Ranch Picnic Potato Salad
Ranch Picnic Potato Salad Recipe - USA
Introduction
Ranch Picnic Potato Salad is a classic side dish that is perfect for any outdoor gathering or barbecue. This creamy and flavorful potato salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
History
The origins of Ranch Picnic Potato Salad can be traced back to the American Midwest, where ranch dressing is a popular condiment. The combination of creamy ranch dressing, tender potatoes, and crunchy vegetables creates a delicious and satisfying dish that has become a staple at picnics and cookouts.
Ingredients
- 3.5 lb (1.59 kg) baking potatoes, cooked and peeled
- 1 oz (28 g) package dry ranch dressing mix
- 0.5 cup sliced celery
- 0.5 cup chopped white onions
- 2 large hard-boiled eggs, finely chopped
- 1 tsp parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.13 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
How to prepare
- Place cooked cubed potatoes in a mixing bowl and set aside.
- Prepare dressing mix according to package directions and reserve one cup.
- Refrigerate the remaining dressing for future use.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the dressing, potatoes, celery, onions, eggs, parsley, salt, black pepper, and mustard.
- Mix well, then fold the mixture into the potatoes in the bowl.
- Cover and refrigerate for several hours before serving.
Variations
- Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky flavor.
- Mix in diced pickles or olives for a tangy twist.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise for a lighter version of the salad.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to cook the potatoes until they are just tender, as overcooking can result in a mushy texture.
- For a creamier potato salad, mash some of the potatoes with a fork before mixing in the other ingredients.
- Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or mustard as needed.
- For a more colorful salad, add diced red bell peppers or cherry tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Ranch Picnic Potato Salad is perfect for serving alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a standalone dish at picnics and barbecues.
Cooking Techniques
Boil the potatoes until tender, then cool and peel before cubing.
- Hard-boil the eggs, then chop finely for added texture.
- Mix the dressing separately before combining with the other ingredients for even distribution.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use red potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes instead of baking potatoes.
- Substitute green onions for white onions for a milder flavor.
- Use dill or chives instead of parsley for a different herbaceous note.
Make Ahead Tips
Ranch Picnic Potato Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the potato salad with a sprinkle of paprika or chopped fresh herbs for a pop of color. Serve in a decorative bowl or on a platter lined with lettuce leaves for an elegant presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Ranch Picnic Potato Salad pairs well with grilled chicken, burgers, hot dogs, or sandwiches. Serve with a side of coleslaw or corn on the cob for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover Ranch Picnic Potato Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or enjoy cold straight from the fridge.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Ranch Picnic Potato Salad contains approximately 200 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Ranch Picnic Potato Salad contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Ranch Picnic Potato Salad contains approximately 5 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Ranch Picnic Potato Salad contains approximately 3 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Ranch Picnic Potato Salad is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
Alergens
Ranch Picnic Potato Salad contains eggs and mustard.
Summary
Ranch Picnic Potato Salad is a delicious and nutritious side dish that is low in calories and fat. It is a good source of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
Summary
Ranch Picnic Potato Salad is a classic and versatile side dish that is perfect for any outdoor gathering. With its creamy ranch dressing, tender potatoes, and crunchy vegetables, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy it at your next picnic, barbecue, or potluck!
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a warm summer day, and my family and I were getting ready for our annual ranch picnic. I wanted to make something special for everyone to enjoy, so I started flipping through my collection of recipes.
As I was browsing through the pages of an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother, I stumbled upon a recipe for Ranch Picnic Potato Salad. The ingredients were simple - potatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, and a few other seasonings. But the combination of flavors sounded intriguing, and I knew I had to give it a try.
I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in the kitchen. I boiled the potatoes until they were tender, then let them cool before chopping them into bite-sized pieces. In a separate bowl, I mixed together the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, and seasonings to create the dressing.
Once everything was ready, I combined the potatoes and dressing in a large bowl, making sure to coat each piece evenly. The creamy dressing clung to the potatoes, giving them a tangy and savory flavor that I knew would be a hit with my family.
As I took my first bite of the Ranch Picnic Potato Salad, I was transported back to my childhood. I could almost hear the sounds of laughter and chatter as my family gathered around the picnic table, enjoying the delicious food I had prepared.
From that day on, the Ranch Picnic Potato Salad became a staple at our family gatherings. It was a dish that everyone looked forward to, and I was always happy to oblige. Over the years, I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, each time passing on the tradition of this simple yet delicious dish.
As I grew older, I continued to make the Ranch Picnic Potato Salad for my own children and grandchildren. It became a way for me to pass on a piece of my heritage, a reminder of the simple joys of a family picnic on the ranch.
Now, as I stand in my kitchen preparing for another summer picnic, I can't help but feel grateful for the memories that this recipe has given me. The Ranch Picnic Potato Salad is more than just a dish - it's a connection to my past, a reminder of the love and joy that has filled my life.
And as I set the bowl of potato salad on the picnic table, I know that my family will gather around, ready to make new memories and enjoy the flavors of the past. And as they take their first bite, I hope that they too will feel the warmth and love that this recipe has brought to my life.
Categories
| American Recipes | Cathy's Recipes | Celery Recipes | Hard-boiled Egg Recipes | Onion Recipes | Potato Salad Recipes |