18 Potato Salad Recipes That Will Upgrade Your Summer Table

Potato salad is a classic side that can go from simple to show-stopping with just a few creative twists. These 18 potato salad recipes offer everything from creamy and cheesy versions to fresh, vegan, and international-inspired takes. Perfect for summer cookouts, picnics, or holiday meals, this roundup makes it easy to find a recipe for every taste. With simple ingredients and bold flavors, these potato salads are guaranteed to be a crowd favorite every time.

Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

A bowl of creamy potato salad garnished with chopped green onions, placed on a wooden surface with lemon halves and plates in the background. — Crispy Smashed Potato Salad. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

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Baby potatoes are boiled until tender, then smashed and roasted until crisp. The texture combines crunchy edges with soft, fluffy centers. A light dressing of herbs, oil, and mustard ties the flavors together. This salad delivers a playful mix of textures and a rustic, flavorful appeal.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

Easy Instant Pot Potato Salad Recipe With Bacon

A white bowl filled with potato salad garnished with green onions, with another bowl, potatoes, utensils, and an instant pot in the background. — Easy Instant Pot Potato Salad Recipe With Bacon. Photo credit: Kim Schob.

Potatoes cook quickly in the Instant Pot, maintaining a tender yet firm texture. Crispy bacon adds a smoky, savory element. A creamy dressing with mustard and herbs brings everything together. This salad is easy to assemble and packed with bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Easy Instant Pot Potato Salad Recipe With Bacon

Healthy French Potato Salad (Vegan)

A white bowl filled with potato salad featuring chopped green herbs and vegetables, placed on a light-colored fabric surface. — Healthy French Potato Salad (Vegan). Photo credit: Buttered Veg.

This plant-based salad features boiled potatoes dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. Fresh herbs add brightness and subtle flavor notes. The texture is firm but tender, making each bite satisfying. It’s a fresh alternative to creamy potato salads while still being flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Healthy French Potato Salad (Vegan)

Instant Pot Potato Salad

A bowl of potato salad topped with chopped green onions, placed on a light wooden surface next to a fork, green onions, and a blue plaid napkin. — Instant Pot Potato Salad. Photo credit: Mom Foodie.

Potatoes cook evenly in the Instant Pot, preserving their shape and texture. A simple dressing of mayo, mustard, and seasonings adds creaminess. Chopped vegetables enhance the flavor and provide color. This quick recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Potato Salad

Marinated Potato Salad

A glass bowl filled with creamy potato salad, garnished with parsley and served with a silver spoon, sits on a light-colored surface. — Marinated Potato Salad. Photo credit: Living In Normal.

Boiled potatoes soak in a tangy marinade of vinegar, oil, and herbs. The longer the potatoes sit, the more flavor they absorb. Each bite is tangy, slightly acidic, and full of herbaceous notes. This salad works well chilled or at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Potato Salad

Olivye – Russian Potato Salad (Салат Оливье)

A bowl of potato salad with diced vegetables and mayonnaise, garnished with parsley. Copper serving utensils are placed beside the bowl. — Olivye – Russian Potato Salad (Салат Оливье). Photo credit: emkayskitchen logo.

This traditional Russian salad combines potatoes, vegetables, pickles, and sometimes meats in a creamy dressing. The flavors meld together for a slightly sweet and tangy result. Each bite is tender, rich, and satisfying. It’s a festive dish often served at holidays or celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Olivye – Russian Potato Salad (Салат Оливье)

Korean Potato Salad (Gamja Salad)

A bowl of potato salad with chopped vegetables and a parsley garnish, placed on a countertop. — Korean Potato Salad (Gamja Salad). Photo credit: Christina’s Cucina logo.

Soft boiled potatoes are mashed and combined with mayo, vegetables, and sometimes fruit for a subtly sweet, creamy salad. The texture is smooth and fluffy with small chunks for bite. A hint of sugar balances the savory elements. It’s a popular side in Korean households and a unique twist for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Korean Potato Salad (Gamja Salad)

Red Skin Potato Salad with Bacon

A white dish with a blue floral pattern holds a serving of rustic mashed potatoes with red potato skins, placed on a dark towel and wooden surface. — Red Skin Potato Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: Chicken Fried Chicken.

Red-skinned potatoes cook until tender and are tossed with crispy bacon. A creamy dressing binds everything together. The potato skins add color and a slight earthy flavor. This salad is rich, hearty, and perfect for picnics or barbecues.
Get the Recipe: Red Skin Potato Salad with Bacon

Red Skinned Potato Salad

A bowl of potato salad with chopped red potatoes, red onions, and herbs, placed on a red and white checkered cloth next to a wooden spoon. — Red Skinned Potato Salad. Photo credit: Crayons & Cravings logo..

