There are countless recipes for potato salad. Just like a snowflake, each one is different. I guess it makes sense, since taters are a perfect canvas to mix with vegetables, sauces and really, anything you want.
It got me thinking about how there could be something more to the type of potato salad you prefer. I don’t know why Buzzfeed has yet to make a ridiculous quiz of this.
So, before they beat me to it, let’s find out what potato salad you are! You can definitely be more than one type, because this is a free country.
The Potato Salad Quiz
Southern Style. You like to party and have a good time and just LIVE YOUR LIFE.
Classic. You like mayonnaise.
New York Deli. You like mayonnaise but you want to be all “metropolitan” about it.
With eggs. You’re a tough spirit.
With bacon. You’re a human.
With eggs and bacon. You just want breakfast, so go to Denny’s already!
German. Secretly you think mayonnaise is disgusting because egg yolks creep you out or something. So you found this delicious dish that lacks mayo, but makes up for it in BACON. If you think you’re German Potato Salad, it’s definitely safe to say that you’re adventurous yet soft-spoken, and when you have some wine you go (whispers) bananas.
Baked Potato. You’re constantly pushing the button and thinking outside the box. But be careful there, young Baked Potato Salad lover – you could find yourself constantly unimpressed by the simple joys of just potatoes and a little mayo. Keep that in your mind, (whispers again) always.
Red Potato. You’ve been to Publix where they make the best red potato salad in the world, and no other place can even compare and you’re forced to settle. So I guess that’s you, Red Potato-er: you’re a settler. Perhaps that’s a good thing, no? I mean this country was founded by settlers…
Sweet Potato. You’re probably a hippie.
Lebanese. I saw this recipe and I don’t know if it’s a legitimate “type” of potato salad, but it most definitely is a recipe! Thus, if you’re a “Lebanese Potato Salad,” you’re very similar to those ethereal artsy women in their 40s that love exotic cuisines and turquoise, and can’t ever just bring a classic potato salad; it must be reminiscent of their travels back in the late 70s “when no one dared go there, especially not a 19-year-old woman!”
Patatasolata. Greek potato salad. You’re stubborn, you like to take naps in the afternoon, and you swim in the Mediterranean. Also, you have a loud, stubborn family that’ll do anything for one another.
Pasta. You’ve made a wrong turn here and have definitely lost your way. THIS IS ABOUT POTATOES!
So that’s my very scientific and fun little guide to figuring out what type of potato salad you are. I’m sure you’ll find it comes in handy as grilling and picnic season is upon us, and potato salad is pretty much the unspoken hero of outdoor get-togethers. I’ve included the recipe for the potato salad that I made the other day. Also, here’s a picture of it along with my diner bell I ring to alert my dog that dinner is ready.
Chloe’s Potato Salad
Makes a few servings
A lb or so of red potatoes, cubed and boiled
A few tablespoons of a vinegar-based salad dressing or just vinegar
Some chopped veggies like onion, carrots and/or celery
A healthy glob of mayo
A couple dabs of Dijon mustard
A handful of hard-boiled eggs, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1. Toss the cooked potatoes in the vinegar or dressing, and let it sit overnight. This is important because it allows some marinating to go on, and I think it’s fun to think about what the potato salad will grow up to be the next day!
2. After it sits overnight, add the ingredients to the potatoes and mix it around a bunch.
3. Season according to your liking and feel free to add whatever else you got lying around: fresh herbs, dried herbs, BACON, veggies, etc.
4. Eat it by the bowlful!
If you’re a “Chloe’s Potato Salad” type, then you are freaking awesome, and you deserve an award!
So, what kind of potato salad are you? Share with me in the comments.