Potato salad is a beloved dish at gatherings, but what should you serve alongside it to create a complete and satisfying meal?
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a holiday dinner, or a casual get-together, pairing potato salad with the right dishes can elevate the entire dining experience.
Imagine enjoying the creamy, tangy flavors of potato salad alongside tender grilled chicken or savory BBQ ribs.
The possibilities are endless, and with the 35 delicious options we’ve curated, you’ll never struggle to find the perfect match again.
Ready to explore the best pairings? Let’s dive into the top dishes that will complement your potato salad perfectly and impress your guests.
What are the Best Side Dishes for Potato Salad?
1. Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken, with its tender and smoky flavor, pairs wonderfully with potato salad.
The light and savory taste of the chicken complements the creamy, tangy flavors of the potato salad, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
Whether marinated or simply seasoned, grilled chicken offers a healthy, flavorful option that enhances the overall dining experience.
2. BBQ Ribs
BBQ ribs are a rich and flavorful dish that perfectly complements the creamy and tangy potato salad.
The smoky, sweet, and savory flavors of the ribs contrast with the salad’s smooth texture, creating a mouth-watering combination.
The hearty nature of BBQ ribs makes them an ideal pairing for a comforting and satisfying meal.
3. Baked Ham
Baked ham, with its slightly sweet and savory flavor, is an excellent match for potato salad.
The tender, juicy meat adds a rich, satisfying element to the meal, while the potato salad offers a refreshing contrast with its creamy texture and tangy taste.
This classic pairing is perfect for family gatherings and holiday meals.
4. Pulled Pork
Pulled pork, with its tender, juicy texture and smoky flavor, pairs beautifully with potato salad.
The rich, savory pork contrasts with the creamy salad, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
This combination is a staple at BBQs and outdoor parties, offering a satisfying and crowd-pleasing option.
5. Grilled Sausages
Grilled sausages, whether bratwurst, Italian, or chorizo, offer a savory and flavorful companion to potato salad.
The crisp, juicy sausages provide a satisfying contrast to the creamy, tangy salad, making it a popular choice for casual gatherings and cookouts.
6. Roast Beef
Roast beef, with its tender and flavorful slices, complements potato salad by adding a rich and savory element to the meal.
The beef’s robust flavor enhances the salad’s creamy texture, creating a balanced and satisfying combination that is perfect for dinner parties or holiday feasts.
7. Fried Chicken
Fried chicken, with its crispy, golden exterior and juicy interior, pairs wonderfully with the creamy, tangy flavors of potato salad.
The contrast of textures and flavors creates a delightful combination, making this pairing a favorite for picnics and casual dinners.
8. Grilled Salmon
Grilled salmon, with its tender, flaky texture and slightly smoky flavor, complements the rich and creamy potato salad.
The fresh, savory taste of the salmon balances the salad’s tangy flavor, creating a light and nutritious meal that is perfect for summer gatherings.
9. Hamburgers
Hamburgers, with their juicy, savory patties, are a classic match for potato salad. The rich, meaty flavor of the burger enhances the creamy and tangy salad, making it a popular choice for cookouts and casual dinners.
Whether topped with cheese, lettuce, or pickles, hamburgers and potato salad are a satisfying combination.
10. Hot Dogs
Hot dogs, with their savory and slightly smoky flavor, pair perfectly with potato salad. The simple, yet flavorful hot dog contrasts nicely with the creamy, tangy salad, creating a balanced and enjoyable meal.
This combination is a staple at summer barbecues and casual gatherings.
11. Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables, with their smoky, charred flavor, add a healthy and flavorful element to a meal with potato salad.
The light, tender vegetables provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy salad, making it a nutritious and satisfying pairing. Popular options include zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus.
12. Roast Turkey
Roast turkey, with its tender and flavorful meat, pairs beautifully with potato salad. The savory turkey adds a hearty element to the meal, while the potato salad provides a creamy and tangy contrast.
This classic combination is perfect for holiday meals and family gatherings.
13. Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs, with their creamy, tangy filling, complement potato salad by adding a rich and flavorful side dish.
The smooth texture and bold flavor of the eggs enhance the salad’s creamy consistency, making it a popular choice for picnics and potlucks.
14. Baked Beans
Baked beans, with their sweet and tangy sauce, are a great match for potato salad. The rich, savory beans complement the creamy salad, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.
This combination is a staple at barbecues and outdoor gatherings, offering a comforting and flavorful option.
15. Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob, with its sweet and tender kernels, pairs wonderfully with potato salad.
The natural sweetness of the corn provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and tangy salad, making it a perfect side dish for summer barbecues and outdoor parties.
16. Coleslaw
Coleslaw, with its crunchy texture and tangy flavor, complements potato salad by adding a refreshing and crisp element to the meal.
The light, zesty coleslaw balances the creamy, rich salad, creating a well-rounded and satisfying combination. This pairing is ideal for picnics and casual gatherings.
17. BBQ Brisket
BBQ brisket, with its tender, smoky flavor, pairs beautifully with potato salad. The rich, savory meat contrasts with the creamy and tangy salad, creating a mouth-watering combination.
This hearty pairing is perfect for barbecues and family gatherings, offering a satisfying and flavorful meal.
