I was not a big potato salad fan until I tried Julia Child’s potato salad. It is a perfect combination of potatoes, bacon, and dressing and not a mess. When I asked our chef what it takes to make this creamy potato salad, he said it is made with good, simple, classic flavors.
When I tasted it, I felt like I was on cloud nine. It’s like icing on the cake. It was excellent. Bacon and potatoes perfectly complement each other. Plus, a blend of mayo-based dressing made it super delicious.
So, want to try this creamy potato salad? This classic potato salad is way tastier than the store-bought salads. The steps are surprisingly easy to make, so don’t be intimidated. So, let’s get started! But before you proceed with the recipe, check out the guide below for the best results.
What's In The Post
Is This The Exact Julia Child’s Potato Salad Recipe?
Yes, we have followed the recipe of an American chef, Julia Child. Our chef’s ingredients in this recipe are the same as Julia Child’s.
We’ve followed the recipe step-by-step as the chef. The result is a creamy, flavorful salad that will become your next favorite.
However, you can use sour cream if you have it handy. So, the only thing you need to do is to follow the recipe thoroughly for the exact flavors.
Is Julia Child’s Potato Salad Different From Regular Potato Salad?
Julia Child’s potato salad recipe differs significantly from the regular potato salad. The main difference is that Julia Child has prepared mayo and hard-boiled egg dressing, while some recipes include vinaigrette-based sauce.
Other than this, various recipes use red potatoes or russet potatoes, but Julia Child has used Yukon gold potatoes for the recipe. Also, Julia Child has used cider vinegar to brighten the flavors, while many recipes omit it and use Dijon mustard instead.
Why You’ll Love This Potato Salad Recipe?
- This creamy potato salad recipe is a delicious combination of veggies without the overbearing gooey mess.
- It has a perfect balance of homemade salad dressing. Nothing overly fancy, just good, simple classic flavors.
- Bacon and potatoes are a classic pairing. Plus, a blend of mayonnaise takes this salad to the next level.
- You can prepare this delicious potato salad recipe for your next gathering.
Is This Julia Child’s Potato Salad Vegan And Gluten-Free?
Unfortunately, Julia Child’s potato salad is not vegan-friendly as it contains mayonnaise, eggs, and bacon. All these ingredients are animal-derived products and are not recommended for vegans.
But you can make it vegan by substituting mayonnaise with hummus, white bean dip, or vegan mayonnaise.
You can substitute eggs with yogurt and bacon with mushrooms, tofu, seitan, or rice paper bacon. But the best part is it is gluten-free, making it the best option for gluten intolerants.
Equipment Required For Julia Child’s Potato Salad
- Pan – Cook Yukon potatoes in a pan containing boiling salted water until tender enough.
- Bowls – Prepare the potato salad in a bowl.
- Knife – Chop the potatoes, onions, celery, and herbs into chunks with a sharp knife.
- Chopping Board – Place the board beneath the veggies and herbs before slicing them.
- Peeler – Peel the potatoes with a peeler before cooking them.
- Strainer – Strain the water from the pot containing cooked potatoes using a filter.
- Spatula – Toss the dressing with the potato mixture using a flat-surfaced spatula until well coated.
Julia Child’s Potato Salad Ingredients
- Yukon Gold Potatoes – When it comes to making potato salad, nothing beats Yukon Gold potatoes. It will yield you the perfect salad without making it soggy.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs – Julia Child’s potato salad recipe calls for chopped hard-boiled eggs. It’s a healthy way to add to your diet.
- Mayonnaise – Add a tablespoon of mayonnaise for a creamy salad with a hint of sweetness.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Adding a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar can achieve extra sharpness and sourness.
- Potato Water – Reserve a tablespoon of potato water while cooking the potatoes for later use.
- Bacon – Cooked bacon bits are ideal for satisfying a salad’s crunch.
- Dill Pickles – Add a pinch of dill pickle for extra spiciness and bite.
- Onions – Chopped onions will add a crunchy texture and a pleasant flavor to the potato salad.
- Red Bell Pepper – Top your potato salad with crunchy red bell pepper.
- Chives Chives will add onion flavor with slight garlicky notes to the salad.
- Celery – Half a cup of chopped celery added to an earthy infusion can enhance the flavor.
- Salt – Add a dash of salt to taste and bring out the other flavors.
- Black Pepper – Add some black pepper to the salad for seasoning.
Julia Child’s Potato Salad Ingredients Substitutions
- Potatoes – We’ve used Yukon gold potatoes for potato salad. But you can also use other waxy potatoes, such as red or new potatoes. Avoid using floury potatoes, such as Russet potatoes, as they will make the salad dry and crumbly.
- Eggs – Hard-boiled eggs are added to make it healthier and more prosperous. But you can also use soft-boiled eggs or even omit them. If you are allergic to eggs, you can substitute them with mashed avocado.
- Mayonnaise is added to make it creamier, but you can also use a mixture of mayonnaise and sour cream, a vegan mayonnaise, or a yogurt-based dressing.
