What to Eat with Potato Salad (12 Irresistible Sides)

Whether it’s an intimate picnic or a full-blown backyard party, a rich and creamy potato salad is a must.

You can’t call it a feast without this rich and luscious potato treat.

It doesn’t matter if you make the classic American version, or the Greek version with olive oil and lemon juice, or the Chinese version with soy sauce and vinegar.

Heck, you can even use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes! Potato salad will always be a hit.

This versatile food is hearty, delicious, and goes well with almost any entrée or side dish.

Want to make your next cookout a sure hit? Simple – just serve potato salad with any or all these fantastic sides!

1. Hamburgers

Hamburgers are one of the first things that come to mind when you think about backyard parties.

After all, who can say no to a juicy and meaty beef patty sandwiched in between toasted buns?

Do you know what makes burgers even more phenomenal? A serving of chilled potato salad on the side!

While both dishes are packed with so much flavor, somehow, they still work!

The creamy potatoes complement the savory burger. It’s a match made in heaven.

2. Chicken

It doesn’t matter if it’s fried, grilled, or barbecued, chicken pairs wonderfully with potato salad. 

There’s just something about chicken and potatoes that makes them taste great together.

Just imagine that crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside chicken with a hot and hearty potato salad. Who can say no to that? I certainly can’t!

3. Steak

Steak is not the most affordable of meats, so you’ll need to pair it with something hearty and delicious. Potato salad fits the bill perfectly.

With a potato salad on the side, you can host a fancy backyard party without burning a hole in your pocket.

4. Bratwurst

Bratwursts are always a hit at backyard parties, and for good reason. They’re just plain delicious, especially when dipped in a variety of condiments.

But what makes them taste even better is if you eat them with potato salad. The savory bratwurst is best served with creamy potato salad.

5. Barbecue Ribs

Out of all the cookout entrees, ribs are my favorite. Just the thought of sweet and savory succulent ribs is making me drool.

But you know what makes my mouth water even more? Pairing that beautiful beast with a chilled potato salad.

The potatoes add a creamy component to the dish. And I just love how the potatoes get drenched in the delectable barbecue sauce!

Plus, the contrast between hot ribs and cold potatoes? It’s the perfect combination.   

6. Baked Ham

Ham has a distinct sweet and smoky goodness that’s reminiscent of fancy cold cuts. There’s nothing wrong with munching ham on its own, but it’s not really filling, is it?

That’s where crisp and creamy potato salad comes into the picture. Together, the two form a delicious and hearty meal.

7. Grilled Fish

While pork, beef, and chicken usually rule backyard parties, let’s not forget about seafood. Grilled fish also deserves the spotlight!

Whether it’s tilapia, salmon, halibut, or trout, fish makes a great party entrée.

Potato salad also tastes fantastic with any fish, especially since it has a more subtle flavor than other meats.

8. Grilled Shrimp

Another seafood that tastes wonderful with potato salad is grilled shrimp. The plump and juicy shrimp has such a clean flavor, so it works really well with the creamy side.  

9. Baked Beans

Aside from entrees, there are plenty of side dishes that also pair well with potato salad.

You want flavors that will complement, not clash. For me, one of the best sides is baked beans!

I especially like serving potato salad with sweet and spicy baked beans because the flavors do a fine job at mellowing down the creaminess of the potatoes.

10. Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob is a must in every cookout! It’s refreshing, delicious, and so fun to eat!

Its crunchiness also pairs well with tender potato salad. When you eat corn and potato salad together, you also get a lovely contrast of sweet and creamy. 

Whether you grill the corn or simply boil it, don’t forget to slather it with lots and lots of butter! A little bit of salt and pepper can’t hurt either.

11. Coleslaw

Another favorite side dish of mine is the ever-tasty coleslaw. I just love how its vibrant colors fill up my plate!

And the flavor? Whether it’s mayo-based slaw or is coated in a tangy vinaigrette, coleslaw and potato salad make a delicious partnership.

Sometimes I don’t even need an entrée to go with them! Just those two are more than enough for me. 

While coleslaw is already colorful enough with the contrast of green cabbage and orange carrots, you can add more vibrance to it by adding some red cabbage. 

12. Dessert

And finally, for dessert, there’s nothing better than a sweet and refreshing slice of watermelon to end your meal.

You can even grill watermelon to bring out its sweetness even more! I prefer my watermelon chilled, so I eat it straight out of the fridge. It’s perfect for summer.