5 New Takes on Potato Salad

The appeal of potato salad for me is in the balance between rich, creamy dressing and soft yet toothsome potato, with just a touch of crunch from onion or celery.

While this classic take on the dish does have some more usual variations, like using skin-on red potatoes or fingerlings only, many people are familiar with the side in only its mayo-based attire.

It is a favorite in my repertoire, and while I would eat that classic recipe repeatedly and often, there are plenty of unique updates to try out during barbecue season. Throwing your tots on the grill before tossing them with a light dressing provides a nice, smokey nuance otherwise not found in potatoes, and complementing soft potato with cucumber is a great way to add some needed crunch.

There are plenty of great ways to upgrade your basic potato salad recipe when you're craving something different this summer. Read on for our top five potato salad swaps, and be sure to tell us your favorite way to serve up summer potatoes in the comments below.

Photo courtesy of SewPixie via Flickr/cc

Grilled Potato Salad

A warm, grilled take on the standard barbecue fare, this pairs perfectly with pork or pulled chicken. The smokey grill flavors provide a nice change from the more classic cold salad.

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Photo courtesy of Beth Dreiling Hontzas via MyRecipes.com

Bavarian Potato-Cucumber Salad

A lighter, oil and vinegar based dressing separates this from the more usual mayo-laden salads. Cucumber adds extra freshness and crunch. Serve this up with some breaded cutlets.

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Photo courtesy of Randy Mayor via MyRecipes.com

Potato and Parmesan Salad

This creamy salad gets a kick of cheesy goodness from a heavy handful of coarsely grated fresh Parmesan cheese. Try this with a slightly acidic white or rosé wine to help cut through the richness.

For great rosé tips, check out Rosé Tasting Notes over on Snooth.

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Photo courtesy of RecipeTips.com

Potato Salad with Chickpeas and Spices

This Indian-influenced dish uses turmeric, cilantro, cumin and coriander to create a spice-heavy take on the American classic. This recipe is great for when you're trying to experiment with your more usual dishes.

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Photo courtesy of Scott Phillips via FineCooking.com

Sweet Potato Salad with Rosemary-Honey Vinaigrette

If sweet potatoes are more your thing, try this delicious salad. With a lightly herbed dressing and just a hint of sweetness from honey, your sweet potatoes will be transformed into a perfect summer side dish.

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Photo courtesy of Tina Cornett via MyRecipes.com