Dreamy Sour Cream Onion Potato Salad

Category: Small Bites, Worldwide Flavors

Here’s a creamy, zippy riff on the usual potato salads—no mayo in sight. We swap in both sour cream and Greek yogurt for a punchy dressing. Baby gold potatoes get boiled just till they’re soft, then you stir ‘em up with sharp red onion, sweet shallots, powders for onion and garlic flavor, a splash of apple cider vinegar, and a heap of chopped chives. It ends up tasting like those classic onion chips, only a bit fresher and lighter. Chill it, and the flavors really come together—great for anyone into bold snacks or folks skipping mayonnaise.

Monica
By Monica Monica
Updated on Sun, 06 Jul 2025 00:49:35 GMT
A bowl topped with bright green chives. Pin
A bowl topped with bright green chives. | flavorsfuse.com

Dreaming about those tangy chip flavors, I whipped up this Sour Cream and Onion Potato Salad. The creamy real-food sauce skips mayo, letting golden potatoes soak up all the goodness from sour cream, dill, chives, and a sweet touch of shallot. At my last cookout, folks devoured it before anything else disappeared!

This became my go-to salad after craving those chips I love. Now, I never show up at a barbecue without it. Everyone begs for more, and honestly, it's tastier after sitting overnight!

Tasty Ingredients

  • Baby gold potatoes: super buttery and keep their shape much better than russets. Search for smooth skins and skip any with unwanted sprouts.
  • Sour cream: gives that cool creamy tang. Go for full-fat for extra richness.
  • Greek yogurt (whole milk, plain): makes everything extra thick but never too tart. Try to get one that’s not gritty at all.
  • Red onion: adds crunch and a splash of color. Pick one that's heavy and without squishy spots.
  • Shallot: balances the sharpness of raw onion with sweetness. Choose firm shallots with snug skins.
  • Onion powder: delivers big onion flavor to every bite. Use the freshest you can for a solid kick.
  • Garlic powder: gives a warm undertone that’s not in your face.
  • Kosher salt: seasons both your potatoes and the entire sauce.
  • Black pepper: adds a toasty little bite that ties flavors together.
  • Apple cider vinegar: brightens up everything and keeps things fresh. The raw kind gives more flavor.
  • Chives (fresh): bring that herby zip and classic green pop. Look for strong, crisp stalks with no yellow spots.

Easy Step-by-Step Directions

Add Chives and Chill:
Stir in chopped chives after tossing potatoes in the sauce. Cover and pop the bowl in the fridge for about a half hour to let all those flavors come together.
Combine Potatoes and Dressing:
Drop those cut potatoes right into the bowl of creamy mixture. Lightly turn them till every bit’s coated.
Mix Up Creamy Sauce:
Grab a big bowl and mix sour cream, Greek yogurt, minced red onion, sliced shallot, onion powder, garlic powder, apple cider vinegar, a good sprinkle of salt, and pepper all together till silky.
Cut and Cool the Potatoes:
When they're cool enough to handle, slice the potatoes into halves or quarters, depending on size. This lets the sauce really sink in.
Prep and Cook the Potatoes:
Put washed baby potatoes in a pot, cover with an inch or so of cold water, and dump in salt. Boil gently and cook till you can jab them with a fork, about fifteen to eighteen minutes. Drain and let cool for ten minutes.
A bowl of food loaded with green garnish. Pin
A bowl of food loaded with green garnish. | flavorsfuse.com

I'm obsessed with the chives in this. They tie the flavors up just right. Every time I bring it to a family gathering, my cousin nabs seconds—and the smell of those herbs really makes it something special.

Simple Storage Advice

Pop leftovers into a sealed container and stick in the fridge for about three days. For the freshest bite, let it hang out on the counter for a bit before digging in again. If you spot some liquid on top, stir gently to bring it back.

Swaps and Alternatives

If baby golds are nowhere to be found, use small fingerlings or red potatoes for close texture and flavor. For sharper tang, toss in more Greek yogurt or cut back on the sour cream. Missing chives? Chopped green onion tops totally work!

A bowl of food loaded with green garnish. Pin
A bowl of food loaded with green garnish. | flavorsfuse.com

Great Ways to Serve

Pair this potato salad with grilled chicken, sandwiches, burgers, or as part of a picnic spread. Got greens? Pile it on for an easy meal. Lettuce cups are awesome if you want extra crunch, too.

Classic Feels, Modern Flavor

This side has been at summer tables forever. The zingy sour cream and onion vibe nods to the snack aisle but keeps things fresher. Mixing up the dressing yourself means every bite can be just as bright or tangy as you want!

FAQs About the Recipe

→ Could I swap in standard yogurt for Greek yogurt?

Greek yogurt’s nice and thick—plain regular yogurt will work, but your sauce might be a bit runnier.

→ How long should I leave it to chill before eating?

About 30 minutes is fine for mingled flavors, but two hours will bring out the best taste.

→ Can I trade the red onions for something else?

Sweet onions or shallots are good stand-ins and they’ll taste milder if that’s what you’re after.

→ Should I peel the potatoes first?

No need—baby gold potatoes are thin-skinned, so just give them a good scrub and slice.

→ Do you eat this warm or chilled?

It’s meant to be chilled or left to warm slightly, perfect for parties or park picnics.

Sour Cream Onion Salad

Smooth potato salad with tang from sour cream, thick Greek yogurt, and lots of bright chives. It’s chip-like, zingy, and there’s zero mayo.

Prep Time
15 min
Cooking Time
15 min
Total Time
30 min
By Monica: Monica

Category: Global Appetizers

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Style: American

Yield: 6 Servings (Serves 6 people)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

What You'll Need

→ Dressing

01 0.33 cup chopped fresh chives
02 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
03 0.5 cup minced red onion
04 1.5 teaspoons onion powder
05 2 teaspoons kosher salt
06 0.25 cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt
07 1 shallot, sliced thin
08 1 teaspoon garlic powder
09 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
10 0.75 cup sour cream

→ Potatoes

11 1.75 pounds baby gold potatoes

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Once you've finished mixing, cover the bowl up with a lid or plastic wrap. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so everything can hang out and blend together, then pull it out cold when you're ready to dig in.

Step 02

Sprinkle the chopped chives on top, then gently fold them into the potato salad. That's the last touch.

Step 03

Toss the cut potatoes right into the bowl with your creamy mix. Stir slowly so you don't smash them, just coat every piece.

Step 04

Grab a big bowl, then dump in the sour cream, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, both onions, shallot, the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and a little pepper. Mix it all up until it looks smooth.

Step 05

Carefully grab each cooled potato and slice it in half—or quarters if they're big.

Step 06

Drop those baby gold potatoes into a big pot, cover with about an inch of cold water, and toss in the kosher salt. Set it over medium-high heat until it boils, then lower it and let the potatoes simmer for 15 to 18 minutes so they're soft. Once done, drain them and let them cool for 10 minutes.

Additional Notes

  1. Let it chill overnight if you want it even tastier the next day.

Essential Tools

  • Cutting board
  • Large pot
  • Sharp knife
  • Colander
  • Plastic wrap or a lid
  • Big mixing bowl

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient for possible allergens and consult a healthcare professional if you're unsure.
  • Has milk and dairy in it

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

This info is for reference purposes only and isn't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 162
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Proteins: 4 g