Tender red-skinned potatoes maintain their color and slightly firm texture. A simple dressing of mayo or vinaigrette enhances natural flavors. Chopped herbs and vegetables add freshness and crunch. It’s a classic, versatile salad for any table.
Get the Recipe: Red Skinned Potato Salad

Vegan Buffalo Potato Salad

A white bowl filled with creamy potato salad topped with chopped green onions sits on a wooden table, with potted plants in the background. — Vegan Buffalo Potato Salad. Photo credit: Vegetarian South.

Roasted or boiled potatoes are tossed with a vegan buffalo-style sauce. Spicy, tangy flavors coat each piece for a bold, zesty bite. Plant-based ingredients keep it creamy without dairy. This salad is a fun, flavorful twist for fans of heat.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Buffalo Potato Salad

Olivier Salad

A glass dish filled with creamy salad containing diced vegetables, ham, peas, and garnished with fresh parsley. — Olivier Salad. Photo credit: Three Olives Branch.

This variation of the Russian classic includes potatoes, eggs, vegetables, and sometimes meats, dressed in creamy mayonnaise. Each bite blends textures from soft potatoes, crunchy vegetables, and tender proteins. The flavor is rich, slightly tangy, and very satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Olivier Salad

Sweet Potatoes and Guacamole Bowl

A person holds a bowl containing mashed avocado, sliced sweet potatoes, and crumbled white cheese, sitting on a white bedspread. — Sweet Potatoes and Guacamole Bowl. Photo credit: Refresh My Health.

Roasted sweet potatoes are paired with creamy guacamole for a vibrant, colorful salad. The natural sweetness contrasts with the tangy, zesty avocado. Add beans, corn, or herbs for extra texture and flavor. This bowl-style salad is hearty yet fresh.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potatoes and Guacamole Bowl

Loaded Potato Salad

A bowl of creamy potato salad topped with shredded cheese, chopped bacon, and green onions, with a spoon beside the bowl. — Loaded Potato Salad. Photo credit: I Heart Naptime.

Potatoes are tossed with bacon, cheese, green onions, and a creamy dressing. Each bite combines soft potatoes with savory, crispy, and tangy elements. The result is rich, indulgent, and satisfying. It’s perfect for casual gatherings or potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Salad

Pierogi Potato Salad (Award-winning)

A bowl of potato salad with chopped green onions, radishes, boiled eggs, and a creamy dressing, served with wooden salad utensils. — Pierogi Potato Salad (Award-winning). Photo credit: Food Meanderings.

This salad uses the flavors of pierogi, combining tender potatoes with onions, bacon, and herbs. The potatoes absorb the savory richness of sautéed ingredients. Creamy or tangy dressing balances the hearty elements. Each bite evokes classic Eastern European comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Pierogi Potato Salad (Award-winning)

Smoked Potato Salad Recipe (Crowd Pleaser)

A bowl of creamy potato salad with chopped red onions, celery, herbs, and a pepper seasoning, with a spoon inside. — Smoked Potato Salad Recipe (Crowd Pleaser). Photo credit: The Slow Roasted Italian.

Potatoes are smoked or mixed with smoked ingredients for a deep, rich flavor. Crispy bacon or smoked paprika enhances the savory notes. The creamy dressing balances the smoky taste. It’s bold, satisfying, and perfect for barbecues.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Potato Salad Recipe (Crowd Pleaser)

Southern Macaroni Salad Recipe

A bowl of creamy macaroni salad topped with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of paprika, with a spoon inserted into the salad. — Southern Macaroni Salad Recipe. Photo credit: The Slow Roasted Italian.

Although primarily a macaroni dish, potatoes or small potato pieces sometimes appear for added texture. The creamy dressing, celery, and onion create a tangy, smooth bite. Cold and refreshing, it pairs well with grilled or smoked meats.
Get the Recipe: Southern Macaroni Salad Recipe

Old-Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe

A serving of creamy potato salad on a dark plate, with pieces of watermelon and bread in the background. — Old-Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe. Photo credit: Down Redbud Drive.

Classic boiled potatoes mix with eggs, onions, and a creamy mayo-based dressing. A touch of mustard adds tang, while the eggs provide richness. Each bite is smooth and slightly firm with tender potatoes. This timeless recipe works for holidays, picnics, or weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe

Italian Green Bean and Potato Salad

A plate of potato and green bean salad with red onions and herbs sits on a red towel, next to a small dish of chopped herbs on a wooden board. — Italian Green Bean and Potato Salad. Photo credit: The Short Order Cook.

Tender boiled potatoes combine with blanched green beans, olive oil, and seasonings. The dressing is light, often with garlic, vinegar, or lemon. The salad is fresh, slightly tangy, and full of texture contrast. It’s a crisp, colorful option to balance richer dishes like ham.
Get the Recipe: Italian Green Bean and Potato Salad