Potato salad is a dish made from boiled potatoes, the versions of which vary throughout different regions and countries of the world. Although called a salad, it is generally considered a side dish, as it usually accompanies the main course.
Potato salad is often served with barbecue, roasts, hot dogs, fried chicken, hamburgers and cold sandwiches. It is generally considered casual fare, and as such is typically served at picnics, outdoor barbecues, and other casual meals and events.
It is a popular menu choice of cooks preparing food for a large number of people, because it is easily made in large quantities, it can be prepared in advance and refrigerated until needed, and requires inexpensive ingredients.
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General versions of potato salad include:
Different versions of potato salad are served at different temperatures. Most potato salads are served at room temperature or chilled, though the southern German variant may be served warm as well. In the U.S. and northern Germany potato salads are commonly served chilled and require refrigeration beforehand.
In Bulgaria potato salad is made with boiled then peeled and diced potatoes, leeks or onions, oil, salt and black pepper.
In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, potato salad is a traditional Christmas meal. It comes as a side dish to a fried fish (most commonly carp) or certain type of white sausage which is served as a dinner on Christmas Eve. Each family preserves their own recipe. It most commonly contains potatoes, mayonnaise, eggs and onions. Some families use also carrots, green peas, pickled cucumbers, celery, mustard, salami and other ingredients.
German "Kartoffelsalat" is a popular variation that is generally prepared with vinegar, rather than mayonnaise, and bacon bits and served warm. Potato salad from northern Germany, however, is generally based on mayonnaise and quite similar to its U.S. counterpart.
In Sicily, potato salad is made with string beans and red onion, dressed with olive oil and vinegar.[1][2]