Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Classic Potato Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 72 reviews
  • Author: Elizabeth
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 27 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling time)
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Description

Classic Potato Salad is a creamy, tangy, and flavorful side dish made with tender boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, and a mix of crunchy vegetables and eggs. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or summer gatherings, this traditional American recipe delivers a satisfying blend of textures and tastes with a refreshing hint of apple cider vinegar and sweet pickle relish.


Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)

Dressing

  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Mix-ins

  • 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • 3 hard-boiled eggs (chopped)

Optional garnish

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley


Instructions

  1. Boil the potatoes: Place the peeled and chunked potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
  3. Combine ingredients: Add the slightly cooled potatoes to the bowl with the dressing. Then mix in the finely chopped celery, red onion, sweet pickle relish, and chopped hard-boiled eggs.
  4. Toss gently: Gently toss all the ingredients together until the potatoes and vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy dressing, being careful not to break up the potatoes too much.
  5. Chill before serving: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the potato salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
  6. Garnish and serve: Just before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a touch of color and freshness.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of pickle juice into the dressing.
  • The potato salad can be prepared a day ahead which helps the flavors to further develop.
  • Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture or Russet potatoes for a more classic, fluffy bite.
  • Hard-boil the eggs in advance to save time during preparation.