshing contrast to the smoky potatoes and creamy dressing.
Perfect for Any Occasion
What makes Grilled Potato Salad so appealing is its adaptability to any occasion. Whether it’s a weekend BBQ, a picnic in the park, or a casual family dinner, it fits right in. It’s the perfect summer dish, but it can also be enjoyed year-round. During colder months, you can serve it warm as a comforting side, and during the summer, it’s the perfect dish to bring to a potluck or a grill-out with friends.
Unlike store-bought potato salads, which can often lack flavor or freshness, homemade Grilled Potato Salad will always stand out. The smoky flavor from the grill, combined with the creamy dressing and fresh herbs, make it a dish that’s guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. Plus, the best part about making it at home is that you can control the ingredients and adjust the flavors to suit your taste perfectly.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try Grilled Potato Salad
In summary, Grilled Potato Salad is an elevated take on a classic BBQ side dish. It offers all the comforting qualities of a traditional potato salad but with an added depth of flavor from the grilling process. Smoky, crispy potatoes combined with a tangy dressing and fresh herbs make for a side dish that’s both hearty and refreshing. Whether you’re serving it warm or cold, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
This recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to make it your own with different herbs, seasonings, or add-ins. It pairs beautifully with a wide range of grilled meats, seafood, and vegetarian dishes, making it the ideal side dish for any occasion. If you’re looking for a way to stand out at your next BBQ or potluck, Grilled Potato Salad is the way to go. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to impress your guests. So fire up the grill, get those potatoes on the heat, and enjoy this delicious, smoky side dish!