Potato Salad Recipe — A Classic and Creamy Side Dish Favorite

If there’s one side dish that never goes out of style, it’s a classic Potato Salad Recipe. Creamy, tangy, and layered with irresistible flavor, this easy and nostalgic dish has been a staple at summer barbecues, family reunions, holiday dinners, and potluck gatherings for generations. Loved for its simplicity yet unforgettable taste, homemade potato salad delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bite.

Whether you prefer a bold mustard tang, a creamy mayo-based dressing, or pops of sweetness from relish and onion, this American Potato Salad Recipe brings it all together perfectly. It features tender potatoes, crisp celery, hard-boiled eggs, and a balanced dressing that binds everything with rich and delicious flavor. The result? A crowd-pleasing favorite that disappears quickly no matter where you serve it.

In this in-depth recipe post, you’ll learn:

• How to make a foolproof Potato Salad Recipe step-by-step

• Best potatoes to use for perfect texture

• Variations and add-ins to customize to any style

• Tips to make it ahead and store properly

• Nutrition insights and serving suggestions

• Answers to the most common potato salad FAQs

If you’ve been searching for the best classic Potato Salad Recipe, this is it. Let’s dive in!

---

⭐ Why This Potato Salad Recipe Works

There are many versions of potato salad out there, but this traditional method stands out for a few key reasons:

✔ Perfectly cooked, tender-but-firm potatoes
✔ Creamy mayo dressing with the perfect vinegar tang
✔ Balanced flavor from onion, celery, relish, and mustard
✔ Hard-boiled eggs for richness and texture
✔ Simple ingredients with nostalgic comfort

This recipe is approachable for beginners while delicious enough for seasoned home cooks to return to again and again.

---

🥔 The Best Potatoes for Potato Salad

Choosing the right potato makes a big difference. You want potatoes that hold their shape after boiling.

Best options:

• Yukon Gold potatoes — creamy texture, mild flavor

• Red potatoes — slightly waxy, great structure

• White potatoes — classic and versatile

Avoid:

• Russet potatoes — too starchy, break apart easily

Tip: If using Russet potatoes, peel carefully and boil gently — but expect a softer, mash-like texture.

---

🥗 Ingredients You’ll Need

Below is the recipe card based on the details you provided, formatted for a professional food blog:

---

Potato Salad Recipe

Creamy potato salad is perfect for potlucks, picnics, and barbecues. Easy to make and always a crowd favorite.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8
Calories: 357 kcal

---

Ingredients

US Customary | Metric Scale 1x | 2x | 3x

• 6 medium potatoes (around 3 pounds), peeled and cubed

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 celery stalk, chopped

• 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled

• 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

• 2 tablespoons pickle relish

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish

• 2 spring onions, thinly sliced

• 1 teaspoon paprika

---

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Scrub, peel, and cut potatoes into one-inch cubes.

2. Place potato cubes in a large pot and cover with water.

3. Boil over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, until potatoes are firm-tender (check with a fork).

4. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.

5. Transfer cooled potatoes to a large mixing bowl.

6. Chop onion and celery, then add to the potatoes.

7. Chop hard-boiled eggs and add them to the mixture.

8. Make the dressing: Mix mayonnaise, mustard, pickle relish, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.

9. Fold the creamy dressing gently into the potato mixture until fully coated.

10. Sprinkle with paprika and spring onions before serving.

---

📊 Nutrition (per serving)

---

🔥 Expert Tips for the Best Potato Salad

✔ Always salt your water — adds flavor directly into the potatoes
✔ Add vinegar while potatoes are warm — helps flavor absorb better
✔ Cool slightly before adding mayonnaise — prevents dressing from thinning
✔ Chill before serving — flavors marry beautifully after 1–4 hours in the fridge

Make-Ahead Tip:
Potato salad tastes better the next day. Prepare it up to 24 hours ahead for best flavor.

---

🍽 How to Serve This Potato Salad Recipe

This side dish pairs with almost any main course. Popular pairings include:

• Barbecue chicken or ribs

• Burgers and hot dogs

• Grilled steak

• Sandwiches or subs

• Fried or baked fish

• Holiday ham or turkey

It’s the ideal choice for:
✔ Summer picnics
✔ 4th of July parties
✔ Potlucks and tailgates
✔ Family gatherings year-round

---

🧊 Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3–4 days

• Do not freeze — potatoes become grainy

If the salad appears dry after chilling, add 2–3 tablespoons mayonnaise before serving.

---

✨ Potato Salad Variations

This classic Potato Salad Recipe is a perfect base. Try these delicious spins:

🥓 Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

Add:

• Crumbled bacon

• Cheddar cheese

• Ranch dressing in place of part of the mayo

🥚 Southern-Style Potato Salad

Increase:

• Mustard to 2–3 tbsp

• Add more eggs and sweet relish

🧅 Dill Potato Salad

Add:

• Fresh dill

• Red onion

• Greek yogurt to lighten the dressing

🥨 German Potato Salad (No Mayo)

Use:

• Warm vinaigrette with bacon

• Red potatoes

• Fresh parsley

So many options — customize to your personal preference!

---

❓ FAQ — Potato Salad Recipe

Should you peel potatoes before boiling?
Either works. Peeling first is easier for mixing and smoother texture.

Can I boil potatoes whole?
Yes — helps keep them firmer. Peel after cooling slightly.

What type of mayonnaise is best?
Classic full-fat mayo gives the richest flavor.

Why is my potato salad watery?
Likely from mixing the dressing into potatoes while too hot. Allow slight cooling first.

How long can potato salad sit out?
No more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if outdoors in hot weather.

Print

Final Thoughts

This Potato Salad Recipe is everything a classic comfort side should be — creamy, tangy, flavorful, and satisfying from the very first bite. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or need a reliable dish for a potluck, this recipe guarantees a delicious result every time. With easy prep, budget-friendly ingredients, and flavors everyone knows and loves, there’s no better staple to keep in your collection.

Homemade potato salad isn’t just a side; it’s a tradition. It’s the bowl on the table that sparks memories of laughter, sunshine, and family gatherings. And with endless customization options, you can make this recipe uniquely your own.

So grab those potatoes and let’s keep that timeless tradition alive — this is the last Potato Salad Recipe you’ll ever need!