Planning a gathering for 50 people and wondering how much potato salad you’ll need to satisfy everyone? This classic side dish is a crowd-pleaser, but it’s easy to either run short or overestimate. Here’s a precise, no-fuss guide to ensure everyone gets a generous serving of creamy potato salad without any leftovers or shortages!
This guide provides a simple recipe for making potato salad for 50 people, with tips on quantities, equipment, serving suggestions, and storing leftovers to ensure your gathering goes off without a hitch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This potato salad is packed with flavor from fresh herbs and creamy dressing, making it the ideal side dish for large gatherings. It’s easy to prepare, scales well for big events, and allows for personal customization. You’ll love how smoothly this dish can be prepared with simple ingredients and some reliable kitchen tools.
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot – Shop on Amazon for a large stainless steel pot for evenly boiling potatoes.
- Mixing Bowls – Use mixing bowls to toss ingredients easily without spills.
- Potato Peeler – A sharp potato peeler speeds up prep time.
- Cutting Board – A durable cutting board for safe chopping.
- Chef’s Knife – Slice ingredients effortlessly with a quality chef’s knife.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Boil the Potatoes: In a large pot, add the peeled and cubed potatoes. Fill with water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until tender.
- Prepare Dressing: While potatoes cook, mix mayonnaise, mustard, salt, pepper, and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for extra tang.
- Combine Ingredients: Drain potatoes and let them cool. In a large mixing bowl, gently toss potatoes, celery, onion, and chopped eggs with dressing until well-coated.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until serving time.
Pro Tips from a Pro Chef
- Use Waxy Potatoes – Waxy potatoes hold their shape better than starchy varieties. Try Yukon Gold or red potatoes.
- Add Fresh Herbs – Fresh parsley, dill, or chives bring brightness to potato salad. Keep a set of fresh herbs handy for all your cooking.
- Invest in a Mandoline Slicer – For uniformly cut veggies, a mandoline is your best friend. Shop a quality mandoline for even slicing.
- Balance Creaminess with Acidity – Adding a bit of vinegar or lemon juice balances the richness of the mayo.
Serving Suggestions
Potato salad pairs wonderfully with BBQ ribs, burgers, grilled veggies, or fried chicken. For a vegetarian-friendly option, consider serving it alongside grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted bell peppers.
Potato Salad for 50 People (Perfectly Scaled Recipe!)
Classic, creamy potato salad made for a large gathering of 50, featuring fresh ingredients, tangy dressing, and perfect seasoning.
- Total Time: 2 hours minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: Serves 50 1x
Ingredients
- 10 lbs waxy potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 cups mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups celery, diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 8 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Boil potatoes until tender, drain, and cool.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, mustard, salt, pepper, and vinegar or lemon juice.
- In a large bowl, combine potatoes, celery, onion, and eggs. Toss gently with dressing.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
Adjust seasonings to taste as needed.
- Prep Time: 30niun
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
FAQ
- How many pounds of potatoes do I need for 50 people?
For 50 people, about 10 pounds of potatoes is ideal. - Can I make potato salad a day in advance?
Yes, making it a day ahead can enhance the flavors, as they meld together in the refrigerator. - What type of potatoes are best for potato salad?
Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold up well and don’t fall apart. - How do I keep potato salad from becoming watery?
Ensure potatoes are well-drained after boiling, and use just enough dressing to coat them. - Can I make a lighter version of potato salad?
Yes, you can substitute part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or use a low-fat mayonnaise.
Conclusion
If you make this potato salad, we’d love to see your creation! Drop a comment, upload a pic, and we’ll feature it on our social media pages for some extra recognition.