Dear Reader: These are extraordinary times we’re living in, and while we always have a view toward health and wellness, sometimes the concept of self-care and wellness becomes a little different. As our needs shift, self-care might look like an over-the-top blanket fort in the living room… or decadent treats that aren’t normally a part of your diet. We believe that sometimes it’s OK to forego the usual self-care routine. That’s why the Pandemic Pantry series includes some “yummy but maybe not for every day” recipes for you to try. Enjoy!
Potato salad is great, but if you’re like me, you’re kind of particular about it. I don’t know what my mom put in her potato salad when I was growing up, but it absolutely ruined me for any other kind of potato salad. Especially the traditional chain grocery store recipe. I just don’t like it, whatever they do to it. In the 90’s my local Safeway started to come out with variations on their potato salad. Maybe they only liked their mom’s too, and wanted to mix things up a bit. Who knows. But they came out with a “blue cheese ranch potato salad” that was pretty great. Who knew I liked ranch dressing in my potato salad? But it opened my mind a little, that potato salad. No longer was I an avid hater of the store brands. Still a little bit, but not “avid”.
Since that time, every once in a while I do encounter a potato salad that I genuinely dig. This is one of them. I mean, it tastes exactly like your mom’s potato salad and a jalapeño popper had a baby. With flavors like that, you know this recipe for jalapeño popper potato salad is bound to be a showstopper.
Ingredients –
For the potato salad:
- 2 lb. Yukon Gold potatoes, boiled and cut into 2″ pieces
- 10 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 c. shredded cheddar
- 2 jalapeños, thinly sliced
For the dressing:
- 2/3 c. mayonnaise
- 1/4 c. red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp. chopped chives, plus more for garnish
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions –
- In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, bacon, cheddar, and jalapeños.
- In a medium bowl, combine mayo, vinegar, chives, and garlic powder. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Whisk together until combined well.
- Pour the dressing over your potato salad and stir until well combined. Garnish with fresh chives, and serve!
