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Home » Recipes » Salad Recipes

Classic Potato Salad Recipe

Published: May 9, 2020 · Modified: Nov 3, 2020 by Colleen 23 Comments

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Potato Salad is fun to get creative with, because, potatoes are just that way, and there are tons of different versions. However, this Classic Potato Salad Recipe never fails. It's always welcome at every picnic and barbecue and it's just an essential part of summer.

potato salad in a glass bowl

What Exactly is a Classic Potato Salad?

This can be a tough question because the answer is different for every family. Everyone has a recipe that their grandmothers and mothers made, and is served at family gatherings. However, in a nutshell, what we consider a classic potato salad is one that includes hard-cooked eggs, some crunch, and a mayonnaise-based dressing.

This is opposed to a German potato salad, which usually includes bacon and a vinegar-based dressing. In fact, potato salad probably originated with German immigrants to North America, then customized by creative cooks. 

Both potato salad versions are delicious, but I do lean toward the classic version if I get to choose.

Glass bowl full of classic potato salad on a red & white checkered napkin

Which Potatoes Are Best For Potato Salad?

The best potatoes for Potato salad are the waxy thin-skinned ones, for example, creamers, fingerings, new potatoes, or Yukon gold. The waxier potatoes hold their shape and texture after cooking and hold up well for a potato salad.

For potato salad, stay away from thick-skinned, starchy potatoes, such as russets. These potatoes tend to fall apart when cooked and will end up mashed, and watery. Not ideal for a potato salad. 

When shopping, look for small potatoes that are all about the same size. This way they will cook evenly.

A bowl of food on a table, with Potato salad

How To Cook The Potatoes For Salad

We don't want the potatoes to be mushy for salad, so it's important to limit the amount of water they absorb. Boiling them whole and unpeeled is a good way to do it.

And here's my trick: once the potatoes are fork-tender, drain them in a colander, and then place them back into the hot pot. Shake the pot over the still-warm stove burner for a minute to dry the potatoes out. Then place the potatoes to cool on a tray or board in a single layer, turning them every so often to reduce condensation.

Also, be sure to dry your celery and peeled eggs with a paper towel before adding them to the salad bowl.

A bowl of food on a table

What Else Goes in a Potato Salad?

Besides the potatoes, of course, your salad definitely needs some crunch. For classic potato salad, this usually means celery. However, you can also use radish, thinly sliced, or diced bell pepper.

For this classic potato salad recipe, you also need eggs, hard-boiled and chopped, both the whites and the yolks. And mayonnaise. Only real mayonnaise will do, and the classic has lots of it. A little chopped pickle lends the perfect amount of tang, and paprika is a must for garnish.

two bowls of salad on a table

Let Your Potato Salad Chill in the Fridge

Potato salad needs to be cold. It also tastes much more delicious after everything has melded together in the fridge. And even better the next day. As with any dish, potato salad should not be left out of the fridge for long, especially on warmer days. Use a cooler packed with ice for picnics.

A bowl of salad with two dishes of salad on a table

How Long Will Potato Salad Keep In The Fridge?

Mayonaisse-based potato salad with eggs will keep for three to five days in the fridge under optimum conditions. However, you may want to read this post to learn about the variables involved with keeping it food safe. Food Storage - Homemade or Store Prepared

A bowl of salad with two dishes of salad on a table

What to Serve Potato Salad With

We all know that potato salad is perfect with everything summer, picnic, and grilled. It's the side dish that you need for Saucy Barbecued Baby Back Ribs, Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Grilled Jerk Chicken Drumsticks, Chipotle BLT Cheeseburgers or Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Thighs. Just to name a few.

Two bowls of potato salad with red and white checkered napkins

 

 

A bowl of salad on a table

Classic Potato Salad Recipe

This classic recipe for potato salad is a delicious summer side dish and always a must for every picnic or barbecue.
5 from 13 votes
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Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Canadian
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 139kcal
Author: Colleen Milne

Ingredients

  • 24 small potatoes about 2 lb
  • 6 hard-cooked eggs cooled and chopped
  • 2 stalks celery thinly sliced
  • ½ cup red onion diced
  • ¼ cup dill pickle diced (about one large pickle)
  • ¾ cup real mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup chives chopped
  • paprika

Instructions

  • Put potatoes in a large pot with enough water to cover.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are fork-tender, about 20 minutes
  • Drain and allow to cool
  • Peel and cut potatoes into cubes
  • In a large bowl combine celery, onion, dill pickle, mayonnaise, mustard and salt
  • Add potatoes and hard-cooked egg, stirring gently to combine
  • Garnish with chives and paprika
  • Cover and chill for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours

Notes

If you have thin-skinned potatoes, you can choose not to peel them. Cut them right after draining so that they dry out while cooling.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 139kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 99mg | Sodium: 263mg | Potassium: 59mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 211IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @TheFoodBlog or tag #thefoodblog!

