• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Easy and Delish logo

  • About
    • Meet Denise!
    • COOKBOOK
    • Contact
    • Press
  • All Recipes
  • BRAZILIAN FOOD
  • Conversions
    • How Many Sticks of Butter in a Cup?
    • How Many Teaspoons in a Tablespoon?
    • Temperature Conversion (Chart & Calculator)
    • US Cups to Ounces to Grams for Common Ingredients (Charts)
    • Volume Conversions (Table for Dry & Liquid Ingredients)
    • Baking Substitutions (with Charts & Tables)
  • Shop
  • Videos
  • Português
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Página Inicial
  • About
  • Sobre Mim
  • All Recipes
  • Todas as Receitas
  • Shop
  • Conversions
  • Vídeos
  • Português
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home > Brazilian Recipes

    Published: May 16, 2022 by Denise Browning · "This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission." · 37 Comments

    Brazilian Potato Salad (with Mayonnaise)

    Gluten FreeVegetarian

    Jump to Recipe ↓
    close up of Brazilian potato salad with mayo

    Our Brazilian Potato Salad is an easy recipe made with mayonnaise, lime juice, olives, garlic, onions, and herbs. It's a great summer side dish, ideal for serving with grilled meats just like this best potato salad without mayo! 

    close up of a bowl of Brazilian potato salad

    Summer is right around the corner… and along with that comes lots of barbecues and outdoor fun.

    Our table wouldn’t be complete without one of the most popular side dishes of all, a refreshing and tasty Brazilian Potato Salad!

    Potato Salad with Mayonnaise

    Although there is more than one version of potato salad in my home country of Brazil, I gave this one the name “Brazilian Potato Salad” because this type is really the standard: mayonnaise-based (as opposed to oil/vinegar based) and with both herby and tangy notes.

    It is one of those easy Brazilian recipes that I grew up eating. Why? Because this type of Brazilian potato salad is a family recipe made basically from cubed boiled potatoes, mayo, lime juice, olives, garlic, onions, and fresh herbs.

    Diced classic hard-boiled eggs or air fryer hard-boiled eggs are the optional ingredients because they can either be added or left out, according to one’s taste.

    Brazilians love to serve picanha roast and grilled meats (e.g. Grilled Chicken Legs with Bacon) with potato salad.

    In fact, different mayonnaise-based versions of potato salad are available on the salad bar of a Brazilian steakhouse (churrascaria) such as Fogo de Chão or Texas de Brazil.

    There is usually at least one version similar to ours but with diced, hard-boiled eggs added, as well as another type with potatoes, pineapple, raisins, and apples (potato salad with raisins), and sometimes the third type with potato, carrots, green beans, and peas.

    Brazilian hot dogs are another favorite item to pair potato salad with for summer cookouts.

    I hope you try our gluten-free Brazilian Potato Salad Recipe. … It’ll be a hit!

    Brazilian potato salad served in a bowl and eaten with a fork

    Ingredients and Substitutions

    Our Brazilian potato salad call for simple ingredients, making a side dish that is savory, tangy, herby, and super refreshing.

    Here is what you’ll need:  

    • Potatoes: Wash, peel, and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Make sure to use either waxy or all-purpose potatoes. My fave is Yukon gold potatoes because these all-purpose potatoes not only hold their shape but are also buttery and flavorful!
    • Seasonings, spices, herbs, and condiments: I used salt, black pepper, apple cider vinegar, mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, fresh garlic, white onion, fresh mint, fresh cilantro, or parsley, and green onions. They add flavor, a fresh touch, and acidity to this mayonnaise potato salad.
    • Olives:  Although I used Kalamata olives, Brazilian usually use green olives which are the most common type of olives in Brazil. They add color and an extra touch of acidity to this Brazilian potato salad.
    • Hard-boiled eggs: This is an OPTIONAL  Make sure you chop them before adding them to our Brazilian salad.

    recipe ingredients

    How to Make Brazilian Potato Salad

    1. To make the best potato salad with mayo, place potatoes in a large pot with enough water to cover by at least 1-2 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat, add a good pinch of salt, and reduce heat to medium-low. SEE PIC. 1
    2. Cook for about 8-10 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain in a colander but do not rinse them.
    3. Transfer potatoes to a large bowl and drizzle with vinegar. Set aside and let fully cool!
    4. Meanwhile, in a separate large bowl combine mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic, grated onion, chopped olives (green olives are often used in this dish although I used Kalamata olives for mine), mint, cilantro (or parsley), green onions, salt and pepper to taste. If desired, combine the chopped hard-boiled eggs (in this case, stir in an extra ¼ cup of mayo into the mixture). SEE PICS. 2 & 3
    5. Add cool potatoes to the mayo mixture, stirring gently to combine. Cover and chill for 1 to 2 hours (or more) before serving. SEE PICS. 4 & 5
    6. Garnish top of the Brazilian potato salad with whole olives and chopped green onions. Enjoy! SEE PIC. 6

    recipe steps

    What Are Potatoes?

