Sour Cream and Onion Potato Salad: 1 Amazing Twist

19 de July de 2025

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Sour cream and onion potato salad has a special place in my heart, and I’m so excited to share this version with you! It’s a delightful departure from the usual mayonnaise-heavy versions, offering a wonderfully creamy onion potato salad experience that’s both tangy and refreshing. I first tried a salad like this at a summer potluck, and the bright, zesty flavor completely won me over. The aroma of fresh chives and the subtle bite of red onion mixed with the cool, creamy dressing is just heavenly. Forget those heavy, bland potato salads – this one is light, flavorful, and seriously addictive. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Sour Cream and Onion Potato Salad

This flavor-packed side dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for so many reasons:

Tangy & Creamy: The perfect balance of sour cream and Greek yogurt creates a wonderfully rich, yet light, dressing.
No Mayo Needed: Enjoy all the creaminess without a drop of mayonnaise!
Fresh Flavors: Red onion, shallots, and fresh chives deliver a vibrant, savory punch.

So Easy to Make: This easy sour cream onion potato salad comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Versatile Side: It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, barbecue, or can be a star at any potluck.
Customizable: Easily adjust the amount of onion, chives, or seasoning to suit your taste.

Make Ahead Friendly: This sour cream potato salad with onion only gets better as the flavors meld, making it ideal for meal prep.
Refreshing Twist: It offers a delightful change from traditional potato salads.

Ingredients for Sour Cream and Onion Potato Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious, mayo-free potato salad:

1.5-2 lbs baby gold potatoes – these cook quickly and have a lovely creamy texture
3/4 cup sour cream – the star for that signature tangy creaminess
1/4 cup whole milk plain Greek yogurt – adds extra creaminess and a slight tang, cutting down on richness

1/2 cup red onion (minced) – for a sharp, fresh onion bite
1 shallot (sliced) – a milder, sweeter onion flavor to complement the red onion
1 1/2 tsp onion powder – boosts that onion flavor without the raw bite

1 tsp garlic powder – for a hint of savory depth
2 tsp kosher salt – I like to add a bit to the potato cooking water and some to the dressing for optimal flavor
1/2 tsp black pepper – freshly ground is best for a little kick

2 tsp apple cider vinegar – adds a bright, acidic note to balance the creaminess
1/3 cup fresh chives (chopped) – these are essential for that classic potato salad with sour cream and chives flavor and beautiful green flecks

How to Make Sour Cream and Onion Potato Salad

Making this creamy, tangy potato salad is incredibly straightforward. It’s truly a simple process that yields a fantastic result, perfect for anyone wondering how to make sour cream onion potato salad.

Step 1: Start by placing your baby gold potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with cold water, ensuring the water is about an inch above the potatoes. Add about two generous pinches of kosher salt to the water – this seasons the potatoes from the inside out as they cook. Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat and cook for 15-18 minutes, or until a fork easily pierces the potatoes. You’ll know they’re ready when they feel tender.
Step 2: Once the potatoes are cooked and fork-tender, carefully drain them in a colander. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to cool down just enough so you can handle them safely. Don’t let them get completely cold, though!
Step 3: While the potatoes are cooling slightly, prepare your dressing. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 3/4 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup whole milk plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup red onion (minced), 1 shallot (sliced), 1 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and the 2 tsp apple cider vinegar. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and creamy. This is where the magic starts for your homemade sour cream onion potato salad!

Step 4: Now, take your slightly cooled potatoes and slice them into bite-sized halves or quarters, depending on their size. Add these prepared potatoes directly into the bowl with the dressing mixture. Gently toss everything together with a spatula or large spoon, making sure each potato piece is coated in that delicious, creamy dressing.
Step 5: Finally, stir in the fresh, chopped chives. Their bright green color and fresh oniony flavor are the perfect finishing touch. Make sure they are distributed evenly throughout the salad.
Step 6: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate the potato salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time is crucial as it allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully, creating the best sour cream and onion potato salad experience.

Sour Cream and Onion Potato Salad - detail 1

Irresistible Sour Cream and Onion Potato Salad

Pro Tips for the Best Sour Cream and Onion Potato Salad

Want to elevate your potato salad game? These little tricks will ensure your homemade creation is absolutely perfect:

Don’t overcook the potatoes: Mushy potatoes are the enemy of good potato salad. Cook them until just fork-tender.
Warm potato advantage: For maximum flavor absorption, toss the warm, drained potatoes with the dressing. The heat helps the dressing cling and meld.

