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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!

Ensalada de papa Puerto Rican potato salad — Puerto Rican potato salad

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
Huevos
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!

Pavochon Puerto Rican Style Turkey — Pavochón: Puerto Rican Style Turkey

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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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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 20

Total Time 40

Servings 6 people

Ingredients

Potato Salad

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

Dressing

1 taza 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 para adornar
1 tbsp chives chopped, for garnish

Instructions

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.