Ensalada de papa (potato salad) is a must-have dish at every holiday, party and celebration in Puerto Rico. No matter the occasion, Puerto Rican potato salad will be on the menu. This delicious dish, also known as ensalada Rusa, is made with potatoes, carrots, boiled eggs and a creamy mayonnaise dressing. One ingredient that makes it stand out among the rest is one that is highly debated. We will get into that later!

What is Puerto Rican potato salad?

Puerto Rican potato salad consists mainly of potatoes, carrots, boiled eggs and a creamy mayonnaise dressing. The one ingredient that makes it stand out is: an apple. Although it may seem strange to some, diced apples add a nice sweetness and crunch to potato salad. As with all things, adding apples to your potato salad is a matter of preference. I personally do not like apples in my potato salad. But most of my family members like it so it’s still in my recipe.

Another ingredient typically found in ensalada de papa are bell peppers. I don’t like them in my potato salad either! However, I do like them in ensalada de coditos, or macaroni salad. I left them out of my recipe, but feel free to add them to yours!

What potatoes to use for potato salad?

I prefer Yukon gold potatoes because they hold up better than Russet potatoes. Also, I believe they remain tasty the next day whereas Russet potatoes sometimes develop a weird aftertaste the next day. Do you know that weird taste leftover potatoes sometimes have the next day? If you do, comment below. Let’s talk about it!

Ingredients in Ensalada de Papa

• Yukon gold potatoes
• Carrots
• Eggs
• Apple
• Onion
• Mayonnaise
• Italian dressing mix

What to serve with Ensalada de Papa?

Ensalada de papa goes great with Arroz con Gandules (Puerto Rican Rice and Pigeon Peas), Pavochón Puerto Rican Style Turkey, Pernil, Pollo al Horno, Pastelón or any Puerto Rican meal! I also love it alongside a sandwich like a Cuban sandwich or Jibarito sandwich!

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Ensalada de Papa (Puerto Rican Potato Salad)

Ensalada de papa (potato salad) is a must-have dish at every holiday, party and celebration in Puerto Rico. This delicious dish, also known as ensalada Rusa, is made with potatoes, carrots, boiled eggs and a creamy mayonnaise dressing.

5 from 2 votes

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Potato Salad

• 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes peeled and diced into 1 inch cubes
• 2 carrots sliced
• 2 eggs chopped
• 1 red apple diced, optional
• 1/2 cup sweet corn optional
• 1/2 cup green peas optional

Dressing

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• 2 tbsp diced red onion
• 1 tsp Italian dressing mix
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp paprika for garnish
• 1 tbsp chives chopped, for garnish

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Cook the ingredients

• Put the potatoes, carrots and eggs in a large pot; cover with cold water and season with 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil. Remove the eggs after 12 minutes. Continue to cook potatoes and carrots until tender. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. 
• Meanwhile, peel eggs, chop and set aside.
• Peel and dice apple. Set aside.
• Dice red onion. Set aside.

Dressing

• To a large mixing bowl add mayonnaise, oil, vinegar, red onion, Italian dressing mix and whisk to combine.

Make the potato salad

• Add the potatoes, carrots, eggs, apples, peas and corn (if using) to the mixing bowl and mix to combine.

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I prefer Yukon gold potatoes because they hold up better than Russet potatoes. Also, I believe they remain tasty the next day whereas Russet potatoes sometimes develop a weird aftertaste the next day. Do you know that weird taste leftover potatoes sometimes have the next day? If you do, comment below. Let’s talk about it!

Check out my other Latin recipes!

Puerto Rican Sofrito

Pastelón: Plantain Lasagna Recipe

Puerto Rican Meatballs In Sofrito Sauce

Arroz con Gandules (Puerto Rican Rice & Pigeon Peas)

Pollo Guisado (Chicken Stew)

Puerto Rican Beans (Habichuelas Guisadas)

Sancocho (Puerto Rican Soup)

Pollo al Horno (Baked Chicken)

Puerto Rican Bacalaitos

Jibarito Recipe (Plantain Sandwich) 

Puerto Rican Picadillo