Chill time is key: This isn’t just about serving it cold; chilling allows the flavors to deepen and marry, making it taste even better.
Fresh herbs make a difference: While dried chives can work in a pinch, fresh chives add a bright, clean flavor that truly shines.

What’s the secret to perfect Sour Cream and Onion Potato Salad?

The secret to the absolute best sour cream and onion potato salad lies in the creamy dressing base and the quality of the potatoes. Using a mix of sour cream and Greek yogurt creates a dreamy texture, while slightly warm potatoes absorb the flavors beautifully. For more tips on achieving perfect potato texture, check out this guide on boiling potatoes for potato salad.

Can I make Sour Cream and Onion Potato Salad ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! This potato salad is fantastic for meal prep. You can make it up to a day in advance. The chilling time actually enhances the flavors, making it even more delicious.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Sour Cream and Onion Potato Salad?

Avoid overcooking your potatoes – they should be tender, not mushy. Also, don’t skip the chilling time; it’s essential for the flavors to meld properly. Finally, taste and adjust seasoning before serving!

Best Ways to Serve Sour Cream and Onion Potato Salad

This delightful sour cream and onion potato salad is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. It’s a fantastic side for any barbecue, picnic, or potluck. Try serving it alongside grilled chicken or burgers for a classic summer meal. It also makes a delicious accompaniment to pulled pork or ribs, offering a cool, creamy contrast to richer flavors. For a lighter meal, you can even serve it as a satisfying side with a fresh green salad. If you’re looking for specific flavor pairings, consider dishes that benefit from a touch of tang, like baked ham or even fish tacos. The subtle hint of potato salad with sour cream and onion powder makes it adaptable to many mains. For more ideas on great side dishes, explore our latest recipes.

Nutrition Facts for Sour Cream and Onion Potato Salad

This recipe makes about 6 servings, and here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect per serving. Remember, these are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients you use!

Calories: Approximately 250-300
Fat: Around 15-20g

Saturated Fat: 8-10g
Protein: 6-8g
Carbohydrates: 25-30g

Fiber: 3-4g
Sugar: 4-6g
Sodium: 600-800mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Sour Cream and Onion Potato Salad

Proper storage is key to keeping this delicious sour cream and onion potato salad fresh and flavorful. Once it’s cooled down to room temperature, which usually takes about an hour after chilling, transfer it to an airtight container. You can use glass or plastic containers, but make sure they seal well to prevent any odors from migrating. This sour cream potato salad with onion will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Unfortunately, due to the dairy content, it doesn’t freeze very well, so I don’t recommend storing it in the freezer for more than 3 months, and even then, the texture might change. If you need to reheat it, it’s best to do so gently. You can warm it slightly in the microwave on a low setting for about 30 seconds, or simply let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sour Cream and Onion Potato Salad

Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby gold potatoes?

You certainly can! If you don’t have baby gold potatoes, russets or Yukon Golds work well. Just be sure to peel them and cut them into uniform pieces before boiling, as this sour cream onion potato salad recipe relies on consistent cooking for the best texture.

What can I add to make this sour cream potato salad with onion more interesting?

For a flavor boost, try adding some crispy bacon bits, chopped hard-boiled eggs, or even some diced celery for extra crunch to your sour cream and onion potato salad. A pinch of smoked paprika can also add a lovely depth.

How long does this sour cream and onion potato salad last in the fridge?

This delicious sour cream onion potato salad recipe stays fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. The creamy dressing is best enjoyed within that timeframe to maintain its optimal texture and taste.

Can I make this a vegan sour cream onion potato salad?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a vegan diet! Swap the sour cream and Greek yogurt for a good quality vegan sour cream and vegan plain yogurt. Ensure your other ingredients are also vegan-friendly, and you’ll have a fantastic dairy-free version of this classic salad.

Variations of Sour Cream and Onion Potato Salad You Can Try

Once you master the classic, you might want to experiment with this versatile potato salad. Here are a few ideas to mix things up:

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely minced jalapeño to the dressing for a touch of heat.
Smoky Flavor: Incorporate a tablespoon of smoked paprika into the dressing or top the finished salad with crispy smoked bacon bits.

Herbal Delight: Try swapping out some of the chives for fresh dill or parsley. A creamy dill potato salad recipe variation is always a winner, offering a slightly different aromatic profile.
Lighter Version: For an even lighter take, reduce the sour cream slightly and increase the Greek yogurt, or even use a light sour cream alternative.