What Goes With Potato Salad: 8 Dishes to Try in 2025 

Potato salad is a classic that’s always welcome on the table. But even the best potato salad needs a little company to make the meal feel complete. The good news? It’s one of the most versatile dishes out there, pairing beautifully with everything from grilled meats to lighter vegetarian options.

If you’re wondering what to serve alongside it, you’re in the right place. This guide is packed with fresh, flavorful ideas to help you elevate your meal without adding stress. From hearty mains to crisp, refreshing sides, there’s something here to suit any occasion or craving. Let’s dig in and explore the possibilities.

1. Grilled BBQ Steak

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Prep the steaks: Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the spice mix evenly over both sides of the steaks.

2. Marinate: Brush the steaks with olive oil and a thin layer of BBQ sauce. Let them sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to absorb the flavors while you preheat the grill.

3. Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high (about 400-450°F). If using a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are glowing and evenly spread.

4. Grill the steaks: Place the steaks on the grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare (adjust time for your preferred doneness). Brush on more BBQ sauce during the last minute of cooking.

5. Rest and serve: Remove the steaks from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes to keep the juices locked in. Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side if desired.

Overview 🔍

Grilled BBQ steak and potato salad are a perfect pair. The smoky, caramelized flavors of the steak balance beautifully with the creamy, tangy potato salad, creating a meal that feels complete and satisfying. I love how the cool, rich salad contrasts with the warm, juicy steak – perfect for a backyard BBQ or a cozy dinner at home.

If you like a little kick, you can easily spice things up. Use a spicy BBQ sauce or add chili flakes to the rub for extra heat. For the potato salad, try mixing in jalapeños or a dash of cayenne. Prefer something lighter? A mustard-based BBQ sauce and fresh herbs like dill or parsley in the salad are great options. 

2. Mini Crab Cakes

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Make the dip: In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, capers, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

2. Prepare the crab mixture: In a large bowl, gently combine the drained crabmeat, egg, scallions, Dijon mustard, panko breadcrumbs, and New England-style seasoning. Be careful not to overmix to keep the crabmeat chunky.

3. Form the cakes: Shape the mixture into 6 small patties, each about 2 inches in diameter and ¼-inch thick. Place them on a plate and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to firm up.

4. Cook the crab cakes: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Cook the crab cakes for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.

5. Serve: Arrange the crab cakes on a platter with the mayo-caper dip on the side.

Overview 🔍

These mini crab cakes are the perfect bite-sized treat to serve alongside potato salad. The crispy exterior and tender, flavorful crab inside create a satisfying contrast to the creamy, tangy potato salad. I love how the crab cakes add a touch of elegance, while the potato salad keeps things comforting and familiar.

This simple recipe is inspired by Blue Apron. It’s ideal for entertaining guests. For more easy meal ideas, check out our full guide to easy recipes for extra inspiration. 

The caper-mayo dip adds a zesty twist that complements the crab cakes beautifully. It’s the kind of meal that’s simple yet feels special. It’s a great choice when you want something easy but impressive. 

3. Beef & Mozzarella Sliders

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Prepare the beef patties: In a bowl, mix the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Form into 6 small patties, slightly smaller than the slider buns.

2. Cook the patties: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the beef patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of mozzarella cheese on each patty and cover the pan to melt the cheese.

3. Warm the sauce: While the patties cook, heat the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through.

4. Assemble the sliders: Toast the slider buns lightly in the skillet or oven. Place each beef patty on a bun and top with a generous spoonful of tomatoey sauce.

5. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve warm.

Overview 🔍

These sliders are a family-friendly meal that’s sure to please everyone. The juicy beef patties, melted mozzarella, and rich tomatoey sauce come together in a simple, satisfying bite. They're perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. 

If you’re looking for more kid-friendly meal options, check out our top family-friendly meal delivery services. This slider recipe is inspired by a HelloFresh dish. HelloFresh features Hall of Fame recipes that are fan favorites.

If you like a little extra heat, you can easily spice things up by adding chili flakes to the tomato sauce or sprinkling them directly on the patties. This adds a kick without overpowering the comforting flavors, making it easy to adjust to everyone’s taste.

4. Smoky Baked Beans

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Cook the onion and garlic: Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

2. Combine the ingredients: Add the canned beans, diced tomatoes, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and smoked paprika to the skillet. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer.

3. Simmer the beans: Reduce the heat to low and let the beans simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken and the flavors will meld together.

4. Serve: Once the beans are ready, remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.

Overview 🔍

These smokey baked beans are a perfect pairing with potato salad. They offer a savory contrast to the creamy, mild flavor of the potatoes. The beans add a rich, smoky depth that balances the lightness of the salad. The fiber and protein from the beans complement the carbs in the potatoes, creating a more balanced meal.

The beans are versatile and can be served alongside a variety of dishes. They’re perfect with BBQ meats, such as pulled pork or grilled chicken, but also pair well with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad. You can even serve them as a hearty topping for baked potatoes or on sourdough bread.

5. Veggie Bean Burgers

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Prepare the bean mixture: In a large bowl, mash the kidney and black beans with a fork or potato masher until most of the beans are mashed but some chunks remain for texture.