    Potatoes are tuber vegetables native to the Andes Mountains, where they’ve been grown for about 8,000 years.

    There are more than 4,000 varieties of native potatoes, mostly found in the Andes.

    They come in many sizes and shapes.

    But most varieties fit in one of these 3 types of potatoes: All-purpose, waxy, and starchy potatoes.

    Their uses and cooking methods will depend on their type which takes into account the amount of starch and water content they have.

    Brazilian potatoes in a platter

    Are Potatoes Healthy?

    Although they are high-carb vegetables (about 37 grams per potato), potatoes are good for you!

    One potato contains about 70% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C and is also high in vitamin B6, B1 (thiamin), and B3 (niacin).

    Moreover, they have more potassium than a banana.

    Types of Potatoes and Their Uses

    There are basically 3 types of potatoes:

    • Starchy potatoes: Also called mealy, they are high in starch and low in water content. When cooked, they break apart creating a fluffy, starchy texture that can become gluey if overcooked. The most common starchy potato is the Russet which is perfect for baked potatoes, French fries, hash browns, and latkes.
    • Waxy potatoes: They are high in water content and low in starch, retaining their shape after cooking. They also tend to have thin skin. When cooked, they create a dense, moist texture that’s good for gratins, potato salads, and soups. New potatoes are a well-known waxy variety.
    • All-purpose potatoes: They have medium levels of starch and water, not only mostly holding their shape when cooked but also tend to be tasty. Yukon Gold potato is one of them and also makes great Brazilian potato salad! 

    close up of Brazilian salad recipe with potatoes and mayo

     

    Best Potatoes for Potato Salad

    The best types of potatoes for making potato salad are those that hold their shape when steamed or boiled as follows:

    1. Waxy potatoes – Because they are low in starch and high in moisture, they don’t break apart when boiled. E.g. new potatoes (aka baby potatoes), red potatoes, and fingerling potatoes.
    2. All-Purpose Potatoes – They contain both a medium amount of starch and have a medium water content, helping them hold their shape when boiled. E.g. Yukon gold potatoes and German butterball!

     

    How to Boil Potatoes for Potato Salad

    The best way to boil potatoes for potato salad is to cook them over high heat in a  pot with enough cold, salted water to cover them by at least 1-2 inches.

    After the water starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook them until fork tender (about 8-10 minutes for 1-inch of potato chunks).

    When tender, drain in a colander but do not rinse them!

    How Long to Boil Potatoes for Potato Salad?

    The cooking time will depend on the size of the potato chunks you cut the potato into and also the type of potatoes (waxy or all-purpose potatoes).

     Waxy potatoes contain less starch than all-purpose potatoes and they tend to cook a little quicker. However, the factor that influences the most cooking time is the size of the chunks. Potato cut into 1-inch chunks cook in 8-10 minutes after bringing to a boil.

    The best way to find out whether a boiled potato is cooked is to pierce a fork in it. It has to tend tender yet firm enough to keep its shape.

    Summer side dish from Brazil garnished with olives

    Storage

    Don't leave potato salad with mayonnaise out for more than two hours (or one hour, if the temp is above 90 degrees F) if contains either homemade mayo or hard-boiled eggs.

    Chill any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

    Do not freeze! It will alter the texture of the potatoes and make the mayo watery.

     

    Other Brazilian Salad Recipes

    • Zucchini Salad (Salada de Abobrinha)
    • Heart of Palm Salad Skewers (Salada de Palmito no Espeto)
    • Black Bean Salad
    • Brazilian Chicken Salad (Salpicão de Frango)
    • Homemade Coleslaw (Brazilian-Style)

    Other Brazilian Side Dishes

    • Yuca Fries
    • Mashed Sweet Potatoes
    • Farofa Recipe
    • Pan Fried Collard Greens (Couve a Mineira)
    • Corn Gratin
    • Pan Fried Potato Patties (Bolinho de Batata)

     

    PIN & ENJOY!

