Japanese Potato Salad

This Japanese potato salad makes the best appetizer or a side dish! It’s creamy, easy to make, and compliments almost anything!

Out of all the Japanese recipes on here, appetizers are our favorite. We enjoy making beef negimaki and harumaki, but as for salads, nothing beats a kani salad or a classic Japanese potato salad.

Why this recipe works

Quick and easy. This dish comes together in minutes and its even faster if your potatoes are pre-boiled.

Well balanced. This salad boasts wholesome carbs, healthy fats, and even some protein!

Easy to customize. You can use whatever salad vegetables you like, or even fold through some protein, like tuna or flaked salmon.

What we love about this potato salad recipe is just how delicious it is. It’s so easy to polish it off on its own, so try it with some Japanese mains, like Yakitori, katsu (chicken or pork), or even some chicken tempura.

What is Japanese potato salad made of? 

Here is everything you’ll need to make this salad: 

• Potatoes. We used Yukon gold potatoes, but any starchy potatoes work.
• Boiled eggs. Chopped into bite-sized pieces.
• Cooked ham. Avoid using deli meat and instead, a thick cut of ham that can easily be cubed.
• Salad vegetables. We used cucumber, carrots, and onions. 
• Rice vinegar. Or use sushi vinegar. 
• Dashi. A popular stock used in Japanese cuisine.
• Mayonnaise. Either standard mayonnaise or Japanese mayonnaise (also known as kewpie mayo).

How to make it

Got all the ingredients to make Japanese potato salad? Follow the instructions below to make this recipe: 

Step 1- Prep the potatoes

Start with peeling the potatoes before you cut them into small slices and rinse with water. Add enough water to a pan, put potatoes in it, and boil until they become soft. 

Step 2- Mash the potatoes 

Drain the potatoes and sprinkle dashi over them. Using a fork or potato masher, mash the potatoes until smooth. Next, slowly stir through the rice vinegar, then refrigerate them for at least 20 minutes to cool down.

Step 3- Prep the vegetables 

Peel and cut carrots, onions, and cucumber into small slices. Then, add everything, along with the mayonnaise, into the bowl of potatoes and gently fold everything together.

Garnish the ingredient bowl with sesame seeds and serve. 

Tips to make the best recipe

• Remove excess moisture from the salad ingredients to ensure the salad is thick and creamy.
• Fold everything together gently so that the vegetables don’t break apart and that the potatoes can be evenly coated in the mayonnaise.
• For even more flavorful potatoes, boil them in Dashi or vegetable stock.

Ingredient swaps and substitutions

What we love about this salad is just how easy it is to customize with a plethora of other ingredients and condiments. Here are some ideas:

• Add corn or peas. Many Japanese salads contain these two vegetables that both add flavor and a pop of color.
• Add some heat. For a spicy kick, add some sriracha or chilli sauce, or even use spicy mayo.
• Use different vegetables. Swap out the carrots and cucumber for some celery or finely diced tomatoes.
• Add some protein. Make this salad a meal by folding through some flaked tuna, salmon, or even shredded chicken breast. 

Storage and make ahead tips

If you want to make this recipe ahead of time and need storage tips, then here we go: 

To store: This salad can be made up to two days in advance. If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for up to three days.

To freeze: Place leftovers in a shallow container and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.

What to serve with this salad

Because this salad is super flavorful on its own, we love to keep thing simple with some air fried protein. Here are some ideas:

• Chicken breast
• Chicken thighs
• Salmon
• Pork chops
• Pork tenderloin

Frequently Asked Questions