Pioneer Woman’s BBQ Potato Salad is a delightful twist on the classic potato salad, infused with the smoky flavors of barbecue sauce. This dish combines tender potatoes with a tangy and savory dressing that’s perfect for summer cookouts, picnics, or any time you want a flavorful side dish. The blend of creamy textures and bold flavors makes this potato salad a standout addition to any meal.

What is Pioneer Woman BBQ Potato Salad?

Pioneer Woman’s BBQ Potato Salad is a unique variation of traditional potato salad, featuring a barbecue sauce-based dressing instead of the usual mayonnaise. The potatoes are boiled until tender, then tossed in a smoky, tangy BBQ dressing that’s flavored with spices, onions, and sometimes bacon. This dish is both creamy and savory, with a hint of sweetness from the barbecue sauce.

Other Pioneer Woman Recipes

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Smoky Flavor: The addition of barbecue sauce gives this potato salad a delicious smoky flavor that’s perfect for outdoor gatherings.
Creamy and Tangy: The combination of BBQ sauce and other ingredients creates a creamy, tangy dressing that complements the tender potatoes.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.

Great for Cookouts: This potato salad is a perfect side dish for barbecues, picnics, and potlucks.
Customizable: You can easily add your favorite ingredients like bacon, cheese, or chives to make it your own.

Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman BBQ Potato Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful side dish:

2 pounds of small red or Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup of barbecue sauce (use your favorite variety)
1/2 cup of mayonnaise

2 tablespoons of yellow mustard
1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon of sugar (optional, for added sweetness)

1 small red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup of chopped celery
1/4 cup of chopped pickles or pickle relish

Salt and pepper to taste
Optional add-ins: crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, chopped chives

Equipment

For this recipe, you’ll need:

Large Pot: For boiling the potatoes.
Mixing Bowl: For combining the dressing and potatoes.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: These are used to measure the ingredients accurately.

Spatula or Spoon: For mixing the salad.

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman BBQ Potato Salad

Boil the Potatoes: Start by placing the cut potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the potatoes for 10-15 minutes, or until they are fork-tender but not falling apart. Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.
Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, mayonnaise, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, and sugar (if using). Stir until the dressing is smooth and well combined.

Mix the Salad: Add the cooled potatoes to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss the potatoes to coat them evenly with the dressing. Add the chopped red onion, celery, and pickles or pickle relish, and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Chill the Salad: Cover the potato salad and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Serve: Before serving, give the salad a quick stir. If desired, garnish with crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, or chopped chives for extra flavor and texture.

What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman BBQ Potato Salad

This BBQ Potato Salad is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses:

Grilled Chicken: The smoky flavors of the salad complement grilled chicken perfectly.
Burgers: Serve alongside juicy burgers for a classic cookout combination.

Ribs: The tangy, creamy salad is a great match for tender, saucy ribs.
Hot Dogs: A perfect side for hot dogs, adding a flavorful twist to the meal.
Pulled Pork: The BBQ flavors in the potato salad pair wonderfully with pulled pork sandwiches.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman BBQ Potato Salad

Follow these tips to ensure your BBQ Potato Salad turns out perfectly:

Cook the Potatoes Properly: Make sure the potatoes are tender but not overcooked. They should hold their shape when mixed with the dressing.
Cool the Potatoes: Let the potatoes cool slightly before mixing them with the dressing to prevent the salad from becoming too mushy.

Customize the Flavor: Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the dressing to your liking by adding more or less sugar, vinegar, or mustard.
Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Use Your Favorite BBQ Sauce: The flavor of the potato salad will depend on the barbecue sauce you use, so choose one that you love.

Variations of Pioneer Woman BBQ Potato Salad

Feel free to get creative with this recipe by trying different variations:

Bacon BBQ Potato Salad: Add crumbled bacon for a smoky, savory touch.
Cheesy BBQ Potato Salad: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese for a rich, creamy addition.

Spicy BBQ Potato Salad: Add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Herbed BBQ Potato Salad: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an extra burst of flavor.
Vegan BBQ Potato Salad: Use vegan mayonnaise and BBQ sauce to make this dish plant-based.

Storing Pioneer Woman BBQ Potato Salad: Best Practices

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them properly:

Refrigerate Properly: Store the potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Avoid Freezing: Potato salad doesn’t freeze well, as the texture of the potatoes can become grainy after thawing.

Reheating Pioneer Woman BBQ Potato Salad: Best Practices

Potato salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If the salad has been chilled, simply give it a stir and serve.

Final Words

Pioneer Woman’s BBQ Potato Salad is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that’s perfect for any gathering. The smoky, tangy flavors of the barbecue sauce combined with the creamy dressing make this potato salad a unique and flavorful addition to your meal.

Other Yummy Recipes:

Pioneer Woman Shredded Chicken Sandwiches