     

     

    potato salad with mayonnaise ina bowl with garnishes on the side

     

    close up of a bowl of Brazilian potato salad with mayonnaise and garnishes on top
    Print SAVE Saved Recipe! Pin
    5 from 9 votes

    Brazilian Potato Salad (With Mayonnaise)

    Our Brazilian Potato Salad is an easy family recipe made with mayonnaise, lime juice, olives, garlic, onions, and herbs. It's a great summer side dish, ideal for serving with grilled meats just like this best potato salad without mayo! 
     
    Course:Side Dish
    Cuisine:Brazilian
    Keywords:Brazilian, easy recipes, potato salad, quick recipes
    Prep Time 20 minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes
    Total Time 30 minutes
    Servings 6 people
    Calories406 kcal
    Author Denise Browning
    Cost $ 1.25 per person

    Equipment

    • 1 pot
    • 1 Chef knife
    • 1 cutting board
    • 1 Colander
    • 1 large bowl

    Ingredients

    • 2.2 pounds potatoes well washed, peeled, and cut into 1-inch cubes, about 1 kg (Either Waxy or All-purpose potatoes such as new potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes). I prefer the latter because they hold their shape well and are also buttery and flavorful!
    • 1 pinch salt plus enough to taste
    • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
    • 1 cup mayonnaise You may use light mayo for making a light potato salad
    • Ground black pepper to taste
    • 4 tablespoons fresh lime juice
    • 1 clove garlic minced and mashed into a paste
    • ¼ large white onion finely grated
    • ½ cup good-quality chopped olives (I used Kalamata olives but you can use green olives, if desired), plus 3 whole olives to garnish salad
    • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
    • 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro or parsley if desired
    • 3 tablespoons chopped green onions plus more to garnish salad
    • 2 large hard-boiled eggs chopped (optional)
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • To make the best potato salad with mayo, place potatoes in a large pot with enough water to cover by at least 1-2 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat, add a good pinch of salt, and reduce heat to medium-low.
    • Cook for about 8-10 minutes or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain in a colander but do not rinse them.
    • Transfer potatoes to a large bowl and drizzle with vinegar. Set aside and let cool completely.
    • Meanwhile, in a separate large bowl combine mayonnaise, salt and pepper to taste, lime juice, garlic, grated onion, chopped olives (green olives are usually used in this dish although I used Kalamata olives for mine), mint, cilantro (or parsley), and green onions. If desired, combine the chopped hard-boiled eggs (in this case, stir in an additional ¼ cup of mayo into the mixture).
    • Add cool potatoes to the mayo mixture, stirring gently to combine. Cover and chill for 1 to 2 hours (or more) before serving.
    • Garnish top of the Brazilian potato salad with whole olives and chopped green onions. Enjoy!

    Recipe Notes

    Storage
    Don't leave potato salad out for more than two hours (or one hour, if the temperature is above 90 degrees) especially if contains either homemade mayonnaise or hard-boiled eggs.
    Chill any leftovers in a covered container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
    Do not freeze! It will alter the texture of the potatoes and make the mayo watery.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 406kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 431mg | Potassium: 753mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 191IU | Vitamin C: 37mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 2mg

    ** Nutrition labels on easyanddelish.com are for educational purposes only. This info is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate, since the nutrition content of recipes can vary based on ingredient brand or source, portion sizes, recipe changes/variations, and other factors. We suggest making your own calculations using your preferred calculator, based on which ingredients you use, or consulting with a registered dietitian to determine nutritional values more precisely.

    Please note that health-focused and diet information provided on easyanddelish.com is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult with your doctor or other qualified health professional prior to initiating any significant change in your diet or exercise regimen, or for any other issue necessitating medical advice.

    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Comment and rate the recipe. Also follow us on Pinterest at @easyanddelish for more delish recipes.

    This was once a compensated campaign in collaboration with The Idaho Potato Commission and Society Culinaria. I altered the post and republished it for using any type of all-purpose or waxy potatoes you prefer.

    Published first on June 11, 2015.

     

    Brazilian potato salad with black olives on top and juice on the side

    « Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies (Easy)
    70 Easy Chicken Recipes for Dinner »

    Filed Under: Brazilian Recipes, Easy And Delish, Easy Gluten-Free Recipes, Easy Side Dishes, Easy Vegetarian Recipes, Quick & Easy Recipes Tagged With: Potato salad, Vegetables

    Subscribe

    for your weekly recipe fix.