2. Cook the onion and garlic: In a small skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Let cool slightly, then add to the mashed beans.

3. Combine the ingredients: Add the breadcrumbs, egg, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the bean mixture. Stir until everything is well combined. If the mixture is too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs.

4. Form the patties: Shape the mixture into 4 burger patties, about ¾-inch thick.

5. Cook the burgers: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.

6. Serve: Serve the veggie burgers on buns with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of sauce.

Overview 🔍

These veggie burgers are a great pairing with potato salad. They bring a hearty, savory flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, mild potatoes. The combination of crispy veggie burgers and cool, creamy potato salad creates a well-balanced meal.

Nutritionally, these bean burgers are a fantastic choice. Beans are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron and folate, making them a healthy and satisfying option. The combination of beans, spices, and egg offers a nutrient-packed patty, providing plenty of energy and keeping you fuller for longer.

6. Chicken & Pesto Pita

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Grill the chicken: Preheat the grill or a grill pan over medium heat. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

2. Prepare the pita: While the chicken is cooking, warm the pita breads on the grill or in a dry skillet for about 1-2 minutes, just until they are slightly toasted.

3. Assemble the pita: Spread a generous amount of pesto on the inside of each pita. Layer with slices of grilled chicken, cucumber, tomato, and red onion. Add fresh basil leaves if desired for extra flavor.

4. Serve: Fold the pitas closed and serve immediately.

Overview 🔍

Grilled chicken pairs wonderfully with potato salad. It offers a balanced mix of protein and fresh flavors to complement the creamy potatoes. The grilled chicken adds a savory, protein-packed element that helps make the meal more filling. Together, they create a light yet satisfying meal.

Feel free to adapt the ingredients to suit your preferences. Swap in different veggies like bell peppers or spinach, or add mozzarella instead of parmesan to your pita. You can also use a store-bought or homemade pesto that matches your taste, whether it’s traditional basil or a twist with sun-dried tomatoes or arugula.

7. Easy Meatloaf

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the meat mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.

3. Form the meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan, pressing it in evenly. If you don’t have a loaf pan, you can shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet.

4. Top with ketchup: Spread a thin layer of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf for a tasty glaze.

5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

6. Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. 

Overview 🔍

Meatloaf is traditionally served with mashed potatoes and gravy. Creamy potatoes and savory gravy balance the hearty, flavorful loaf. This combination creates a comforting and filling meal that’s hard to beat. The rich texture of the mashed potatoes complements the moistness of the meatloaf, making every bite satisfying.

However, meatloaf pairs just as well with potato salad, offering a refreshing twist. The cool, creamy salad contrasts the warm, savory meatloaf and adds a lightness that balances the meal. With the added crunch from the potatoes and a tangy dressing, potato salad brings a delightful change while still complementing the rich flavors of the meatloaf.

8. Chicago-Style Hot Dog

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Prepare the hot dogs: Boil, steam, or grill the hot dogs until heated through (about 5-7 minutes).

2. Warm the buns: Lightly steam or warm the hot dog buns to make them soft and fluffy.

3. Assemble the hot dogs: Place a hot dog in each bun. Layer on a pickle spear, two tomato slices, and a spoonful of sweet pickle relish.

4. Add the toppings: Sprinkle chopped onion over the top, then add sport peppers for a spicy kick. Drizzle with yellow mustard and finish with a light sprinkle of celery salt.

5. Serve: Enjoy your authentic Chicago-style hot dogs!

Overview 🔍

The tangy, bold toppings of these hot dogs balance the creamy, mild flavors of the salad. The sharpness of the mustard, the crunch of the pickles, and the spice of the sport peppers create a vibrant contrast to the soft, rich potatoes. Together, they make a flavorful and satisfying meal that's perfect for casual gatherings or summer cookouts.

You can easily adapt the toppings to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Swap sport peppers for jalapeños if you like extra heat, or try a drizzle of sriracha mayo for a unique twist. If you prefer something milder, skip the peppers altogether and load up on extra pickles or tomatoes. 

FAQ

What do you eat with potato salad?

You can enjoy potato salad alongside various main dishes like grilled steak, barbecue chicken, baked brats, and hamburgers. These proteins complement the creamy texture of potato salad, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

Is potato salad a good meal?

Potato salad is typically considered a side dish due to its primary ingredients of potatoes and mayonnaise. However, by adding proteins like chicken or incorporating a variety of vegetables, you can transform it into a more complete meal. Try the crab cake recipe for something a little different.

What kind of chicken goes with potato salad?

Grilled chicken pairs excellently with potato salad. For a flavorful twist, try a grilled chicken and pesto pita alongside your potato salad. The savory chicken and fresh pesto complement the creamy potatoes, enhancing your overall meal experience.

What sandwich goes with potato salad?

Sandwiches like turkey and avocado wraps, classic BLTs, or grilled cheese pair well with potato salad. The creamy texture of the salad complements the rich flavors of the sandwiches. For something heartier, you could try a beef and mozzarella slider with a tomato-based sauce.