Creamy Classic Potato Salad Recipe for Summer Gatherings

Potato salad has been a cherished summer classic that brings comfort and joy to countless gatherings.

Creamy textures and tangy flavors dance together in this timeless dish.

Crisp ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a nostalgic experience that reminds you of backyard barbecues and picnic memories.

Simple yet delicious, each forkful tells a story of tradition and love.

Generations have passed down their unique twists, making this recipe a true culinary treasure.

Fresh herbs and a perfectly balanced dressing elevate this humble side dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe and make it your go-to crowd-pleaser for every summer celebration.

Classic Potato Salad Everyone Will Love

• Quick and Simple Preparation: Whip up this classic potato salad with minimal cooking skills, using basic ingredients found in most kitchens.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Deliver a nostalgic side dish that brings smiles to family gatherings, picnics, and summer barbecues with its creamy, tangy flavor.
• Versatile Make-Ahead Option: Prepare this dish in advance and let the flavors develop in the refrigerator, making meal planning and entertaining a breeze.
• Nutritious and Satisfying: Pack in protein from eggs and vegetables, creating a balanced side dish that's both delicious and slightly nutritious.

Ingredients for Timeless Classic Potato Salad

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that form the hearty foundation of this classic salad.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that binds the ingredients and adds rich flavor.
• Eggs: Protein-packed ingredient that provides texture and additional richness.

• Dijon Mustard, Apple Cider Vinegar: Tangy condiments that add depth and brightness to the dressing.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and intensify the overall taste.

• Celery, Red Onion, Dill Relish: Crunchy vegetables and pickled condiment that provide texture and additional zesty flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a fresh, herbal touch to the finished salad.

How to Prepare Creamy and Flavorful Classic Potato Salad

Step 1: Boil Potato Cubes

Place potato chunks into a pot of salted water.

Cook until soft and easily pierced with a fork, approximately 10-15 minutes.

Carefully drain the potatoes in a colander and allow them to cool down to room temperature.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• Apple cider vinegar
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk the ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Coat Potatoes with Dressing

Gently fold the cooled potato cubes into the prepared dressing.

Ensure each potato piece gets evenly coated with the creamy mixture.

Step 4: Enhance with Crunchy Vegetables

• Chopped hard-boiled eggs
• Diced celery
• Minced red onion
• Dill relish (optional)

Stir carefully to distribute ingredients throughout the salad.

Step 5: Chill and Develop Flavors

Cover the potato salad with plastic wrap.

Refrigerate for at least one hour, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a bright, herbal finish.

Enjoy chilled as a perfect side dish for summer gatherings.

Tips for Perfect Classic Potato Salad Texture

• Select firm, waxy potato varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes that hold their shape better when boiled and mixed.
• Refrigerate the potato salad for at least an hour to enhance flavor development and allow ingredients to blend perfectly.
• Cool potatoes completely before mixing to avoid breaking down and creating a mushy consistency in the salad.
• Dice celery and red onion into small, uniform pieces to distribute flavor and maintain a pleasant crisp texture throughout the dish.
• Store potato salad in an airtight container and consume within 3-4 days for the best taste and food safety.

Variations to Switch Up Classic Potato Salad

• Vegan Potato Delight: Replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo, swap hard-boiled eggs with mashed chickpeas, and add extra chopped herbs for protein and flavor.
• Herb-Infused Classic: Mix in fresh dill, chives, and tarragon for an aromatic boost, enhancing the traditional potato salad profile with bright, green notes.
• Mediterranean-Style Salad: Substitute apple cider vinegar with lemon juice, add crumbled feta cheese, diced cucumber, and kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Southern Remix: Incorporate diced jalapeños, smoked paprika, and a dash of hot sauce to create a zesty, kicked-up potato salad with southern flair.

Serving Ideas for Classic Potato Salad

• Picnic Perfect Platter: Spread the potato salad on a large wooden board surrounded by crisp lettuce leaves and sliced cucumber for a stunning presentation.
• Barbecue Buddy: Serve chilled alongside grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, or smoky chicken for a classic summer meal combination.
• Potluck Pro Tip: Pack in a sealed container with ice packs to keep cool during outdoor gatherings, making it a crowd-pleasing side dish that travels well.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with crumbled bacon bits or chopped grilled chicken to transform this side into a more substantial main course salad.

Storage Guidelines for Classic Potato Salad

• Store potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep cold and covered to maintain freshness.
• Not recommended due to mayonnaise-based dressing, which can separate and become watery when thawed, compromising texture and taste.
• Best served chilled. If needed, let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to take off the chill.
• Discard if left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours or if it develops an off smell, unusual color, or mold.

FAQs

• Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes. They hold their shape well and provide a creamy texture to the salad.

• Is it necessary to peel the potatoes before boiling?

Not always. You can leave the skin on for added nutrition and texture, especially with thin-skinned potatoes like red or Yukon Gold.

• How can I prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy?

Cut potatoes into uniform cubes, don’t overcook them, and drain immediately after boiling. Cool them slightly before mixing with other ingredients.

• Can I make this potato salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, allowing the flavors to blend together perfectly.

Classic Potato Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy classic potato salad brings comfort and nostalgia to summer gatherings. Crisp herbs, tangy dressing, and perfectly boiled potatoes make this simple side dish a crowd-pleasing favorite you’ll want to share at picnics and barbecues.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 1 cup mayonnaise

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Additional Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon dill relish

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Instructions

1. Submerge diced potatoes in generously salted water, cooking at a gentle boil for 10-15 minutes until fork-tender. Carefully drain and allow to cool slightly.
2. Create a creamy dressing by whisking mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
3. Fold the slightly warm potatoes into the dressing, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the tangy mixture.
4. Incorporate chopped hard-boiled eggs, crisp celery, and finely diced red onion into the potato mixture, distributing ingredients uniformly.
5. Gently fold in dill relish for an extra burst of flavor, mixing carefully to prevent breaking the potato pieces.
6. Seal the potato salad and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour, allowing the flavors to harmonize and intensify.
7. Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a vibrant garnish and added freshness.

Notes

• Salt the water generously when boiling potatoes to enhance their natural flavor and ensure they’re well-seasoned from the start.
• Cool potatoes slightly before mixing to prevent mayonnaise from breaking down and becoming oily, maintaining a creamy texture.
• Use waxy potato varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a firmer, less crumbly potato salad that holds its shape perfectly.
• For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce calories while keeping the creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg