Spicy Texas Potato Salad Recipe

Bobby Flay’s Zingy Texas Potato Salad Recipe for Sunny Days

Bobby Flay’s Texas potato salad bursts with southwestern flair, promising a flavor explosion that goes beyond traditional recipes.

Zesty jalapeños spark excitement in every forkful, dancing alongside smoky paprika that whispers of Texas barbecue traditions.

Red wine vinegar and cane sugar create a tantalizing sweet-tart symphony that elevates humble potatoes to star status.

Creamy mayonnaise and yellow mustard weave through the mix, binding ingredients into a luxurious texture that feels both comforting and adventurous.

Each bite tells a story of bold culinary creativity, challenging everything you know about potato salad.

The unexpected blend of ingredients transforms an ordinary side dish into a conversation-starting masterpiece.

Check out this southwestern sensation that will make your taste buds sing with pure delight.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 40 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 310 kcal

Servings: 8

Bobby Flay’s Texas Potato Salad Ingredient List

For Potatoes and Eggs:
  • Potatoes: Select firm, waxy potatoes with smooth skin and no sprouting for best texture.
  • Eggs: Choose fresh eggs with intact shells and vibrant yellow-orange yolks for rich flavor.
For Pickling Ingredients:
  • White Vinegar: Look for clear, sharp vinegar with balanced acidity.
  • Sugar: Opt for granulated white sugar for consistent sweetness.
  • Salt: Use fine sea salt for even distribution and clean taste.
  • Red Onion: Pick firm onions with tight, glossy outer layers and no soft spots.
  • Jalapeños: Select bright green peppers with smooth, unblemished skin and fresh appearance.
For Dressing Components:
  • Spicy Brown Mustard: Choose robust, grainy mustard with balanced heat.
  • Mayonnaise: Select creamy, full-bodied mayonnaise with rich consistency.
  • Black Pepper: Use freshly ground pepper for maximum aromatic impact.
  • Cayenne Pepper: Select bright red, vibrant ground cayenne for intense heat.
  • Paprika: Choose sweet or smoked paprika for finishing garnish and depth.

Equipment for Flay’s Classic Potato Salad

  • Large Pot: Perfect for boiling potatoes and eggs comfortably.
  • Mixing Bowls: One large for combining ingredients, one small for pickling mixture.
  • Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for slicing vegetables and dicing eggs.
  • Sharp Knife: Essential for precise chopping of onions, jalapeños, and eggs.
  • Whisk: Helps blend dressing ingredients smoothly.
  • Colander: Great for draining potatoes and pickled vegetables.
  • Ice Bath Bowl: Quickly cools and stops cooking of boiled eggs.
  • Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning and dressing ingredients.
  • Serving Dish: Attractive container for chilling and presenting the potato salad.

Making Bobby Flay’s Southern-Style Potato Salad

Making Bobby Flay’s Southern-Style Potato Salad
  • Boil Potatoes Effortlessly

Rinse potatoes and place in a large pot. Cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook until tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and let cool completely.

  • Prepare Egg Base

Gently place eggs in a pot of cold water. Bring to a boil and cook for 12 minutes. Immediately transfer to an ice bath, then carefully peel and chop into bite-sized pieces.

  • Create Zesty Pickle Mixture

Slice red onions and jalapeños into thin strips. Whip up a tangy marinade using white vinegar, a touch of sugar, and a sprinkle of salt. Submerge vegetables in the mixture for a quick flavor boost.

  • Craft Creamy Dressing

Whisk together spicy brown mustard, creamy mayonnaise, a dash of black pepper, and a hint of cayenne for extra kick. This vibrant sauce will bring the entire dish to life.

  • Blend and Chill

Gently combine potatoes, eggs, and pickled vegetables with the creamy dressing. Mix with care to maintain the integrity of each ingredient. Transfer to a serving dish and refrigerate for an hour to let flavors mingle and intensify.

  • Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle with a light dusting of paprika just before serving. This potato salad stays fresh and delicious for up to three days in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep or gatherings.

Flavor Boosters for Texas Potato Salad

Transform this classic recipe with creative twists that elevate flavor and texture.

Kick the heat level by adding extra cayenne pepper or incorporating diced habanero peppers for adventurous taste buds. Start with a small amount and gradually increase to your preferred spice level.

Swap traditional mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or avocado-based dressing to reduce calories and boost nutritional value. These alternatives provide creamy consistency without sacrificing taste.

