My 1-Ingredient Upgrade for Better Potato Salad—It’s Genius

It seems un-American to share this, but I have to confess: for a long time, I wasn’t a big fan of potato salad.

It’s a strong statement, especially for someone who attends a lot of backyard barbecues, potlucks, and picnics. My opinion shifted one day when I made a simple swap in my classic potato salad recipe.

Instead of using classic yellow mustard or Dijon in the dressing, I reached for Chinese-style hot mustard instead. Suddenly, my potato salad came alive with an interesting flavor and an intense heat that I found irresistible.

Why My Potato Salad Upgrade Works

I love the horseradish-like heat that Chinese-style hot mustard imparts to the dish. It’ll feel like you’ve cleaned out your sinuses after the first few forkfuls, but you will come back for more, bite after bite. This type of hot mustard is made with brown mustard seeds, which tend to be spicier and more pungent than their yellow counterparts.

I use the same amount of mustard called for in the ingredients list, but I add Chinese-style hot mustard instead of regular mustard.

If you give this a try and like the results, start taking this flavor profile a step further. Swap out some of the vegetables in your potato salad as well! I love incorporating snow peas, bamboo shoots, or water chestnuts to add interest, color, and crunch.

While there is a lot of nostalgia around the classic potato salad, sometimes, it’s fun to experiment with the basic format. I love to serve this spiced-up potato salad with teriyaki flank steak or grilled chicken, and then pair it with an ice-cold lemonade to cool down the heat.

Where To Find Chinese-Style Hot Mustard

This condiment swap is ideal if you save the packets of mustard that came with your Chinese takeout. Otherwise, this ingredient is easy to find in most grocery stores. It isn’t typically on the shelf next to the other mustard options, though. Look in the international foods section near other Asian condiments.