    Please read our privacy policies before subscribing

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Abbe @ This is How I Cook says

      June 11, 2015 at 12:19 pm

      Looks great Denise! I'm always on the lookout for anything with potatoes! Love the herbs and lime juice in this!

      Reply
    2. Kathleen says

      June 11, 2015 at 12:28 pm

      Denise,
      This sounds amazing....can't wait to make it for my family!

      Reply
    3. Little Cooking Tips says

      June 11, 2015 at 12:43 pm

      This is such a wonderful potato salad Denise! The best part is, you can make some of this ahead and serve it in a BBQ gathering.
      Loved your combo, simple ingredients that pair so well with each other.
      Since we're planning a BBQ for tomorrow, this looks like the way to go:)
      Have a beautiful weekend ahead!
      Panos and Mirella
      xoxoxo

      Reply
    4. Ash-foodfashionparty says

      June 11, 2015 at 1:41 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely yumminess there Denise. WE enjoy a good salad, you've added all great fresh ingredients. Perfect side for the summer cookouts.
      xx

      Reply
    5. Chris Scheuer says

      June 11, 2015 at 2:22 pm

      I've never had potato salad with olives but it sounds wonderful as do all the other ingredients. Such a delicious combination of flavors!

      Reply
    6. Deb|EastofEdenCooking says

      June 11, 2015 at 7:53 pm

      The addition of lime juice and the fresh, bright herbs make this Potato Salad so inviting! And yes, I agree potatoes are very versatile!

      Reply
    7. Julia Al Arab says

      June 12, 2015 at 7:14 am

      That salad sounds really delicious! I love Kalamata olives in anything, the additions you made takes the salad to a whole new level of deliciousbess!

      Reply
    8. Daniela says

      June 12, 2015 at 1:40 pm

      This is such a crowd pleaser for grill parties, love the addition of olive, the perfect final touch!

      Reply
    9. Mi Vida en un Dulce says

      June 12, 2015 at 2:21 pm

      OMG, this potato salad looks amazing!!!

      Reply
    10. marcela says

      June 13, 2015 at 9:46 am

      5 stars
      The salad looks so yummy! I love potato salads so much! Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
    11. Coffee and Crumpets says

      June 14, 2015 at 1:44 pm

      I love potato salad! Love the herbs in this and the fact it has acidic and Mayo flavours!

      Reply
    12. Anna @ shenANNAgans says

      June 18, 2015 at 12:38 am

      Brazilian spud salad sounds nearly as tasty as the Aussie version. 🙂
      Love the addition of the zest and fresh ingredients, the lime and cider vinegar would make it pop. Mmmm.

      Reply
    13. Kate says

      June 23, 2015 at 7:19 am

      This looks so good! I love, love, love potato salad, but never thought of using lime juice, yum!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        June 23, 2015 at 8:45 am

        Hi, Kate! Both the lime juice and mint leaves give this potato salad a very refreshing taste. I hope you give it a try. Thanks for stopping by.

        Reply
    14. Nusrat Azim says

      June 29, 2015 at 8:30 pm

      5 stars
      A five-star-studded-rated recipe, as always 🙂
      Happy to have a happy-potato salad recipe. Looks like all those fresh ingredients are tap-dancing in that sparkling bowl.

      Awesome photos. Thank you. Love.

      Reply
    15. Anna says

      January 15, 2016 at 3:16 am

      Oh My, so many thanks, Denise! I'm from Latvia and here people are kinda bit crazy about the potatoes 🙂 Naturally, many varieties of potato salad is a must-have side dish on barbecue parties during our short summer and in any family gathering all year through. But the it's basically a one traditional recipe that varies a bit, but this is an excellent opportunity to give the so well loved potato a completely fresh twist! Once again, many thanks!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        January 15, 2016 at 7:40 am

        Hi, Anna! Thanks for stopping by. I hope you try and enjoy this family recipe of mine. Brazil is a very large country, full of sub-cultures. This is why there are variations depending on the region and which group of immigrants influenced the cuisine of a particular state or region. Have a wonderful day!

        Reply
    16. Tina says

      June 24, 2016 at 10:47 am

      Hi there!

