New Orleans' Potato Salad

Let's count the ways...

Welcome to our blog post about the history of New Orleans' Okra File Gumbo. New Orleans is a melting pot of cultures, just like its cuisine... Being a native of New Orleans, when I became Vegan I really missed all of my old favorites like Gumbo, Poboys, Stuffed Artichokes, Oyster Dressing, and so many other fabulous dishes. In researching how to re-create them into Vegan options, I started learning about the history of our New Orleans' Creole + Cajun Cuisines (Yes they are different). Creole derives from when we were under Spanish rule and Cajun derives from when we were under French rule. But actually there is a third + fourth .... African and Choctow cultures as well.... In our blog we will share our unique "melting pot" Heritage and re-create via GRAB n GO Vegan!

Anyone not like potato salad?

Potato Salad, the always popular side dish, might not be the main course at your next soiree, but if you make it right, it’ll surely be the first thing to go!

Remember, back in the day, everyone was poor; they did not have all the extra stuff we have today to add to their potato salads. They didn’t even have paprika to garnish it!

Potato Salad... Always a popular side dish.

Potato Salad, the always popular side dish, might not be the main course at your next soiree, but if you make it right, it’ll surely be the first thing to go!

There are already many different variations of how Cajuns make their authentic potato salad. Most recipes were passed down from mothers and grandmothers and how they prepared it back in the day.

Although these recipes probably taste good (maybe), remember there are only a handful of slight variations in how simple Cajun people originally made potato salad.

Typically, a Cajun gathering would have a “PLAIN” Potato Salad (for the Kids) and a “CRUNCHY” Potato Salad. These are the two kinds of potato salads back in the day; and in many modern Cajun homes this is still the norm.

Additionally, in the old days, there was no such thing as store bought mayonnaise; therefore you had to make your own.

Ole Fashion Cajun Potato Salad

An authentic Cajun potato salad can vary from the type of potato you use (Golden, White or Red potato), it can vary if it’s smashed or chunky, what type of seasoning you use and it also varies whether you would make it PLAIN OR CRUNCHY.  I’ve written about each variation below; so you decide which way is best for you.

There is one thing for sure; Cajun Potato Salad is not purchased in a store unless you have a little ole lady in the deli making it fresh for you. (Which is exactly what you have with potato salad made for GRAB n GO Vegan!  

Remember potato salad is not served cold but rather served at room temperature.  It must be made an hour or two before you serve it.

The most common Cajun foods that accompany a Cajun Potato Salad are all types of gumbos, and now our BBQ Ribz.  Cajuns love starches, with starch on starch dishes.