Grilled Barbecue Potato Salad with Chipotle Molasses Dressing
Smoky grilled potatoes tossed in a tangy barbecue dressing featuring chipotle, molasses, and a hint of cocoa for depth. This American-inspired salad recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs small red potatoes, ketchup, dark brown sugar into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds small red potatoes
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp dark brown sugar
- 1 tsp chipotle powder
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp molasses
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp ancho chili powder
- 1/4 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp liquid smoke
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Wash and halve 2 pounds of small red potatoes evenly, then toss them with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt until fully coated. Place the potatoes cut-side down on the grill and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and grill marks appear.
- Step 2: While potatoes grill, whisk together 1/3 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, 1 teaspoon chipotle powder, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon molasses, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper in a medium bowl until smooth and glossy.
- Step 3: Remove the grilled potatoes from the heat and transfer to a large bowl. Pour the barbecue dressing over the warm potatoes and gently toss to coat every piece evenly. Let the salad rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and 1/4 cup chopped green onions just before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Barbecue Potato Salad with Chipotle Molasses Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Grilled Barbecue Potato Salad with Chipotle Molasses Dressing?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep small red potatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Barbecue Potato Salad with Chipotle Molasses Dressing?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Grilled Barbecue Potato Salad with Chipotle Molasses Dressing for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Grilled Barbecue Potato Salad with Chipotle Molasses Dressing?
American salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