Experiment with different vinegars like apple cider or rice vinegar for subtle flavor variations. Replace jalapeños with roasted green chiles or pickled banana peppers to create unique taste profiles.

Freshen the salad by mixing in chopped fresh herbs like dill, chives, or parsley. These green additions bring brightness and complexity to the classic potato salad recipe.

How to Serve It at Barbecues

  • Elevate Your Potato Salad Experience: Creative Serving Suggestions
  • Picnic Perfect Plating: Serve this zesty potato salad on a rustic wooden board with fresh herbs scattered on top, creating an Instagram-worthy presentation that'll impress your guests.
  • Protein Pairing Power: Complement the salad with grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, or smoked brisket to transform it from a simple side dish into a hearty meal that satisfies serious hunger.
  • Spice Lover's Twist: Add extra jalapeño slices or a sprinkle of hot sauce for those craving an additional kick, letting heat-seekers customize their plate with personal flavor intensity.
  • Freshness Boost: Garnish with chopped chives, cilantro, or green onions right before serving to add a vibrant pop of color and fresh herbal notes that brighten the entire dish.

Storage Tips for Bobby Flay’s Potato Salad

  • Meal Planning & Storage Advice
  • Prep Ahead Strategy: Chop potatoes, boil eggs, and prepare dressing up to one day before serving to save time and enhance flavor development.
  • Refrigeration Guidelines: Store potato salad in an airtight container in the coldest part of the refrigerator. Consume within three days for optimal taste and food safety.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Let the salad sit for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld together, creating a more delicious and cohesive dish.
  • Smart Serving Tips: Keep salad chilled during outdoor events by placing the serving bowl on a bed of ice or using a cooler to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
Print
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Spicy Texas Potato Salad Recipe

Spicy Texas Potato Salad Recipe


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4.9 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Bobby Flay’s Texas Potato Salad delivers a bold southwestern twist on classic comfort. Jalapeños, cilantro, and smoky spices create an irresistible side dish you’ll crave at summer gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (930g) potatoes, German Butterball or Yukon Gold, sliced into 1 inch cubes, skin on
  • 2 whole eggs
  • 5 tbsps (78g) yellow mustard
  • 5 tbsps (68g) mayonnaise
  • 1 cup (130g) red onion, sliced thin into ½ moons
  • ⅓ cup (70g) red wine vinegar
  • 2 jalapeños, medium (1 sliced into rings, 1 minced with seeds)
  • ½ cup (65g) celery, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsps finely chopped chives
  • 1 tbsp (12g) cane sugar
  • ¾ tbsps (11.25g) fine sea salt
  • 1 ¾ tsps (8.75g) fine sea salt
  • 1 tsp (2g) ground pepper
  • 1/16 tsp (0.3g) cayenne pepper
  • Smoky paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Potato Preparation: Immerse russet potatoes in salted cold water, bringing to a vigorous boil until tender, then cool in refrigerator for precise temperature reduction.
  2. Egg Processing: Simultaneously hard-boil eggs in separate pot, transfer to ice bath, and dice into uniform cubes with surgical precision.
  3. Pickle Transformation: Submerge red onions and jalapeños in vinegar-sugar solution, allowing them to marinate and develop complex tangy undertones.
  4. Dressing Composition: Craft a robust dressing by whisking Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, black pepper, salt, and cayenne into a harmonious blend of creamy and spicy elements.
  5. Salad Assembly: Gently combine cooled potato cubes, diced eggs, and drained pickled vegetables, ensuring delicate structural integrity throughout mixing process.
  6. Flavor Infusion: Drizzle prepared dressing over mixture, folding carefully to distribute seasoning without compromising potato texture.
  7. Refinement and Resting: Taste and calibrate seasoning, then refrigerate for minimum one hour to allow flavor molecules to integrate completely.
  8. Presentation: Optionally dust with sweet paprika before serving, creating visual intrigue and additional flavor complexity.

Notes

  • Chill Potatoes Properly: Cool potatoes completely in the refrigerator to prevent mushy texture and maintain structural integrity for perfect potato salad.
  • Master Pickling Technique: Quick-pickling onions and jalapeños adds vibrant, tangy flavor and crisp texture, elevating the entire dish’s complexity.
  • Dress Gently: Mix dressing softly to prevent potato breakdown, ensuring each bite remains intact and preserves the salad’s delicate structure.
  • Balance Spice Levels: Adjust cayenne and jalapeños carefully to control heat intensity, allowing personal preference while maintaining the recipe’s authentic Texan spirit.
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 980mg
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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