- Vinegar – We’ve used apple cider vinegar to add bright notes to this salad. But you can also use white, red, or balsamic vinegar.
- Veggies – Onions and celery have added a bit of sweetness and crunch to potato salad. If you don’t like onions or celery, you can substitute chopped celery or scallions.
- Bacon – Bacon adds a smoky flavor to potato salad. You can substitute cooked crumbled sausage, ham, or tofu if you don’t eat bacon.
- Dill pickle – Dill pickle adds a bit of tanginess to potato salad. If you don’t like dill pickles, you can substitute chopped sweet pickles, relish, or chutney.
What Type Of Potatoes Is Best For This Recipe?
The best type of potatoes to use for Julia Child’s potato salad are waxy potatoes. Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold, red, and new potatoes have low starch and moisture content. It means they will hold their shape well when cooked and not become mushy when mixed with mayonnaise and other ingredients.
Floury potatoes, on the other hand, such as Russet potatoes, have high starch and low moisture content. It means they will become mushy when cooked and not hold their shape well when mixed with mayonnaise and other ingredients.
Besides this, all-purpose potatoes have medium moisture and starch, so they can be used for potato salad but will become slightly mushy. So, if you are making Julia Child’s potato salad, our chef recommends waxy potatoes. They will give you the best results in terms of texture and flavor.
Should You Peel The Potatoes Before Cooking?
Yes, it would help if you peeled potatoes before cooking them. Chef Julia Child recommends peeling the potatoes before boiling.
The reason is that peeled potatoes will absorb less water during cooking, resulting in fluffier potato bits. Also, if you peel the potatoes, they will cook more evenly.
The only reason behind peeling potatoes is to get a smoother texture. You will have a super-light and fluffy potato salad with no color contrast.
Julia Child’s Potato Salad Preparation And Cooking Time
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Minutes | 15 Minutes | 20 Minutes |
Julia Child’s Potato Salad Recipe Steps
- Start this potato salad recipe by adding diced and boiled potatoes in a bowl.
- Stir in reserved potato water to the potatoes.
- Add finely chopped onions in a bowl containing potatoes.
- Combine finely chopped celery stalks and dill pickles.
- Add crumbled hard-boiled eggs to the bowl.
- Now is the time to combine the veggies with two tablespoons of mayonnaise.
- Mix the salad ingredients well with a spatula until well combined.
- Fold in crumbled bacon, splash a tablespoon of vinegar, add chives, and season it with salt and pepper. Voila, your Julia Child’s potato salad is ready!
Tips To Make This Julia Child’s Potato Salad Better
- Our chef has recommended avoiding starchy potatoes like russet potatoes in potato salads as they will break down too much, making the salad mushier.
- To make this salad without eggs, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or use our creme fraiche and chives dressing.
- Don’t overcook the potatoes, even if you have the right kind in your hand. Just boil the waxy potatoes in salted water until they are tender enough and not mushy.
- Coat mayo and hard-boiled eggs dressing with the potatoes that are cooked and warmed enough. It will allow the flavors to penetrate the potatoes better.
- Allow the potato salad to cool down in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. It will help the flavors meld together and improve the overall taste.
- Be gentle while mixing the dressing and the potatoes. Overmixing can lead to a mushy or gummy texture.
Why Is My Potato Salad Watery?
If potato salad is made when the potatoes are hot, they will make the salad watery. Besides this, various reasons can cause your potato salad to be watery. They are:
- If the potatoes are overcooked and become too soft, they will become soft and will make your salad watery. Make sure to cook the potatoes until they are tender and not mushy.
- The salad may become soggy if you haven’t tossed the dressing well with the potatoes. Be sure to use adequate sauce to coat the potatoes evenly.
- After boiling the potatoes, drain them properly to get rid of excess water. Otherwise, it will dilute in the dressing, making your salad watery.
- If your salad contains ingredients with high water content, it will release water into the salad. So, drain them properly before adding them.
- Potato salad requires refrigeration. But if you store it for an extended period, the dressing can separate or become watery.
- A variety with higher moisture content could contribute to a watery salad.
Julia Child’s Potato Salad Nutritional Values
Potato salad is very healthy as it contains nutrients, including fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.
| Calories | 125 kcal |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
| Cholesterol | 45 mg |
How Will This Potato Salad Look And Taste Like?
This homemade version of Julia Child’s potato salad has a creamy texture, tangy flavor, and crunchy garnishes. Our chef has made it with boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, onions, celery, bacon, and hard-boiled eggs.
The mayonnaise and vinegar dressing gives this salad a creamy texture, while the onions, celery, and bacon add a bit of crunch and flavor. The hard-boiled eggs add richness, and parsley adds a touch of freshness.
When he presented it, it had a bright and inviting appearance. The potatoes were coated in a light yellow color dressing. It was a delicious and classic American dish perfect for a picnic, potluck, or barbecue.
