Potato salad

Potato salad

A coarse cut potato salad
Type	Salad
Course	Side dish
Main ingredients	Potatoes

Potato salad is a dish made from boiled potatoes that comes in many versions in different regions of the world.

It is a popular menu choice of cooks preparing food for a large number of people, because it is easily made in large quantities, can be prepared in advance and refrigerated until needed, and requires inexpensive ingredients.

Though called a salad, it is generally a side dish, as it usually accompanies the main course. It is generally considered casual fare, and as such is typically served at picnics, outdoor barbecues, potlucks and other casual meals and events.

General versions of potato salad include:

Different versions of potato salad are served at different temperatures. Most potato salads are served at room temperature or chilled, though the southern German variant may be served warm as well. Mayonnaise-based potato salads are commonly served chilled and require refrigerated storage.

German "Kartoffelsalat" is a popular variation that is generally prepared with vinegar, potatoes, salt, pepper, vegetable oil, mustard, vegetable or beef broth, onions and topped with chive. This style of potato salad is usually found in Southern Germany. Potato salad from northern Germany is generally made with mayonnaise and quite similar to its U.S. counterpart. Potato salad and sausages (like Bratwurst, Weisswurst, Bockwurst or Vienna sausage) is a popular German dish for Christmas Eve.

A version of potato salad popular in Latium is boiled potatoes dressed with olive oil, vinegar, finely minced parsley and garlic, hot chili peppers and salt. In Sicily, potato salad is made with string beans and red onion, dressed with olive oil and vinegar.

Potato salad is popular in northern and western Poland mostly due to German influence in 19th century. It is usually served cold, made with potatoes, pickles, onions and dressed with mayonnaise and vinegar. A salted herring sometimes is also added.