Looking for a unique twist to spice up your next picnic or backyard barbecue? This Buffalo Potato Salad is the ultimate mashup of creamy comfort and tangy heat, sure to excite any crowd! With velvety potatoes tossed in a zesty Buffalo sauce dressing, crunchy bits of celery, and, if you’re feeling fancy, a scattering of blue cheese crumbles, each forkful delivers bold flavor and craveable texture. If you love the tang of classic Buffalo wings but want something a little unexpected, you’ll be obsessed with this Buffalo Potato Salad.

Buffalo Potato Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Buffalo Potato Salad comes from a handful of really straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in flavor and satisfaction. Simple as they are, every item in the lineup is chosen for its impact: think creamy, spicy, bright, and crunchy all in one bowl!

Baby red potatoes: Their creamy texture and bite-sized shape make them ideal for soaking up every bit of dressing.
Mayonnaise: Adds richness, making the salad smooth without overpowering the tangy elements.
Sour cream: Brings a cool, tangy note that balances out the heat of the Buffalo sauce.
Buffalo wing sauce: The star of the show, infusing the salad with its signature spicy kick and bold orange hue.
Apple cider vinegar: Brightens things up and cuts the richness, letting every flavor shine.
Garlic powder: Delivers background warmth and savory depth.
Onion powder: Rounds out the flavor, giving the dressing a subtle, sweet onion note.
Salt: Essential for waking up all the flavors.
Black pepper: Adds just a touch of heat and mellow spice.
Finely chopped celery: The ultimate crunch factor that keeps each bite light and fresh.
Chopped green onions: Bring a splash of color and mild, zesty flavor.
Crumbled blue cheese (optional): An irresistible, creamy counterpoint to all the tang and spice, especially if you’re a fan of those Buffalo wing flavors.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Makes things look extra inviting and adds a pop of herbal freshness.

How to Make Buffalo Potato Salad

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Add the halved or quartered baby red potatoes to a large pot, covering them with cold, well-salted water. Bring everything up to a lively boil, then simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender but not falling apart (you want them to hold up in the salad). Once ready, drain them and let them cool slightly so they don’t wilt your creamy dressing.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

While the potatoes cool down, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Buffalo wing sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a big mixing bowl. You’re aiming for a velvety, smooth consistency — this will be the bold, tangy blanket that coats every potato.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Add the cooled potatoes, chopped celery, and green onions directly to your bowl of dressing. Gently toss everything together until every potato is generously coated and the vegetables are evenly distributed. If you’re going for extra flavor, now’s the time to gently fold in that crumbled blue cheese.

Step 4: Chill and Meld the Flavors

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the fridge for at least one hour. This resting time lets all the tangy, spicy flavors mingle and soak into the potatoes, making every bite perfectly seasoned and deliciously cold.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, give your Buffalo Potato Salad a finishing touch with a handful of chopped fresh parsley and maybe a bit more blue cheese on top. Serve it chilled and get ready for the spicy compliments to roll in!

How to Serve Buffalo Potato Salad

Garnishes

The best Buffalo Potato Salad deserves eye-popping garnishes! A generous sprinkle of chopped parsley brightens the dish with color and freshness, while crumbled blue cheese delivers a creamy contrast to the heat. If you like things extra zingy, a few thinly sliced green onions fanned across the top or an extra drizzle of Buffalo sauce take presentation (and flavor) over the top.

Side Dishes

This tangy, spicy salad pairs beautifully with all your picnic and cookout classics. Think grilled chicken, veggie skewers, sweet corn on the cob, or a crisp garden salad. The cooling effect makes it the perfect partner to anything hot off the grill or smoky in flavor. If you’re setting out a lunch spread, a pile of crunchy celery sticks or a basket of homemade biscuits is always welcome alongside Buffalo Potato Salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to give your Buffalo Potato Salad a fun twist? Try serving it in lettuce cups for a playful, hand-held appetizer, or pile it onto toasted potato rolls for a Buffalo-style vegetarian slider. For a picnic-ready look, portion it into mason jars or colorful ramekins so everyone gets their own individual serving. However you plate it, the vivid orange hue and fresh garnishes always make this salad a showstopper!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Buffalo Potato Salad left after a gathering (good luck!), transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, and the flavors only deepen overnight. Just be sure to give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

While technically you can freeze potato salad, the texture of both the potatoes and the creamy dressing tends to become watery and grainy after thawing. For best results and optimal flavor, enjoy Buffalo Potato Salad fresh or from the fridge within a few days.

Reheating

Buffalo Potato Salad really shines when served chilled or at cool room temperature; heating it isn’t usually recommended. If you prefer a slightly warmer version, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving, but skip the microwave to preserve its creamy texture and bright taste.

FAQs

Can I make Buffalo Potato Salad a day ahead?

Absolutely! In fact, assembling it the day before lets the flavors blend even more deeply. Just cover and refrigerate, then give it a gentle stir and add fresh garnishes before serving for maximum freshness.

What’s the best substitute for blue cheese?

If you’re not a blue cheese fan or serving guests with varied tastes, try feta for a salty kick or simply leave it out; the Buffalo Potato Salad will still have plenty of flavor and creamy richness without it.

Can I use a different type Side Dish

Yes! While baby red potatoes have a creamy texture and hold their shape beautifully, Yukon Gold or even small fingerlings work well. Just avoid starchy russets, which can break apart too easily in the salad.

How do I make it spicier or milder?

For more heat, mix in a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing. To dial it down, use a mild Buffalo sauce and increase the sour cream just a bit to tame the spice.

Is Buffalo Potato Salad gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as your Buffalo wing sauce and other condiments are certified gluten-free (always check your labels). That means it’s an easy crowd-pleaser for picnics and parties!

Final Thoughts

This Buffalo Potato Salad is a real flavor adventure, perfect for shaking up your side dish routine and bringing a burst of color and personality to any table. Don’t wait for a special occasion—try it at your next cookout or weeknight dinner, and watch this zesty, creamy favorite become the star of your summer. Enjoy every bite!