Give Potato Salad A Major Flavor Boost With This Popular Dip

Potato salad is a staple at almost every potluck, party, and summer picnic. But let's be honest, it is rarely the center of attention. Traditional versions, like Amish-style potato salad, heavy on mayonnaise and mustard are timeless for a reason, but they often need a little extra kick to truly stand out on your plate. By reaching for a tub of French onion dip at your local grocery store, you instantly have the power to transform a standard, bland potato salad into an unforgettable crowd-pleaser.

The magic of using French onion dip in potato salad is that it really is that simple. Instead of starting from scratch with chopped onions, sour cream (which also elevates potato salad), and a number of seasonings you may not even have in your pantry, French onion dip is the way to go. An effortless shortcut, this dip is loaded with creamy tang and a roasted onion flavor. And because the dip is already thick and rich with its sour cream base, when combined with some plain yogurt, it acts as a seamless substitute for the traditional mayo. 

Season your French onion potato salad dressing with salt and pepper to taste. If the consistency gets too thick, thin it out with a squeeze of lemon juice or splash of pickle brine, whisking it well before coating the potatoes.

For this potato salad flavor upgrade, we recommend using staple French onion dip brands such as Heluva Good! or Dean's — both convenient options available at a wide number of grocery stores. Trader Joe's caramelized onion dip is a great choice too — there is even a vegan option, meaning this hack should work for everyone.

You can take this upgrade a step further by mixing in roasted garlic cloves, additional caramelized onion, or crumbled blue cheese for a bold, savory kick. Smoky bacon bits work as well. Finish with freshly ground black pepper, chopped chives, and herbs like dill or parsley to take this potato salad up a notch.

The next time you are tasked with bringing a side dish to a gathering, skip the plain mayo and let some French onion dip do the heavy lifting — the customizations are truly endless.