If a barbeque for you isn't a bbq without a potato salad, then I've got a 5 ingredient super simple potato salad recipe for you that ticks all the boxes. Deliciously creamy, yet so simple to make, it's sure to become a family favourite. Kids and adults alike LOVE this salad

Why you're going to love this recipe
I grew up having potato salad as a side dish at every bbq. The one my mother made was made with mint and quite yummy, but the main ingredient was storebought potato salad dressing, something which I don't use. Instead, using mayonnaise (homemade or storebought)you have more control over the contents of the potato salad.
My kids like this, although in all honesty, Master 8 would never admit it. He put up such a show of hating it this week, but then stole half the portion I was eating as leftovers! Here's why you'll love it too:
- quick and easy to make
- 5 ingredients- so nothing difficult!
- perfect flavours for a bbq
- the kids can make it
- make it in advance- you can prep it the night before, meaning you look like the host with the most when the guests turn up
- travels well for when you have to bring something to a bbq
What goes into the recipe
Make sure to scroll to the recipe card for quantities and full method
- red skinned potatoes- why? because they look pretty. If you really can't find any, you can use a white skinned potato, but it won't look as pretty.
- bacon- this gives such a good flavour and helps cut through the creamy mayonnaise.
- parsley- I like flat leaf Italian style parsley, if you can't find it you can use curly parsley or you can even swap for mint, basil etc if you can't find parsley
How to make this recipe
- Chop everything first, it makes it so much easier! (Image 1)
- Cook the potatoes using your preferred method: steam, boil, microwave (I use the microwave when I need these done quickly!) (image 2)
- Cool rapidly under cold water- this prevents the potatoes splitting or cracking.
- Fry the bacon in a small frypan until crispy. (image 3)
- Add the bacon, mayonnaise, parsley and spring onion to the potatoes and mix until well combined. (images 4 and 5)
- Refrigerate until serving.
Expert Tips and FAQS
Yes, even if you just cook the potatoes in advance. But realistically the whole salad can be made in advance.
I do three days max in the fridge. It never lasts that long because we love it and it all gets eaten quickly. It's perfect for taking camping for example, or can even be made whilst camping! (Speaking from experience).
Pasta salad is a favourite to have with potato salad. It works well with grilled meats such as these lamb cutlets and even fish.
My top tips for a successful BBQ:
- Prep everything beforehand so you can spend time with your guests
- Keep it simple, when it's hot people eat less and no-one wants anything overly heavy.
- Serve kids garden salad as the individual elements rather than mixed. Let the kids have the autonomy over how they choose to eat it.
- Offer fruit before dessert, it's healthier!
- make sure there are lots of things for the kids to do
More recipes for your next bbq
Why don't you subscribe to my newsletter, or follow along on Facebook and Instagram? If you make something from the blog please tag @kidgredients on instagram- it really makes my day to see why you've been making!
5 Ingredient Super Simple Potato Salad
Ingredients
- 800 gram desiree or other red skinned potatoes chopped into bite sized pieces
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsps chopped parsley
- 3 rashers of bacon chopped into thin slivers
- 4 spring onion thinly chopped.
Instructions
- Steam the potatoes until bitethrough.
- Drain. Cool rapidly by covering in cold water. When the water warms, replace it with cold water until the water stays cold.
- Meanwhile, fry the bacon until crispy.
- Add the bacon, mayonnaise, parsley and spring onion to the potatoes and mix until well combined.
- Refrigerate until serving.
Notes
- add a tablepsoon of seeded mustard to the mayonnaise.
- use mint instead of the parsley for a refreshing kick
- add extra protein by boiling eggs until hard boiled (I use 3) chop into rounds an mix (gently) into the salad.
GB says
I make this ALL the time. It is fantastic, so easy and tastes yummy. I add the mustard and eggs as suggested but have left out the bacon as we had a vegetarian in our midst once or twice. Still tasted great, though. Thanks for this recipe.
Kylie says
You'll have to keep your eye out- next week I've got a pesto potato salad coming- and apparently it's even better!
Fergal Kidd says
this was superb, absolutely scrumptious. The potato was extremely bitethrough.