The History of Potato Salad—and How Redi-Peel Potatoes Make It Easier Than Ever

Potato salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a staple on restaurant menus across New England and beyond. Whether served chilled at a summer barbecue or warm alongside hearty entrées, potato salad remains a timeless favorite for its versatility, flavor, and comfort. But where did this beloved dish come from, and why has it stood the test of time?

A Brief History of Potato Salad

The roots of potato salad trace back to Europe, particularly Germany, where warm potato salads dressed with vinegar and mustard were popular in the 16th century. These recipes made their way to America with European immigrants and evolved into the mayonnaise-based versions many of us know and love today. Over time, regional variations emerged—each one highlighting different ingredients, textures, and serving temperatures.

Why Potato Salad Still Reigns Supreme

Potato salad has remained popular for good reason:

  • It’s adaptable: Restaurants can customize recipes to reflect seasonal ingredients, flavor profiles, or dietary preferences.

  • It’s cost-effective: Potatoes offer an affordable base for a dish that can be elevated or kept simple.

  • It complements everything: From barbecue to brunch, it’s a natural pairing for a wide variety of meals.

Variations to Inspire Your Menu

Here are just a few takes on potato salad chefs are serving today:

  • German-style with bacon, vinegar, and herbs

  • Classic deli-style with mayonnaise, mustard, and celery

  • Mediterranean with olive oil, capers, and roasted red peppers

  • Vegan versions with dairy-free mayo or tahini dressing

Redi-Peel Large Diced Potatoes: A Kitchen Shortcut

Preparing fresh potato salad from scratch can be time-consuming, especially when peeling and dicing are done in-house. That’s where Redi-Peel Potatoes come in. Our Large Diced Potatoes are pre-peeled and cut to size, helping restaurants eliminate prep time and reduce waste—without sacrificing freshness or quality.

Sourced from local farms and processed in our Manchester, NH facility, our potatoes arrive ready to cook, so your team can get straight to assembling standout potato salads that keep guests coming back for more.

Let Us Help You Serve a Classic—Faster

Redi-Peel Potatoes supports restaurant kitchens across New England with fresh, convenient, and time-saving solutions. Contact us today to learn more about our Large Diced Potatoes and how they can simplify your menu prep.