POTATO SALAD 3 Ways
POTATO SALAD 3 Ways is a medium American recipe that serves 8. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Brian Lagerstrom on YouTube.
Prep: 1 hr | Cook: 2 hrs | Total: 3 hrs 30 min
Cost: $22.30 total, $2.79 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 kg Fingerling Potatoes (waxy, cut into chunky coins)
- 1 kg Red Potatoes (diced for German salad)
- 1 kg Russet Potatoes (peeled partially, medium dice for baked salad)
- 1 Large Egg (room temperature for mayo)
- 20 g Water (for mayo emulsification)
- 25 g White Distilled Vinegar (for mayo)
- 5 g Salt (for mayo; plus extra for potatoes)
- 325 g Neutral Oil (light olive oil or vegetable oil for mayo)
- 80 g Yellow Mustard (classic yellow mustard for classic salad)
- 60 g Whole Grain Mustard (for German salad)
- 225 g Bread and Butter Pickles (chopped; sweet and tangy)
- 15 g Fresh Dill (chopped; plus extra for garnish)
- 15 g Fresh Parsley (chopped for German salad)
- 0.25 Red Onion (thinly sliced for German salad)
- 50 g Apple Cider Vinegar (for onion marination)
- 20 g Granulated Sugar (for onion marination)
- 500 g Bacon (8 slices per batch, diced; total for two salads)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (for roasting russet potatoes)
- 75 g Medium Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded on feather side of box grater)
- 150 g Sour Cream (for loaded baked salad)
- 100 g Scallions (thinly sliced for loaded baked salad)
- 3 g Black Pepper (cracked, for German and loaded salads)
Instructions
Prep Fingerling Potatoes
Rinse the fingerling potatoes, then cut them into chunky coin‑shaped pieces about 1‑1.5 inches thick.
Time: PT5M
Make Homemade Mayonnaise
In a high‑sided container combine 1 large egg, 20 g water, 25 g white distilled vinegar, and 5 g salt. Pulse briefly with the immersion blender, then slowly drizzle in 325 g neutral oil while blending until thick and glossy.
Time: PT10M
Boil Fingerling Potatoes
Place the cut fingerlings in a heavy‑bottom pot, cover with water by about 1 inch, add a generous pinch of salt, bring to a boil, then reduce to medium‑low and simmer 25‑30 minutes until tender but not falling apart.
Time: PT30M
Cool and Assemble Classic Mayo Salad
Drain the potatoes and spread them on a sheet tray to steam‑dry for 15 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, add 175 g homemade mayo, 80 g yellow mustard, 225 g chopped bread‑and‑butter pickles, and 15 g chopped fresh dill. Using gloved hands or a spatula, gently crush about 20 % of the potatoes, then fold everything together. Garnish with extra dill and a pinch of black pepper.
Time: PT15M
Prep Red Potatoes for German Salad
Dice the red potatoes into 1‑inch cubes.
Time: PT5M
Slice and Marinate Red Onion
Thinly slice ¼ red onion using a mandolin or sharp knife. Rinse briefly in a strainer, then toss with 50 g apple cider vinegar and 20 g granulated sugar. Let sit while potatoes cook.
Time: PT10M
Render Bacon (First Batch)
Place 250 g diced bacon in a 10‑inch sauté pan over medium‑low heat. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 15 minutes until the fat is rendered and the pieces are crisp and golden.
Time: PT15M
Boil Red Potatoes
Add the diced red potatoes to a pot, cover with water by 1 inch, add a strong pinch of salt, bring to a boil, then simmer 15‑25 minutes until just tender.
Time: PT20M
Assemble Warm German Potato Salad
Drain the hot potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the rendered bacon with its fat, 60 g whole‑grain mustard, 15 g chopped fresh parsley, 3 g ground black pepper, and 3 g salt. While the mixture is still warm, fold in the marinated onions. Stir vigorously to create a light emulsion.
Time: PT10M
Prep Russet Potatoes for Loaded Baked Salad
Peel off any thick papery skin from the russet potatoes, then dice them into ½‑inch cubes.
Time: PT5M
Roast Russet Potatoes
Toss the diced russets with 2 tbsp olive oil and two generous pinches of salt. Spread on a sheet tray and roast in a pre‑heated 450°F oven for 25‑35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until edges are crisp and interiors are creamy.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 450°F
Render Bacon (Second Batch)
While the potatoes roast, render another 250‑300 g diced bacon in a sauté pan over medium‑low heat until crisp, about 15 minutes. Set aside bacon pieces and keep the rendered fat.
Time: PT15M
Assemble Loaded Baked Potato Salad
Allow the roasted potatoes to cool briefly (1‑2 minutes). Transfer to a large bowl, roughly chop half of them for texture, then add the remaining roasted pieces. Fold in the rendered bacon and its fat, 200 g homemade mayo, 150 g sour cream, 75 g shredded medium‑sharp cheddar, 100 g thinly sliced scallions, and 3 g cracked black pepper. Mix until evenly coated.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 6 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 22 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains pork, Gluten‑free, Not vegan, Not vegetarian
Allergens: Egg, Dairy, Mustard
Last updated: April 18, 2026






