Creamy Potato Salad Recipe: Speedy Microwave Method

Although potato salad is always a crowd favorite, especially for 4th of July, boiling and draining the spuds can be a hassle. Luckily, microwaving the potatoes is the surprise trick that cooks them to tender perfection in less time. Not only does this help you to prepare the side quicker, but cleanup is a lot easier too. Simply season and microwave the potatoes in a dish, which takes just 7 minutes. Here’s how to make creamy microwave potato salad as a speedy version of the staple side!

The basics of potato salad

Potato salad consists of boiled potatoes that are cooled and tossed in a mayonnaise dressing. Other ingredients like boiled eggs and chopped onions are usually added to make the salad hearty. It’s full of tangy and creamy flavors that pair well with BBQ ribs, grilled burgers or smoked brisket.

Speedy shortcut to your best-ever potato salad

Preparing potato salad often involves boiling the potatoes to soften them. But, if you don’t keep an eye on the pot, the potatoes can easily overcook and become mushy. A better alternative is microwaving as the rapid heat distribution cooks the potatoes evenly in mere minutes. Also, it’s much easier to check if the spuds are done rather than trying to remove one from a steaming hot pot. Doing this method is as simple as placing seasoned potatoes into a microwave-safe dish with a lid and cooking them in the appliance. In under 10 minutes, the spuds should be tender and ready to cool before turning into potato salad.

How to make microwave potato salad

Below, the microwave pros at Anyday share their easy Marble Potato Salad recipe. “This is a classic potato salad — except faster and more colorful,” they say. “Whole grain mustard, apple cider vinegar, and lemon lighten up this creamy side dish, while a flurry of dill brings the brightness.”

This recipe uses marble potatoes, which are a small, round variety that cook quickly especially when sliced in half. If you can’t find this variety, you can cut Yukon gold or russet potatoes into small cubes. Whether for a July 4th gathering or a casual picnic, this creamy potato salad is sure to earn raves every time!

Marble Potato Salad

3½ cups marble potatoes, halved
2 Tbs. olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 Tbs. mayonnaise
2 tsp. whole grain mustard
2 tsp. apple cider vinegar
2 tsp. lemon juice
2 tsp. shallots, minced
1 Tbs. dill, chopped

Directions:

Yield: 2 to 4 servings

Add potatoes, oil, salt, and pepper into large deep dish and stir until coated. Cover with lid; lifting knob on top of lid if needed.
Cook in microwave 7 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender. (Note: Microwaves vary, so feel free to adjust cook time as needed.) Remove any excess water resulting from condensation and let cool to room temperature.
In separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, mustard, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, shallots and dill.
When potatoes are cool, add mayo mixture into dish and stir until well-coated.

Additional flavor tips from Anyday

For a smoother texture in the salad, use Dijon mustard in place of the whole grain kind.
Sprinkle in your desired amount of everything bagel seasoning for an added pungent flavor and crunch.
Tor brighten the dish, stir in more herbs such as mint, chervil, parsley and/or chives just before serving.