 

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ravin kumar

    May 22, 2020 at 11:24 pm

    Potatoes are my all time favorite too. It's looks so yummy and delicious.Love a good potato salad! Thanks for sharing recipe...

    Reply
  2. Kristen

    May 18, 2020 at 6:37 am

    Who doesn’t love a good potato salad recipe! It is one of my favorite dishes for summertime bbqs. Thanks for sharing your recipe, it’s always nice to switch it up a bit!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      May 18, 2020 at 7:55 am

      You're welcome Kristen. Happy barbecue-ing!

      Reply
  3. Kelly Neil

    May 18, 2020 at 4:50 am

    Everything about this post says summer! I haven't had potato salad in ages and now I have a great recipe to make for our next BBQ. Thanks so much!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      May 18, 2020 at 7:54 am

      You're welcome, Kelly! I hope you love this recipe too!

      Reply
  4. Cynthia Priest

    May 17, 2020 at 9:12 pm

    Ooh, I like the idea of adding fresh radish to a potato salad. Thanks for the recipe! My husband is a huge potato salad fan.

    Reply
  5. Sharon

    May 17, 2020 at 11:58 am

    That pickle really makes it! I know it may seen minor, but don't leave that out folks. 🙂 Thanks for another great recipe Colleen!!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      May 17, 2020 at 2:31 pm

      You're so welcome, Sharon! And I agree about the pickle 100% 😊

      Reply
  6. Julia

    May 13, 2020 at 10:32 pm

    We grew up with mashed potato salad and it was pretty basic, but delicious. Until I left home at 18, I honestly thought it was the only kind that existed...lol! But there are millions and this one looks fantastic. I love the addition of pickles, I would never ever think of that. Great recipe!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      May 17, 2020 at 2:18 pm

      Thanks Julia! I agree, there are so many great potato salad recipes. I definitely think the pickle is a must!

      Reply
  7. Sabrina

    May 13, 2020 at 12:40 pm

    Classic is classic for a reason! This is just how I remembered it but with a nice bit of texture from the onion. Great recipe 🙂

    Reply
  8. Vanessa

    May 12, 2020 at 3:55 pm

    Summer isn't summer without a good potato salad! I grew up on the German version but always loved a good homemade North American version like this. Yum!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      May 13, 2020 at 6:43 am

      Hi Vanessa, I do love the German version too. It's hard to go wrong with potato salad!

      Reply
  9. Beth

    May 12, 2020 at 8:41 am

    One of our favorites in the summer! I can't wait to have some BBQ's on the patio and make this salad! Love the addition of the pickles!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      May 12, 2020 at 9:12 am

      Hi Beth! Potato salad is essential for BBQs on the patio. Enjoy!

      Reply
  10. Liz

    May 12, 2020 at 8:10 am

    This is getting me so excited for picnic season! I love this classic side dish 🙂 Thanks for the tasty recipe!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      May 12, 2020 at 9:10 am

      You're welcome, Liz. Happy picnicking! 😀

      Reply
  11. Noelle

    May 12, 2020 at 8:08 am

    This is a classic that will never get old! Love a good potato salad, yum!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      May 12, 2020 at 9:09 am

      I agree, Noelle. Classics are classics for a reason, right?

      Reply
  12. veenaazmanov

    May 12, 2020 at 8:05 am

    Best and delicious salad option for any special day. Potatoes are my all time favorite too. Looks yum.

    Reply
    • Colleen

      May 12, 2020 at 9:09 am

      Glad you like it Veena!

      Reply
  13. Alisa Infanti

    May 12, 2020 at 7:44 am

    I think you are right. What defines classic is what you grew up on and I actually grew up on an oil and vinegar based potato salad.

    Reply
    • Colleen

      May 12, 2020 at 9:06 am

      Hi Alisa, I'm sure "your" classic is delicious too. I hope you give this one a try, though.

      Reply

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