The Best Classic Potato Salad Recipe for Summer Gatherings

Crafting the perfect classic potato salad demands a delicate balance of creamy textures and vibrant flavors that dance on your palate.

Summer gatherings call for this timeless dish that brings everyone together around the table.

Crisp potatoes mingle with tangy mayo, creating a symphony of comfort and nostalgia.

Crunchy celery and fresh herbs add unexpected depth to each memorable bite.

Simple ingredients combine to create something magical that feels both familiar and exciting.

Chopped green onions provide a subtle kick that makes this recipe stand out from ordinary side dishes.

Prepare to wow your guests with a potato salad that tells a delicious story of tradition and love.

What Makes Classic Potato Salad Timeless

• Crowd-Pleasing Charm: Packed with classic ingredients like eggs, pickles, and herbs, this recipe appeals to all ages, from kids to grandparents, ensuring everyone at the gathering will enjoy a familiar, comforting flavor.
• Prep-Ahead Perfection: The salad tastes even better after chilling, allowing flavors to blend, which means you can make it in advance for potlucks, picnics, or weekend barbecues without last-minute stress.

Classic Potato Salad Essential Ingredients

• Potatoes: Starchy and hearty vegetables that form the foundation of this classic salad.
• Eggs: Provide protein and a creamy texture to the potato salad.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that binds all ingredients together.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy and sharp flavor to the salad.
• Lemon Juice: Brings brightness and helps balance the rich ingredients.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky and slightly sweet flavor.

• Red Onion, Celery: Provide crunch and a sharp, fresh flavor to the salad.
• Dill Pickles: Add a zesty and tangy element to complement the creamy base.
• Chives: Offer a mild onion-like flavor and a pop of green color.

How to Make Classic Potato Salad

Step 1: Prepare Potatoes

Wash the potatoes thoroughly and place them in a large pot of cold water.

Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.

Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until they’re fork-tender but not falling apart.

Carefully drain the potatoes in a colander and let them cool completely at room temperature.

Step 2: Create Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• Fresh lemon juice
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend the ingredients until smooth and well combined, creating a tangy and creamy base for the salad.

Step 3: Chop Supporting Ingredients

• Red onion
• Dill pickles
• Fresh chives
• Celery
• Hard-boiled eggs

Ensure all ingredients are cut into consistent, bite-sized pieces for even distribution.

Step 4: Combine Salad Components

Gently fold the cooled potatoes and chopped ingredients into the creamy dressing.

Use a soft spatula to mix, ensuring each potato is evenly coated without breaking the delicate pieces.

Step 5: Chill and Develop Flavors

Cover the potato salad and refrigerate for at least one hour.

This resting time allows the flavors to meld and intensify, creating a more delicious and harmonious dish.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the potato salad from the refrigerator, give it a gentle stir, and serve chilled.

Garnish with extra chives or a sprinkle of paprika for added visual appeal.

Pro Tips for Classic Potato Salad Success

• Use waxy potato varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes and cut them into uniform chunks for even cooking.
• Refrigerate boiled potatoes before mixing to keep the salad's texture firm and prevent mayonnaise from becoming runny.
• Add a splash of pickle juice or apple cider vinegar to boost the tangy notes in the dressing.
• Keep potato salad chilled and consume within 3-4 days for the best taste and food safety.
• Prepare the salad a day in advance to allow flavors to develop and blend more intensely.

Variations on Classic Potato Salad to Try

• Vegan Potato Salad: Replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo, use silken tofu for eggs, and add nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
• Greek-Inspired Potato Salad: Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt, add feta cheese, kalamata olives, and fresh oregano.
• Herb-Packed Potato Salad: Increase fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and basil, and add roasted garlic for depth.
• Spicy Southwest Potato Salad: Mix in jalapeños, cilantro, cumin, and replace regular mustard with chipotle mustard for a kick.

Serving Suggestions for Classic Potato Salad

• Picnic Perfect Plating: Serve chilled in a large glass bowl to showcase the colorful ingredients and create an appetizing presentation.
• Protein Power-Up: Pair with grilled chicken, pulled pork, or barbecue ribs for a complete and satisfying summer meal.
• Garnish Glow: Sprinkle extra chopped chives, a dash of paprika, or crispy bacon bits on top for added texture and visual appeal.
• Side Dish Companion: Excellent alongside burgers, hot dogs, and other classic cookout favorites for a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution.

How to Store Classic Potato Salad Safely

• Transfer potato salad to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Avoid freezing potato salad as mayonnaise-based dressings separate and become watery when thawed, compromising texture and taste.
• Enjoy potato salad cold, as reheating will break down the creamy mayonnaise and make the potatoes mushy. Let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to take off the chill.
• Always keep potato salad chilled below 40°F, especially during outdoor events or picnics. Use a cooler with ice packs to maintain safe temperature and prevent bacterial growth.

FAQs

• Are boiled potatoes better than roasted potatoes for this recipe?

Boiled potatoes work best because they absorb dressing evenly and maintain a soft, creamy texture without getting crispy or losing their shape.

• Can I make this potato salad ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe actually improves when made 1-2 days in advance, allowing the flavors to blend and develop more depth in the refrigerator.

• What type of potatoes should I use?

Waxy potatoes like Yukon gold or red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and don’t crumble when mixed with the dressing.

• Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?

Not required, but recommended. Peeling helps the potatoes absorb the dressing better and creates a smoother, more uniform texture in the salad.

Classic Potato Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Potato salad perfection blends creamy textures with zesty flavors, creating a timeless summer side dish. Crisp vegetables, tangy dressing, and perfectly boiled potatoes combine in a crowd-pleasing classic you’ll crave at every backyard gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) potatoes
• 6 hard boiled eggs
• 2 stalks celery
• 1 small red onion
• 3 medium dill pickles

Sauce and Dressing Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon pepper
• 0.25 cup (4 tablespoons) chives

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Instructions

1. Submerge whole potatoes in salted water and simmer for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender, ensuring they maintain structural integrity without becoming mushy.
2. Drain potatoes immediately and spread on a cooling rack, allowing steam to escape and preventing waterlogging, then cool to room temperature.
3. Whisk mayonnaise, dijon mustard, and lemon juice in a spacious mixing vessel, creating a creamy, tangy base with balanced acidity.
4. Season the dressing with paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, whisking until smoothly incorporated.
5. Dice cooled potatoes into uniform bite-sized cubes, maintaining consistent texture throughout the salad.
6. Finely mince red onion, chop dill pickles, slice celery, and roughly chop hard-boiled eggs into precise pieces.
7. Gently fold prepared vegetables and eggs into the creamy dressing, ensuring delicate coating without breaking potato chunks.
8. Sprinkle fresh chives across the surface for a vibrant garnish and subtle onion undertone.
9. Refrigerate salad for minimum 60 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and develop deeper complexity before serving chilled.

Notes

• Ensure potatoes are cooked until just tender to prevent mushiness, avoiding overcooking which leads to a watery texture.
• Chill potatoes completely before mixing to help them absorb dressing without breaking apart and maintain firm structure.
• For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, reducing calories while maintaining creamy consistency.
• Consider making this salad a day ahead, as flavors develop and intensify when allowed to marinate overnight in the refrigerator.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 470 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2.5 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 155 mg