The Best Store-Bought Potato Salads, Ranked
When time is of the essence and you’re planning a barbecue spread, finding the best store-bought potato salad can rival even homemade options. We tested various brands to discover the ones that are worth bringing to your summer gatherings.
The Potato Salad Showdown
We scoured seven grocery stores and evaluated their offerings on several criteria: flavor, potato cooking method, dressing creaminess, and price. Here’s how they stacked up:
Walmart
- Price: $3.47 per pound
- Consistency: Overcooked, mushy potatoes with a thin dressing. A visually appealing price but falls short on quality.
Meijer
- Price: $3.59 for 16 ounces
- Flavors: A bit sour; needed more seasoning, but the texture was consistent with nice crunch from the celery.
Aldi
- Price: $3.99 for 32 ounces
- Value: Great price, decent flavor, but fell slightly short in seasoning. A good option for those on a budget.
Target
- Price: $3.69 for a pound
- Elements: Nice chunks of potato but a bit over-dressed. Good for casual summer gatherings.
Jewel/Albertson’s
- Price: $4.99 per pound
- Quality: Bright yellow hue and decent seasoning with celery seed making it a standout option.
Mariano’s/Kroger
- Price: $4.49 per pound
- Texture: Balanced flavor from a creamy dressing with perfectly cooked russet potatoes. This one reigns among traditionalists.
Whole Foods
- Price: $5.99 per pound
- Winner: The red bliss potato salad topped our rankings. With fresh ingredients and a perfect blend of textures, it’s worth the splurge.
Conclusion
In the hunt for the ideal potato salad, each store offered a unique take that caters to different palettes and budgets. Whether you go for Walmart’s budget-friendly option or splurge on Whole Foods, you can elevate your next barbecue or potluck with a delicious side that’s just as good as homemade. Enjoy the flavors of summer with a dish that everyone loves!