18. Meatloaf
Meatloaf, with its savory and tender slices, is an excellent match for potato salad. The rich, flavorful meat enhances the creamy, tangy salad, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
This classic pairing is perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
19. Grilled Shrimp
Grilled shrimp, with its tender and slightly smoky flavor, pairs wonderfully with potato salad. The light, fresh taste of the shrimp complements the creamy and tangy salad, creating a well-balanced and delicious meal.
This combination is ideal for summer cookouts and casual dinners.
20. Pork Chops
Pork chops, with their savory and juicy flavor, complement potato salad by adding a rich and satisfying element to the meal.
The tender meat contrasts with the creamy, tangy salad, creating a delicious and hearty combination. This pairing is perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
21. Tuna Salad
Tuna salad, with its creamy and savory flavor, pairs well with potato salad by adding a light and refreshing element to the meal.
The smooth texture and mild flavor of the tuna salad enhance the creamy consistency of the potato salad, making it a popular choice for picnics and light lunches.
22. Roast Pork Loin
Roast pork loin, with its tender and flavorful slices, is a great match for potato salad. The savory pork adds a rich and satisfying element to the meal, while the creamy, tangy salad provides a refreshing contrast.
This classic pairing is perfect for family dinners and holiday meals.
23. Grilled Steak
Grilled steak, with its juicy and savory flavor, pairs beautifully with potato salad. The rich, meaty taste of the steak complements the creamy and tangy salad, creating a hearty and satisfying combination.
This pairing is ideal for special occasions and backyard barbecues.
24. Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
Grilled Portobello mushrooms, with their smoky, earthy flavor, add a healthy and flavorful element to a meal with potato salad.
The tender, meaty texture of the mushrooms complements the creamy, tangy salad, creating a well-rounded and satisfying dish. This pairing is perfect for vegetarian meals and casual dinners.
25. Crab Cakes
Crab cakes, with their crispy, golden exterior and tender interior, pair wonderfully with potato salad. The rich, savory flavor of the crab cakes contrasts with the creamy, tangy salad, creating a delightful combination.
This pairing is ideal for seafood lovers and special occasions.
26. Smoked Salmon
Smoked salmon, with its tender and slightly smoky flavor, complements potato salad by adding a light and savory element to the meal.
The smooth, flavorful salmon enhances the creamy consistency of the potato salad, creating a well-balanced and delicious combination. This pairing is perfect for brunches and light lunches.
27. Lobster Rolls
Lobster rolls, with their tender and flavorful lobster meat, pair beautifully with potato salad.
The rich, buttery flavor of the lobster complements the creamy, tangy salad, creating a luxurious and satisfying meal. This pairing is ideal for summer gatherings and special occasions.
28. Chicken Wings
Chicken wings, with their crispy, flavorful coating, are a great match for potato salad.
The savory, juicy wings contrast with the creamy, tangy salad, creating a satisfying and crowd-pleasing combination. This pairing is perfect for game days and casual gatherings.
29. Cheese and Charcuterie Board
A cheese and charcuterie board, with its variety of flavors and textures, pairs wonderfully with potato salad.
The rich, savory meats and creamy cheeses complement the tangy, creamy salad, creating a well-rounded and enjoyable meal. This pairing is ideal for parties and casual gatherings.
30. Grilled Lamb Chops
Grilled lamb chops, with their tender and flavorful meat, complement potato salad by adding a rich and savory element to the meal.
The robust flavor of the lamb enhances the creamy, tangy salad, creating a delicious and hearty combination. This pairing is perfect for special occasions and holiday meals.
31. Roasted Chicken
Roasted chicken, with its tender and juicy meat, pairs beautifully with potato salad.
The savory flavor of the chicken complements the creamy, tangy salad, creating a satisfying and comforting meal. This classic pairing is ideal for family dinners and casual gatherings.
32. Smoked Turkey Legs
Smoked turkey legs, with their tender and smoky flavor, are a great match for potato salad.
The rich, savory meat contrasts with the creamy, tangy salad, creating a hearty and satisfying combination. This pairing is perfect for outdoor gatherings and holiday meals.
33. Shrimp Skewers
Shrimp skewers, with their tender and slightly smoky flavor, complement potato salad by adding a light and flavorful element to the meal.
The fresh, savory taste of the shrimp enhances the creamy, tangy salad, creating a well-balanced and delicious combination. This pairing is ideal for summer cookouts and casual dinners.
34. BBQ Chicken
BBQ chicken, with its smoky and tangy flavor, pairs wonderfully with potato salad. The rich, savory chicken complements the creamy, tangy salad, creating a mouth-watering combination.
This hearty pairing is perfect for barbecues and family gatherings, offering a satisfying and flavorful meal.
35. Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus, with its smoky, tender flavor, adds a healthy and flavorful element to a meal with potato salad.
The light, fresh taste of the asparagus complements the creamy, tangy salad, creating a well-rounded and satisfying dish. This pairing is perfect for spring and summer meals.
Summing Up
Pairing potato salad with the right dishes can turn a simple meal into a memorable feast.
From the smoky flavor of BBQ chicken to the tender bite of grilled shrimp, the 35 options we’ve explored offer something for every palate.
Whether you’re planning a casual cookout or a family dinner, these complementary dishes will ensure your potato salad shines as part of a balanced and satisfying meal.
Now that you have a variety of ideas at your fingertips, it’s time to start planning your next menu. Experiment with these combinations, and you’ll discover new favorites that everyone will enjoy.
For more meal inspiration, be sure to check out our other food pairing guides. Happy cooking!
