Potato salad is a quintessential dish that graces the tables of picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings alike. Its creamy texture, tangy flavors, and comforting familiarity make it a beloved classic that never goes out of style.
This Classic Potato Salad recipe is sure to be a hit. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover why this timeless favorite continues to delight generation after generation.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Flavors: This potato salad features the classic flavors of mayonnaise, mustard, and vinegar, creating an irresistible creamy and tangy dressing.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is easy to prepare and can be made beforehand.
- Versatile: You can customize the salad with your favorite add-ins, such as bacon, pickles, or different herbs.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This potato salad is a hit at picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings, ensuring that everyone will enjoy its delicious flavors.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
Potatoes
Potatoes are the star of this recipe. Yukon Gold or russet potatoes work best due to their creamy texture and ability to hold their shape when cooked. You can also use red potatoes for a slightly different flavor and texture.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise provides a creamy base for the dressing. You can use your favorite brand of mayonnaise or make your homemade version. For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt or a combination of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt.
Dijon Mustard
Dijon mustard adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor to the dressing. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences or use yellow mustard for a milder flavor.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar provides a tangy and slightly sweet note to the dressing. You can substitute it with white vinegar or lemon juice for a different flavor profile.
Red Onion
Red onion adds a crisp and mildly sweet flavor to the salad. You can substitute it with yellow onion or shallots for a different taste.
Celery
Celery adds a refreshing crunch and a mild, slightly sweet flavor to the salad. You can omit it if you prefer a smoother texture.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs add a rich and creamy element to the salad. You can omit them if you prefer a simpler version or have dietary restrictions.
Fresh Herbs
Fresh dill and parsley add a bright and herbal note to the salad. You can use other herbs like chives or green onions for a different flavor profile.
How to Make Classic Potato Salad (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Place the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes and let them cool completely before mixing with the other ingredients. This step ensures that the potatoes are fully cooked and ready to absorb the flavors of the dressing.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the dressing is smooth and creamy. This step creates a rich and tangy base for the potato salad.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
Add the cooled potatoes, chopped red onion, chopped celery, chopped hard-boiled eggs (if using), chopped dill (if using), and chopped parsley (if using) to the bowl with the dressing. Gently stir until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. This step ensures that the flavors and textures are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
Step 4: Chill the Salad
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the potato salad for at least 1 hour, or until chilled. This step allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste of the salad. Chilling the salad also helps to set the ingredients and creates a more cohesive dish.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, give the potato salad a gentle stir to ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika (if using) for added color and flavor. Serve the potato salad chilled for the best taste and texture.
Classic Potato Salad
Ingredients
- 3 pounds potatoes Yukon Gold or russet, peeled and diced
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 small red onion finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery finely chopped
- 3 hard-boiled eggs chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (optional)
- Paprika for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes: Place the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes and let them cool completely.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
- Mix the Ingredients: Add the cooled potatoes, chopped red onion, chopped celery, chopped hard-boiled eggs (if using), chopped dill (if using), and chopped parsley (if using) to the bowl with the dressing. Gently stir until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the potato salad for at least 1 hour, or until chilled. This step allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, give the potato salad a gentle stir. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika (if using) for added color and flavor. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Ensure the potatoes are fully cooked and tender before mixing them with the other ingredients.
- You can adjust the amount of mayonnaise, mustard, and vinegar to suit your taste preferences.
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt or a combination of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 5g
Expert Tips for Success
- Fully Cooked Potatoes: Ensure the potatoes are fully cooked and tender before mixing them with the other ingredients. This helps to achieve a creamy and smooth texture in the salad.
- Consistent Chopping: Chop the potatoes, onions, celery, and eggs into uniform sizes for an even distribution of flavors and textures.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional mayonnaise to suit your preferences.
- Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to enhance the flavors and set the ingredients.
Variations and Customizations
Dietary Modifications
- Vegan: Use a plant-based mayonnaise alternative and omit the hard-boiled eggs to make this salad vegan-friendly.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your ingredient labels to be sure.
- Low-Fat: Use Greek yogurt or a combination of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Flavor Twists
- Bacon and Cheese: Add crispy bacon bits and shredded cheddar cheese for a rich and savory twist.
- Pickle Lovers: Mix in diced pickles or pickle relish for a tangy and crunchy addition.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like chives, green onions, or tarragon for an herbal note.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Classic Potato Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the salad is completely chilled before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
Freezing
Potato salad does not freeze well due to the mayonnaise-based dressing. It’s best to enjoy the salad fresh and store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
Serving Suggestions
This Classic Potato Salad pairs beautifully with:
- Grilled Meats: Serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken, steak, or burgers for a hearty meal.
- Sandwiches: Pair it with your favorite deli sandwiches for a satisfying lunch.
- Picnic Fare: Include it in your picnic spread with other classic dishes like coleslaw, deviled eggs, and fruit salad.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this Classic Potato Salad, you might also like:
- German Potato Salad: A tangy and savory potato salad made with bacon, vinegar, and mustard, perfect for a hearty side dish.
- Dill Potato Salad: A creamy and herbal potato salad made with fresh dill, mayonnaise, and sour cream.
- Red Potato Salad: A vibrant and flavorful potato salad made with red potatoes, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs.
Conclusion
Classic Potato Salad is a timeless favorite that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy and tangy flavors, comforting familiarity, and easy preparation, it’s a dish that’s sure to be a hit at picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or preparing a side dish for a holiday meal, this potato salad is a winner. Don’t forget to try out the variations and customizations to make it your own. Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious Classic Potato Salad!