Watery potato salads may be caused by the following:
- Type of potato used. A waxy or moist potato tends to stay that way when cooked. The Russet Burbank variety has high solids (starch to water ratio) and tends to be drier when cooked.
- I usually recommend cutting the potato into chunks before boiling rather than boiling whole, that way each chunk cooks faster than a denser, whole potato and it cooks evenly so the outside does not turn to mush before the inside is finished cooking.
- Try draining the water and then leaving the potato on the stove for a few moments to cook any extra water out, just turn lightly so you don't over work the potato or it will turn mushy.
- Note, some lighter mayonnaise based dressings or lite versions will liquefy easier than a traditional mayonnaise.
Learn more about All Things Potato Salads here!
