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Catering portion guide

How much potato salad per person?

In short

Plan on 4.5 to 5 oz (about 1/2 to 2/3 cup) of potato salad per person as a side. For 50 guests, prepare or order about 14 to 15 lb of potato salad (approx one full hotel pan).

How much potato salad for 10 to 100 people

Planned at finished weight, so what you make is what you serve.

Potato Salad quantities by guest count, showing purchase weight and served weight
GuestsOrderServesTrays
102.8 lb2.8 lb1 half tray
123.4 lb3.4 lb1 half tray
154.2 lb4.2 lb1 full tray
164.5 lb4.5 lb1 full tray
205.6 lb5.6 lb1 full tray
246.8 lb6.8 lb1 full tray
257 lb7 lb1 full tray
308.4 lb8.4 lb1 full + 1 half trays
4011.3 lb11.3 lb2 full trays
5014.1 lb14.1 lb2 full trays
6016.9 lb16.9 lb2 full + 1 half trays
7521.1 lb21.1 lb3 full trays
8022.5 lb22.5 lb3 full + 1 half trays
10028.1 lb28.1 lb4 full trays
15042.2 lb42.2 lb6 full trays

These are standard food-service planning figures, not fixed constants. Real yield moves with cut, trim level, cooking method, and how long the food is held. Weigh your own results once and adjust the factor to your kitchen.

Things that change the number

  • Potato salad is dense and filling; on a buffet with 3+ sides, guests take closer to 3.5 oz.
  • Must be kept chilled at food-safe holding temperatures (40°F or below).
  • Red or Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape better than Russets when dressed.

Common questions

How much potato salad per person?
Plan on 4.5 to 5 oz (about 1/2 to 2/3 cup) of potato salad per person as a side. For 50 guests, prepare or order about 14 to 15 lb of potato salad (approx one full hotel pan).
How much potato salad for 50 people?
For 50 guests, order about 14.1 lb of finished prepared potato salad, which serves about 14.1 lb. That is roughly 2 full trays.
How much potato salad for 100 people?
For 100 guests, order about 28.1 lb of finished prepared potato salad, which serves about 28.1 lb. That is roughly 4 full trays.

Working out a whole menu, not one dish?

The catering food calculator takes your actual dish list and guest count and returns quantities, tray counts, and a cost range for the whole event.

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