Potato Salad and Mashed Potato: A Delicious Debate

The creamy texture and delicious taste of mashed potatoes have always made them a comfort food for me, especially alongside a good beef steak or some barbecue. My fiancé, on the other hand, is a fan of potato salad and has been teaching me his recipe. I even tried it out on my roommates, and they loved it! The funny part is that I consistently refer to my version as “mashed potatoes” because of its slightly broken-down texture, even though it’s technically potato salad. I used to shrug it off – potatoes are potatoes, right? And both taste good!

I’d excitedly tell my fiancé about my roommates enjoying my “mashed potatoes,” and he’d always ask what I put in them. When I’d say mayonnaise, he’d gently correct me with a smile, “Mi amor, that’s potato salad! The big difference is the dressing – mayo for potato salad, butter for mashed potatoes.”

Here’s our very basic recipes that anyone can try at home. Plain and simple to prepare.

Potato Salad

Ingredients:

Potato
Mayonnaise
Egg
Salt
Pepper powder
Bell Pepper (Optional)

Mashed Potato

Ingredients:

Potato
Eggs
Salt
Pepper
Bell Pepper (optional)
Butter (for mashed potatoes)
Mayonnaise (for potato salad)

Both are prepared the same way; the only difference is that potato salad has mayonnaise while mashed potato has butter.

Procedure:

Peel off potatoes and cut into cubes (not so big not too small).
In a pan, put enough water to cover the potatoes. Add salt.
Hard boil the egg. It can be cooked together with the potatoes. Just make sure to clean the eggs before putting them in the potatoes’ pan.
When the potatoes are soft and cooked, drain, and put in one container where all the other ingredients can be mixed.
Peel off the egg. More eggs make it tastier.
Add pepper and salt to taste.
Add bell pepper but this is optional.
Add butter for Mashed potato or Mayonnaise for Potato salad.

Tips:

For smoother mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer or food mill.
To add a touch of sweetness to potato salad, add a spoonful of sugar or a pinch of honey.
For a creamy potato salad, use a combination of mayonnaise and sour cream.
Get creative with toppings! Try adding chopped bacon, chives, or dill to your potato salad or mashed potatoes.

If you want to dive in the more technical stuff comparing the Potato salad vs mashed potato, check this out.

Texture:
- Potato salad: The potatoes are typically diced or cubed, resulting in a chunky texture.
- Mashed potatoes: The potatoes are mashed or blended until they are smooth and creamy.
Ingredients:
- Potato salad: In addition to potatoes, potato salad often includes other ingredients such as mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, celery, onion, and hard-boiled eggs.
- Mashed potatoes: Mashed potatoes typically only include potatoes, butter, milk, and salt and pepper. However, some variations may include other ingredients such as cream cheese, sour cream, or garlic.
Flavor:
- Potato salad: Potato salad has a tangy and savory flavor due to the mayonnaise, mustard, and vinegar.
- Mashed potatoes: Mashed potatoes have a buttery and savory flavor.
Serving temperature:
- Potato salad: Potato salad is typically served cold.
- Mashed potatoes: Mashed potatoes are typically served hot.
Versatility:
- Potato salad: Potato salad is a versatile dish that can be served at picnics, potlucks, and other gatherings.
- Mashed potatoes: Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that is often served with meat and gravy.
Here are some additional points to consider:
- Nutritional value: Potato salad is generally higher in calories and fat than mashed potatoes due to the mayonnaise and other ingredients.
- Personal preference: Ultimately, the best way to decide which dish is right for you is to try both and see which one you prefer.