Can You Make This Potato Salad Recipe Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can make and refrigerate Julia Child’s potato salad in advance. Cooling this salad is recommended, so it would be best to make it at least a day in advance so that the flavors can blend and the salad can firm up.
Follow the recipe well to make Julia Child’s potato salad in advance. Then, transfer it to a bowl and cover it with a lid. When ready to serve, remove the salad from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about half an hour.
How To Store This Julia Child Potato Salad Properly?
Storing potato salad is generally not recommended if made with mayo and hard-boiled eggs. Still, we recommend holding it for up to two hours if you want to keep it.
However, if you still have leftovers, store them in the fridge. As per USDA, you can keep this potato salad in the refrigerator for four to five days. For this, let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer the potato salad to a clean and dry container and store it.
But if you plan to freeze it, remember it won’t have the same texture. The dairy-based ingredients will separate when thawed, making it look and taste weird.
Can You Reheat Julia Child’s Potato Salad?
Yes, you can reheat Julia Child’s potato salad. It can be tricky as it can change texture and flavor and may not be as enjoyable as freshly made, but you can still do it. Here’s a method to do so:
- Oven Method – Preheat your oven to 400°F; place the potato salad in an oven-safe dish and warm the salad for 5 minutes.
- Microwave Method – The microwave method is generally recommended to reheat this potato salad. For this, reheat the microwave to 250°F and cover the dish with a damp towel. Next, heat this salad for a minute for thirty seconds. You can add some water if it’s too thick.
What To Serve With This Julia Child’s Potato Salad?
Julia Child’s potato salad recipe pairs well with a variety of dishes. I’ve listed a few ideas to serve as a refreshing side dish with this tangy salad.
- Julia Child’s Beef Bourguignon Le Creuset – Julia Child’s beef bourguignon is one of the best ways to cook steak. It isn’t easy, but that delightful char and smoky flavor will pair well with creamy potato salad.
- Julia Child’s Coq Au Vin – Julia Child’s Coq Au Vin is a classic French dish of braised chicken and veggies. It is a perfect stew dish for a special occasion and will pair well with this potato salad.
- Julia Child’s Turkey – If you’re in the mood for smokey flavor, Julia Child’s Turkey will go best with a fancy dinner like potato salad. It is packed with flavor, making it a comfort meal.
- Julia Child’s Bruschetta – Serve this creamy potato salad as a topping on Julia Child’s bruschetta for an added flavor. Crispy on the inside and juicy from the inside, this salad is excellent with crispy and crunchy baguette bread.
- Julia Child’s Tuna Sandwich – Sandwich is a classic accompaniment to Julia Child’s creamy potato salad. It’s rich, buttery, and flavored by grilling it. It is healthy and nutritious.
Other Recipes To Try
So, it was all about Jamie Oliver’s potato salad recipe. It is an easy and vegan-free recipe. Trying this recipe is worth the effort. You will get a flavorful and comforting bowl in the end.
Besides this easy potato salad recipe, we’ve covered various Julia Child’s Recipes. Some are Julia Child’s Potato Leek Soup Recipe, Julia Child’s Bruschetta Recipe, Julia Child’s Tuna Sandwich Recipe, Julia Child’s Turkey Recipe, and Julia Child’s Ratatouille Recipe.
Recipe Card
Julia Child’s Potato Salad
Equipment
- Pan
- Knife
- Bowl
- Chopping Board
- Peeler
- Strainer
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 200 g Yukon Gold Potatoes
- 2 Hard-Boiled Eggs
- 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise
- ½ cup Potato Water
- 100 g Bacon
- 1 tablespoon Dill Pickles
- ½ cup Onions
- ½ cup Red Bell Pepper
- ½ cup Chives
- ½ cup Celery
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Start this potato salad recipe by adding diced and boiled potatoes in a bowl.
- Stir in reserved potato water to the potatoes.
- Add finely chopped onions in a bowl containing potatoes.
- Combine finely chopped celery stalks and dill pickles.
- Add crumbled hard-boiled eggs to the bowl.
- Now is the time to combine the veggies with two tablespoons of mayonnaise.
- Mix the salad ingredients well with a spatula until well combined.
- Fold in crumbled bacon, splash a tablespoon of vinegar, add chives, and season it with salt and pepper. Voila, your Julia Child’s potato salad is ready!
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long can potato salad be stored?
The homemade or store-bought potato salad can be eaten for up to 2 days. All you need to do is to save the leftovers in the refrigerator.
What is Julia Child’s potato salad made of?
Julia Child’s potato salad comprises Yukon Gold potatoes, vinegar, mayonnaise, and bacon. Onions, celery, chives, lettuce, and seasoning.
What is Julia Child’s most famous dish?
Boeuf bourguignon, a hearty stew, is Julia Child’s most famous dish.
Is it ok to freeze potato salad?
You can completely freeze the potato salad after combining it with the other veggies.
Conclusion
Julia Child’s potato salad is a healthy addition to your routine diet. Incorporate all the above steps in the article to get it done right. Share your cooking experience with us in the comment section below.
