Sprinkle This Cheap Packet Into Your Potato Salad If You're Craving 10x More Flavor

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Potato salad is a versatile dish. A batch made with potatoes, mayonnaise, and a few herbs alone can taste a bit flat, but luckily, there are a number of ways to amp up the salad's flavor profile. For instance, choosing a superior potato variety can create a creamier salad, while putting a steakhouse twist on the classic side dish can also make it more satisfying. However, if you're craving a potato salad with a lot more flavor, consider adding a packet of dry French onion soup mix to it. This seasoning blend offers a concentrated fusion of onion, salt, and savory tastes that will turn any bland potato salad into a mouthwatering bowl of flavors.

French onion soup mix contains dehydrated onion and onion powder, alongside other seasonings and flavorful ingredients. Depending on the brand, some versions have garlic, bouillon, soy sauce, and other umami boosters. For instance, Knorr's French Onion Recipe Mix contains onions, onion powder, starch, sugar, and the flavor additives disodium guanylate and disodium inosinate. The potatoes and mayonnaise will readily absorb the flavors of the soup mix. 

Rather than adding the powder directly to the potatoes, whisk it into the mayonnaise or dressing first to distribute the flavor. A dash of vinegar or lemon juice can also be added for acidity.

This French onion soup mix can serve as a foundation for a more ingredient-packed version of potato salad. For instance, you can also add relish or pickles. Their tangy acidity can cut through the dressing's richness and contrast the soup mix's deep onion flavor. Speaking of onions, adding fresh red onions can reinforce the taste of the soup mix while providing a crunchy contrast to the soft potatoes. 

Crispy bacon bits and hard-boiled egg slices are also great additions. Aside from adding different textures, they can make the salad more indulgent and heartier. Meanwhile, some other ingredients can enhance the salad's dressing. A spoonful of sour cream, for example, can make it tangier and smoother. Shredded cheddar cheese can make it extra creamy, while a splash of apple cider vinegar can add brightness. Now, what's good about all of these ingredients is they are already common additions to potato salad. Therefore, you just need to make sure they pair well with the French onion soup mix before adding them to your salad.