If you’re looking for a creamy, flavorful, and satisfying side dish, this Potato Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. Made with tender potatoes, a rich and tangy dressing, and the perfect blend of seasonings, this classic dish is a must-have for picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings. Whether you prefer it chilled or at room temperature, this Potato Salad Recipe will impress everyone at the table.
One of the best things about this Potato Salad Recipe is its versatility. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delightful dish that is both creamy and refreshing. The combination of soft potatoes, crunchy vegetables, and a perfectly balanced dressing ensures a burst of flavor in every bite. Plus, you can easily customize it by adding ingredients like bacon, mustard, or herbs to suit your taste.
Whether it’s a summer cookout, a holiday meal, or just a craving for a comforting side dish, this Potato Salad Recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Serve it chilled for a refreshing experience, or enjoy it slightly warm for a heartier texture. Once you try this easy homemade version, you’ll never want to settle for store-bought potato salad again!
Preparation Time for Potato Salad Recipe
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 20 minutes
- Cooling: 30 minutes
- Total Time: ~65 minutes
Ingredients for Potato Salad Recipe
For the Salad:
- Potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold) – 6 medium (~1100 calories)
- Hard-Boiled Eggs – 3 (~210 calories)
- Celery – 2 stalks, chopped (~10 calories)
- Red Onion – ½ cup, finely chopped (~20 calories)
- Pickles – ¼ cup, chopped (~5 calories)
For the Dressing:
- Mayonnaise – ¾ cup (~1120 calories)
- Dijon Mustard – 1 tablespoon (~15 calories)
- Apple Cider Vinegar – 1 tablespoon (~3 calories)
- Sugar – 1 teaspoon (~16 calories)
- Salt – ½ teaspoon (~0 calories)
- Black Pepper – ½ teaspoon (~3 calories)
- Paprika – ½ teaspoon (~3 calories)
- Fresh Dill (optional) – 1 tablespoon (~1 calorie)
Instructions: How to Make Potato Salad Recipe
1: Cook the Potatoes
- Boil the Potatoes: Wash and peel the potatoes. Cut them into bite-sized cubes and place them in a large pot. Cover with water and add a pinch of salt.
- Simmer Until Tender: Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain and Cool: Drain the potatoes and spread them out on a baking sheet to cool for about 15 minutes.
2: Prepare the Other Ingredients
- Boil the Eggs: In a separate pot, place the eggs in water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the eggs to an ice bath and peel once cooled.
- Chop the Vegetables: Finely chop the celery, red onion, and pickles. Dice the boiled eggs into small pieces.
3: Make the Dressing
- Mix the Dressing Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
4: Assemble the Salad
- Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled potatoes, chopped eggs, celery, red onion, and pickles. Pour the dressing over the mixture.
- Gently Mix: Toss everything together until evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the potatoes too much.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Calorie Breakdown
- Potatoes: ~1100 calories
- Eggs: ~210 calories
- Mayonnaise: ~1120 calories
- Other Ingredients: ~75 calories
- Total Calories: ~2505 calories (serves 6; ~418 calories per serving)
Why This Recipe Works
- Creamy and Flavorful: The balance of mayonnaise, mustard, and vinegar creates the perfect creamy texture with a tangy kick.
- Perfectly Cooked Potatoes: Boiling them just right ensures they hold their shape while remaining tender.
- Easy and Customizable: You can add bacon, green onions, or even avocado for extra flavor.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a picnic, BBQ, or potluck, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors only get better with time, making it an ideal dish to prepare in advance.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes! Yukon Gold potatoes work best for a creamy texture, while red potatoes hold their shape better.
2. How long does potato salad last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it lasts up to 4 days.
3. Can I make it healthier?
Yes! Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to cut down on calories.
4. Should I serve it warm or cold?
Traditionally, potato salad is served cold, but it can be enjoyed warm as well.
5. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Use vegan mayonnaise and skip the eggs for a delicious plant-based alternative.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
- Classic Yet Customizable: Stick to tradition or experiment with add-ins to suit your taste.
- Rich and Creamy Texture: The dressing perfectly coats each bite without being too heavy.
- Crowd-Pleasing Dish: A favorite at family gatherings, BBQs, and picnics.
- Easy to Make Ahead: Prepping in advance allows flavors to develop beautifully.
- Homemade Goodness: Fresh ingredients make this so much better than store-bought versions!