      My husband is Brazilian, and we like to do churrasco all the time in the summer. I've always enjoyed the Brazilian style potato salad at Brazilian steakhouses, but never thought of making it at home - I usually just would make rice and beans and mohlo. Last week, I finally decided to try the potato salad, and chose to your recipe. It is FABULOUS! The husband LOVED it. I was somewhat concerned that the olives might be overpowering, but the balance of flavors was absolutely perfect. I used the Yukon Gold potatoes, by the way.

      I'm not even going to bother trying any other recipes - this one is amazing and will be my new go-to Brazilian potato salad recipe. I am looking forward to trying other recipes on your site. Obrigada!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        June 24, 2016 at 10:56 am

        Tina:
        You made my day!!! I am so thrilled you have enjoyed this potato salad recipe. It has been a family fave for years and I was really happy to share it with y'all. Thank you for stopping by and leave your feedback. Thank you also for your kind words and the carinho. I hope you get a chance to try and enjoy several of our other Brazilian recipes. Wishing you and your husband a delicious weekend! Um abraco. xx

        Reply
        • Tina says

          July 01, 2016 at 3:17 pm

          I am glad I made your day. We had some friends over last weekend when we did the Brazilian BBQ. These same friends are having us to their home tomorrow for an American BBQ and guess what they requested I bring? Your fabulous Brazilian potato salad! So I'll be making it for a third time now. Lol!

          Reply
          • Denise Browning says

            July 01, 2016 at 9:23 pm

            🙂 🙂 🙂 Have a very Happy 4th of July!!!

            Reply
    17. Ashley mellie says

      October 21, 2016 at 10:26 pm

      I made this recipe tonight with my fiancée. It is glorious! And the amount of salad is great! We will be enjoying this as a side for the next week! BEST POTATO SALAD EVER. This is the only potato salad receipe I will EVER make!! nothing compares!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        October 22, 2016 at 12:31 pm

        Ashley:
        I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed this potato salad! Your feedback is quite an endorsement. You really made my day! I hope you continue to make our salad... Have a delicious weekend!

        Reply
    18. Royce says

      April 23, 2019 at 1:24 pm

      5 stars
      By far the best potato salad that I have ever had. My family and friends loved it so much that I intend to make it again for our next get-together.

      Reply
    Newer Comments »

    Trackbacks

    1. Kitchen World Tour: Brazil – Spoon N Spice says:
      July 14, 2020 at 2:20 am

      […] Brazil. Decided to go all in with a Churrasco BBQ featuring a two day marinated beef, three sauces, potato salad and Pão De Queijo, which is a tapioca flour cheese bread. A lot of effort but worth every morsel. […]

      Reply
    2. Easy Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe - Easy and Delish says:
      October 9, 2020 at 7:48 am

      […] Potato salad […]

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




     

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Denise Browning!

    I'm a professional Chef with an expertise in Brazilian food. I am also a busy mom of two girls, living in Texas. Here you will find budget-friendly, healthy Brazilian and Global Recipes made Easy and Delish! I'd love to help you feed your family healthy dinners (many low carb) with a few splurges because life is all about balance! Join our community and happy cooking!

    About Me

    ORDER NOW!

    Cover of The Complete 5-Ingredient Cookbook by Denise Browning

    GET YOUR COPY NOW!

    The easy keto dessert ebook cover
    Subscribe for FREE Email Updates
    Receive EASY & DELISH recipes for free every week! Please check our PRIVACY POLICY!

     

    Marketing by
    Click here & join us on PINTEREST
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • PortuguêsPortuguês
    Portrait of Denise Browning, author of Easy and Delish

    Hi, I'm Denise Browing a professional chef and cookbook author. My mission is to help you cook budget-friendly, healthy global meals for your family with some occasional splurges. They are sure to bring a lot of excitement to your table

    More about me →

    Popular

    • Easy & Juicy Beef Brisket Recipe
    • The BEST Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe and 7-Day Diet Soup Chart (Printable)
    • One Pot Shrimp in Coconut Sauce
    • Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet Recipe (5-Ingredient)

    Order Now!

    Cover of The Complete 5-Ingredient Cookbook by Denise Browning

    Get Your Copy Now!

    The easy keto dessert ebook cover
    Click Here & Join Us on Pinterest

    Seasonal

    • Keto Taco Shells (One Ingredient)
    • Cheesecake Factory Stuffed Mushrooms
    • Brie en Croute
    • Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Recipes | Brazilian Recipes | Contact | Privacy Policy

    [widget id="simple-social-icons-2"]

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2020 Brunch Pro on the Brunch Pro Theme

    2114 shares
    • 74