If you’re craving a side dish that effortlessly combines creamy indulgence with vibrant flavors, this French Onion Dip Potato Salad Recipe is your new best friend. It takes the classic comfort of French onion dip and transforms it into a tangy, irresistible potato salad that’s perfect for summer barbecues, casual dinners, or anytime you want that perfect blend of savory and fresh. With tender baby potatoes and a luscious dressing packed with oniony goodness, this recipe is as simple to make as it is to love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this French Onion Dip Potato Salad Recipe is a breeze because each one plays an essential role in building texture, flavor, and a pop of color that makes this dish shine. From the creamy base to the fresh herbs, everything contributes to that perfect harmony of tastes you’re about to enjoy.
- 2 pounds baby potatoes (halved): These small potatoes hold their shape well and offer a tender bite that’s perfect for salads.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A light coating that helps the potatoes stay glossy and adds subtle richness.
- 1 1/2 cups sour cream: The creamy backbone of the dressing, bringing tanginess and smooth texture.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Adds extra creaminess and balances the tang of the sour cream.
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) dry French onion soup mix: The star seasoning that infuses deep, savory onion flavor.
- 1/4 cup fresh chives (chopped): Offers a mild oniony freshness and a vibrant green hue.
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped): Adds crunch and sharp bite for contrast in every mouthful.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors together just right.
- Optional crispy bacon bits or caramelized onions: Perfect for topping, adding texture and enhanced flavor depth.
How to Make French Onion Dip Potato Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the halved baby potatoes and cook until they’re fork-tender, usually around 10 to 12 minutes. This step is key because perfectly cooked potatoes provide the ideal texture—soft enough to melt in your mouth, but firm enough to hold their shape when mixed.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
While the potatoes cool completely, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, and the dry French onion soup mix in a large bowl. This creamy combo is what makes your potato salad sing with classic French onion dip flavor, so make sure it’s smooth and well blended for even seasoning in every bite.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Once cooled, add the potatoes to your dressing bowl along with the chopped chives and red onion. Gently toss everything together so each potato piece gets evenly coated. This step is where flavors marry beautifully, and the fresh crunch from the onions balances the creamy richness perfectly.
Step 4: Season and Chill
Season with salt and pepper to taste, then cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour. The chilling time allows the flavors to meld and deepen, elevating this salad from simple to spectacular just like your favorite French Onion Dip Potato Salad Recipe deserves.
How to Serve French Onion Dip Potato Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For that extra wow factor, sprinkle on some crispy bacon bits or a handful of caramelized onions right before serving. These garnishes add great texture and a burst of umami that plays so nicely with the creamy potato base. A fresh sprinkle of extra chives not only brightens the flavor but adds appealing green color too.
Side Dishes
This potato salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like burgers, chicken, or steak, making it a crowd-pleaser at any cookout. You can also serve it alongside crunchy veggie sticks or a vibrant green salad for a well-rounded meal full of contrasting textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the salad in individual mason jars or colorful bowls to show off the lovely layers of creamy dressing and vibrant herbs. You could also build a “potato salad bar” by offering various toppings so guests can customize their plates—this never fails to be a hit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover French Onion Dip Potato Salad Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen, so it tastes even better the next day. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to freshen it up.
Freezing
Because of its dairy and potato content, freezing isn’t recommended for this salad. The texture of potatoes and dressing won’t hold up well thawed, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated short-term.
Reheating
This potato salad is best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. If you prefer, you can let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to soften the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use regular onions instead of red onions?
Yes, you can substitute yellow or white onions, but red onions add a nice sharpness and color that complements this recipe beautifully.
Is this French Onion Dip Potato Salad Recipe gluten-free?
Most dry French onion soup mixes contain gluten, so make sure to check the label or use a gluten-free version to keep this salad safe for gluten-sensitive diners.
Can I make this salad vegan?
For a vegan version, swap sour cream and mayonnaise for plant-based alternatives and use a vegan French onion seasoning. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!
What type of potato is best for this recipe?
Baby potatoes are ideal because they cook quickly and hold their shape, but Yukon Gold or red potatoes can also work well if halved into smaller pieces.
Can I add other herbs or ingredients?
Absolutely! Fresh dill, parsley, or even a splash of lemon juice can brighten the dish even more, offering your own personalized take on the classic French Onion Dip Potato Salad Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a deliciously creamy potato salad that brings a fresh twist on an old favorite, give this French Onion Dip Potato Salad Recipe a try. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and always a hit whether you’re serving it at a picnic, family dinner, or potluck. Dive in and enjoy every bite—you won’t regret it!
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French Onion Dip Potato Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy French Onion Dip Potato Salad combines tender boiled baby potatoes with a rich blend of sour cream, mayonnaise, and dry French onion soup mix. Enhanced with fresh chives and red onion, this flavorful salad is perfect as a refreshing summer side dish or picnic favorite, with optional toppings like crispy bacon bits or caramelized onions to add extra texture.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Dressing
- 1 1/2 cups sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) dry French onion soup mix
Mix-ins
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Crispy bacon bits
- Caramelized onions
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the halved baby potatoes and cook until fork-tender, about 10–12 minutes. Drain well and let cool completely.
- Prepare Dressing: While potatoes cool, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, and French onion soup mix in a large mixing bowl. Stir until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Mix Salad: Once potatoes are cool, add them to the bowl along with chopped chives and finely chopped red onion. Gently toss until all potatoes are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season and Chill: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the potato salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Before serving, garnish with extra chives and optional crispy bacon bits or caramelized onions to add additional flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or mayonnaise.
- This salad is best served cold and can be made a day ahead for enhanced flavor.
- Check the soup mix for gluten if you require strict gluten-free ingredients.
