Potato salad is a traditional food that people all over the world love. One of the most important parts of this favorite side dish is the type of potatoes that are used. For the best texture and taste, potato salad needs to be made with the right kind of potato. This article, will explore what kind of potatoes for potato salad.
How To Select The Most Appropriate Potatoes For Potato Salad
Therefore, waxy potatoes are the optimal choice for potato salad. But how does one choose the best option when there are so many? It’s a simple task. Adhere to the methods below!
1. Consider The Variety Of Potatoes
For potato salad, waxy potatoes such as Yukon Gold, red potatoes, and fingerling potatoes are optimal. They retain their shape when boiled, lending your salad a firmer, creamier texture.
2. Examine The Skin
Look for potatoes with flawless, smooth epidermis. Potatoes with cuts, bruises, or green blotches can compromise the flavor and quality of a salad.
3. Check For Rigidity
Squeeze the potatoes gently. They should have a substantial, not mushy, texture. When potatoes that are too soft are boiled, they can become a starchy disaster.
4. Size Is Key
Select potatoes of comparable dimensions for uniform cooking. For uniformity, smaller potatoes can be left whole, whereas larger ones should be cut into bite-sized portions.
Type Of Potato Matters
Based on texture, potatoes are typically divided into three categories.
1. Waxy
These thin-skinned potatoes have the least carbohydrate and hold their shape well when boiled, making them our preferred choice for potato salad.
Also, if you’re short on time or choose a more rustic salad, peeling is optional due to the thin husks. The most common potato varieties are red, new, and fingerling.
2. In-Between
Between two: These potatoes, also known as all-purpose potatoes, contain more carbohydrates than waxy potatoes, but they can be used in most potato dishes, such as potato salad.
White and Yukon Gold potatoes are reliable in-between potatoes to always have on hand.
3. Starchy
Avoid russet potatoes and other starchy, thick-skinned varieties for potato salad, as they will tumble apart during cooking. What to seek: Russet potatoes. So this is the shortcut tip: Look for waxy potatoes when preparing potato salad.
Some of our favorite potatoes for potato salad are tiny red potatoes from the farmers market or Teeny-Tiny Potatoes from Trader Joe’s.
What Kind Of Potatoes For Potato Salad
1. Golden Yukon Potatoes:
Yukon Gold potatoes are frequently regarded as the benchmark for potato salad. This potato’s epidermis is smooth, thin, and pale golden yellow. They are prized for their buttery, creamy texture and mild sweetness.
When boiled, Yukon Golds retain their shape well, which is essential for a soft and firm potato salad. Additionally, their thin skin allows you to keep it on, saving you time and adding color to your salad.
2. Red Potatoes
Red potatoes are a common addition to potato salad. Their vibrant red skin and white, waxy interior are well-known. Red potatoes retain their shape during cooking due to their oily texture, so they do not fall apart when combined with other salad ingredients.
Due to their thin and tender epidermis, they are an additional variety that does not require peeling. The scarlet skin provides a beautiful contrast to the salad’s appearance.
3. Fingerling Potatoes
Small, slender, and elongated fingerling potatoes resemble digits. They are available in numerous hues, including red, yellow, and purple. Fingerlings have a waxy texture that retains its integrity when boiled, making them a distinct and flavorful addition to potato salad.
In addition to enhancing the salad’s visual appeal, its nutty flavor adds an intriguing dimension to the dish.
4. New Potatoes
Young potatoes harvested early in the growing season are known as new potatoes. They are smaller and have thin, delicate epidermis. When boiled, their waxy texture makes them a natural match for potato salad, as they remain firm and creamy.
You can leave them whole or cut them in half, based on your preference. The edible thin epidermis contributes to the salad’s overall texture and appearance.
5. Russet Potatoes
While not the most popular option for potato salad, russet potatoes are occasionally used. Russet potatoes are rich in starch and are typically used to make mashed potatoes or French fries.
Be careful not to overcook russet potatoes when preparing potato salad. Overcooking can result in a mealy texture, which may be less desirable in a salad than waxy varieties. If using russet potatoes, consider cutting them into smaller sections to improve their cohesiveness.
How to Store Potatoes
- Place potatoes in an excellent, dark location with adequate ventilation, such as a pantry, cabinet, or closet.
- It is preferable to store them in a paper or cloth bag instead of a plastic bag. This will enable them to breathe and prevent sogginess.
- Lastly, check on your potatoes regularly and discard any that have sprouted or appear wrinkled and dried out.
However, individual tastes vary, so experiment with various varieties to find your favorite. Whatever your potato variety, mastering potato salad will make your next picnic or barbecue a culinary delight.
Thanks for reading.
