McAlister’s iconic creamy potato salad is a summer side dish that is perfect for any backyard BBQ or potluck. Known for their delicious sandwiches and soups, McAlister’s is also quite popular for their creamy potato salad. It’s a crowd-pleasing side dish that perfectly complements any summer meal.
Follow this easy guide to recreate this classic McAlister’s dish in the comfort of your own home. With just a few simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you can create an incredible potato salad that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
What is McAlister’s Creamy Potato Salad?
McAlister’s Creamy Potato Salad is a classic side dish that features tender chunks of potatoes coated in a creamy and tangy dressing.
It’s made with a combination of mayonnaise, dill pickle relish, sugar, dried parsley, red onions, celery salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, dried celery flakes, mustard, and apple cider vinegar for a delicious and flavorful salad.
McAlister’s potato salad is known for its unique blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it the perfect addition to any summer meal or picnic. It’s a refreshing and satisfying side dish that is loved by many.
Why You’ll Love This McAlister’s Creamy Potato Salad?
- Easy to Make: This potato salad is simple and easy to make with minimal ingredients and steps. It’s a perfect dish for beginner cooks or those short on time.
- Deliciously Creamy: The creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, relish, and vinegar gives the potatoes a rich and tartness that’s hard to resist.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or looking for a side dish to bring to a potluck, this potato salad is always a great option. It’s versatile and pairs well with various main dishes.
- Budget-Friendly: With affordable ingredients and a large yield, this potato salad is a cost-effective option compared to buying it from McAlister’s restaurant. You can also customize the salad with additional ingredients based on your preferences, making it even more budget-friendly.
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Ingredients
- Mayonnaise: This creamy condiment is the base of McAlister’s potato salad and adds richness and tanginess to the salad.
- Dill Pickle Relish: Adds a unique flavor to the salad with its combination of sweet and savory notes. You can also use chopped dill pickles as a substitute.
- Sugar: Balances out the flavors by adding a touch of sweetness.
- Dried Parsley: Adds color and a mild herbal flavor to the salad.
- Red Onions: Provide a sharp and slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
- Baking Potatoes: These starchy potatoes are perfect for potato salads as they hold their shape well when cooked and have a creamy texture.
- McCormick Celery Salt: A blend of salt and celery seeds that adds a subtle hint of celery flavor to the salad.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky depth to the dish.
- Black Pepper: Gives a touch of spice and balances out the sweetness from the sugar.
- Dried Celery Flakes: Another source of celery flavor in the salad, you can also use finely chopped fresh celery as a substitute.
- Mustard: Adds tanginess and a hint of spice to the salad.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides acidity and helps balance out the flavors in the dish.
- Sweet Pickle Relish: A combination of sweet and tangy flavors that add a pop of flavor to the potato salad. You can also use chopped sweet pickles or gherkins.
Directions
Step 1
Cook the Potatoes
- Peel and chop the potatoes into bite-size cubes.
- Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until fork-tender.
Step 2
Prepare the Dressing
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, dill pickle relish, sugar, dried parsley, red onions, McCormick celery salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, dried celery flakes, mustard, apple cider vinegar and sweet pickle relish.
Step 3
Mix the Potatoes and Dressing
- Drain the cooked potatoes and let them cool for a few minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix the potatoes with the prepared dressing until all the potatoes are evenly coated.
Step 4
Chill and Serve
- Cover the potato salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
- This allows the flavors to meld together and create a delicious creamy potato salad.
- Garnish with additional parsley before serving, if desired for added freshness and presentation.
Notes
- You can also add chopped hard-boiled eggs, bacon, or diced ham to the potato salad for added protein and flavor.
- Be sure to chop the potatoes into similar-sized cubes for even cooking.
- Use cold water to start boiling the potatoes, as this will help them cook evenly and prevent them from becoming mushy.
Storage Tips
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- You can also freeze this potato salad for future use. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, and it will keep well for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition Information
Serving Suggestions
Here are a few ideas on how to serve McAlister’s Creamy Potato Salad:
- As a side dish with grilled meats or sandwiches.
- In a mason jar for a portable picnic snack.
- As part of a summer BBQ spread with other salads and sides.
- Mixed with chopped greens for a potato salad-inspired salad.
What other substitute can I use in McAlister’s Creamy Potato Salad?
- If you don’t have red onions, you can use finely chopped white or yellow onions.
- For a tangier flavor, you can substitute apple cider vinegar with white wine vinegar or lemon juice.
- Regular pickles or gherkins can be used in place of dill pickle relish.
McAlister’s Creamy Potato Salad Recipe
Equipment
- A pot and bowl
Ingredients
- 6 cups Mayonnaise
- 8 tbsp Dill Pickles Relish chopped
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 8 tbsp Dried Parsley
- 4 chopped Red Onions
- 6 Medium Sized Baking Potatoes
- 2 tsp McCormick Celery Salt
- 1/3 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- Black Pepper according to Taste
- 6 tsp Dried Celery Flakes minced
- 6 tbsp Mustard
- 1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 8 tablespoons chopped Sweet Pickle Relish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the potatoes for the salad. Peel and chop them into bite-size cubes, ensuring they are similar in size for even cooking. In a large pot, bring cold water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Add the chopped potatoes and cook for about 10-12 minutes until fork-tender.
- While the potatoes are cooking, take this time to prepare the creamy dressing for the salad. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, dill pickle relish, sugar, dried parsley, red onions, McCormick celery salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, dried celery flakes, mustard, and apple cider vinegar until well combined.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and let them cool for a few minutes. In a large bowl, combine the potatoes with the prepared dressing, ensuring all the potatoes are evenly coated.
- To allow the flavors to develop and meld together, cover the potato salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. When ready to serve, garnish with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can also add chopped hard-boiled eggs, bacon, or diced ham to the potato salad for added protein and flavor.
- Be sure to chop the potatoes into similar-sized cubes for even cooking.
- Use cold water to start boiling the potatoes, as this will help them cook evenly and prevent them from becoming mushy.
FAQs
What are the health benefits of the salad?
McAlister’s Creamy Potato Salad is a source of healthy carbohydrates and contains various vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B6, potassium, and Vitamin C. It also provides some protein and fiber from the potatoes.
Is this potato salad gluten-free?
This McAlister’s Creamy Potato Salad is gluten-free, as all the ingredients used are gluten-free. However, if you have a gluten intolerance or allergy, make sure to check the labels of the ingredients before adding them to the salad.
Is this potato salad suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
As written, this potato salad is suitable for vegetarians. However, if you want to make it vegan-friendly, make sure to use a plant-based mayonnaise and omit the bacon. So, anyone can enjoy this delicious potato salad without worrying about dietary restrictions!
Conclusion
Thank you for learning to make McAlister’s Creamy Potato Salad at home. We hope you enjoy this delicious and wonderful salad dish. Get creative and experiment with different add-ins to make this salad your own!
Please share this article with your friends and family to spread the love of good food!
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.