This classic Southern potato salad is a creamy and tangy side dish that is perfect for cookouts and family gatherings. Made with starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russet, hard boiled eggs, and a homemade mayonnaise dressing, it offers a comforting flavor and texture that everyone loves.
The recipe is straightforward and allows for customization with ingredients like celery, onion, dill, and relish. It’s an easy recipe that can be made ahead of time, chilled, and served cold, making it a convenient choice for any occasion.
Classic Potato Salad: A Timeless Side Dish
Potato salad is a beloved staple at cookouts and family gatherings, offering a creamy and tangy flavor that complements various dishes. This classic recipe features Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, which are known for their starchy texture, making them ideal for a satisfying salad.
The combination of hard boiled eggs, crunchy celery, and a rich mayonnaise dressing creates a delightful medley of flavors and textures. A hint of Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar adds a zesty kick, while sweet pickles or relish contribute a touch of sweetness.
This dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, allowing you to make it ahead of time and chill it for serving.
Frustrated trying to hard boil and peel eggs perfectly?
There’s a trick I have you might not know about. Just CLICK HERE to read my article on how to peel hard boiled eggs perfectly every time!
Ingredients for Success
To create this classic potato salad, gather the essential ingredients:
- Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes
- hard boiled eggs
- celery
- homemade mayonnaise dressing
The dressing is a blend of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar, seasoned with salt and pepper.
For added flavor, consider including finely chopped onion and dill or celery seed. The garnish of paprika and fresh herbs not only enhances the presentation but also adds an extra layer of flavor. This recipe serves 6-8 people, making it perfect for gatherings.
Preparation Steps
Start by boiling the diced potatoes in a large pot of cold water until they are tender, which typically takes about 10-15 minutes. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and allow them to cool.
While the potatoes cool, prepare the creamy dressing by mixing mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Once the potatoes are cool, combine them with the chopped hard boiled eggs, celery, onion, and relish in the bowl with the dressing.
Gently mix everything until well coated.
Chilling for Flavor
After combining all the ingredients, cover the bowl and refrigerate the potato salad for at least one hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Making this potato salad ahead of time is a great strategy for busy days, ensuring you have a delicious side dish ready to go for your next cookout or family meal.
Serving Suggestions
When it’s time to serve, give the potato salad a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika and fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor. This creamy potato salad is best served cold, making it a refreshing option for warm summer days.
Pair it with grilled meats, sandwiches, or enjoy it on its own as a comforting side dish. Its versatility and classic flavors make it a favorite among family recipes, sure to please everyone at the table.
Easy Classic Potato Salad Recipe
This potato salad features tender, diced potatoes combined with a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, mustard, and apple cider vinegar. The addition of hard boiled eggs, celery, and onion adds flavor and texture, while paprika and herbs provide a delightful garnish. This recipe serves 6-8 people.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 large eggs, hard boiled and chopped
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup sweet pickles or relish
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika, for garnish
- 1 teaspoon dill or celery seed, optional
- Chopped fresh herbs for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes: In a large pot, add diced potatoes and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain and let cool.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and optional dill or celery seed. Mix until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled potatoes, chopped eggs, celery, onion, and relish to the dressing. Gently mix until everything is well coated.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. This potato salad can be made ahead of time.
- Serve: Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Garnish with paprika and fresh herbs if desired. Serve cold.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6-8 servings
- Calories: 250kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
Final Touches and Variations
Feel free to customize your potato salad to suit your taste. You can add ingredients like diced bell peppers, green onions, or even bacon for a twist on the traditional recipe.
Each variation brings its unique flair while maintaining the comforting essence of this classic dish.
Whether you stick to the original recipe or experiment with new flavors, this potato salad remains a timeless addition to any meal. Its creamy texture, combined with the crunch of celery and the richness of eggs, creates a dish that is both satisfying and delightful.
This recipe is part of my 79 Super Bowl Party Food Ideas and Recipes. Just click that link to see all the amazing options!
- Chocolate-Dipped Madeleines Recipe - December 12, 2025
- Classic Chocolate Eclairs Recipe - December 12, 2025
- Red Wine Poached Pears Recipe - December 12, 2025