The Ultimate Creamy Potato Salad
Ready for the yummiest potato salad recipe? This Classic Southern Potato Salad is creamy, tangy, and the perfect side for any barbie! Find out my secret for the ultimate potato salad.

- Recipe Introduction
- The Ultimate Creamy Potato Salad Recipe Card
- Ingredients & Equipment
- Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission
- Potato Salad Recipe: The Step-by-Step Lowdown
- Pro Tips for a Killer Potato Salad Recipe
- Recipe Notes: Getting the Perfect Scoop of Potato Salad Recipe
- Frequently Asked Questions
Recipe Introduction
Ever find yourself craving that classic potato salad recipe ? honestly, sometimes the simplest things are the best. this version is the yummy potato salad you remember from those summer picnics, only even better.
Forget the dry, bland stuff, this is creamy, tangy, and packed with flavour.
The Creamiest Potato Salad You'll Ever Make
This classic southern potato salad , has roots in traditional comfort food. it's a recipe that's been passed down through generations.
We aim for a difficulty level of easy. in total it takes about an hour, this recipe is a cinch to whip up, yields 6-8 servings perfect for feeding the family or bringing to a summer bash.
Why This Recipe Rocks
This original potato salad isn't just tasty; it's also got some nutritional value. it’s a fantastic source of resistant starch when chilled.
It is great at barbecues, potlucks or a picnic in the park. what makes this one special? it’s the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and subtly sweet.
Plus, that little hint of celery seed takes it over the top. ready to get started? next, is the list of ingredients!
Alright, let's dive headfirst into the heart of our yummy potato salad journey. this is where we sort out exactly what you'll need to transform simple spuds into something spectacular.
Honestly, good ingredients are half the battle!
The Ultimate Creamy Potato Salad Recipe Card

⚖️ Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled or unpeeled, and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon (5g) salt, for boiling water
- 1 cup (240ml) mayonnaise (full-fat or light)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) sweet pickle relish (or finely chopped sweet pickles)
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) celery seed (optional)
- 1/2 cup (75g) finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup (30g) finely chopped red onion
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
🥄 Instructions:
- Place cubed potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, add salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until tender (easily pierced with a fork), about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain potatoes in a colander. Let cool slightly (about 10-15 minutes) so they are easier to handle but still slightly warm.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, sweet pickle relish, black pepper, and celery seed (if using).
- Gently fold the slightly cooled potatoes into the dressing. Be careful not to mash them.
- Add chopped celery, red onion, and hard-boiled eggs to the potato mixture. Gently fold to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Longer chilling is better!
- Garnish with fresh parsley (if desired) before serving.
Ingredients & Equipment
Forget bland, boring spud salads. we're making the original potato salad , but with a little extra oomph! this potato salad recipe is all about the quality of ingredients and having the right tools.
Main Ingredients
- Yukon Gold potatoes: 2 lbs (900g) . These have a naturally creamy texture. Seriously, this is the key to great texture.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g) . Season that potato water.
- Mayonnaise: 1 cup (240ml) . Full-fat is richer, but light works too.
- Dijon mustard: 1/4 cup (60ml) . For that zing .
- White vinegar: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Adds the necessary tang.
- Sweet pickle relish: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Or finely chopped sweet pickles.
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) . Freshly ground is always best.
- Celery seed: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) . Optional, but adds a lovely depth.
- Celery: 1/2 cup (75g) , finely chopped.
- Red onion: 1/4 cup (30g) , finely chopped. Not too much, we don’t wanna overpower our salad.
- Hard-boiled eggs: 4, peeled and chopped. Essential for that classic Southern potato salad vibe.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish. Optional but adds a pop of freshness.
For potatoes, look for firm, smooth skins without sprouts or blemishes. good mayonnaise makes or breaks this, use one you really like.
This will make it a country style potato salad for sure!
Seasoning Notes
Want to make a cooked potato salad dressing ? celery seed and black pepper are your base. don't skimp! a dash of paprika can give it a smoky touch.
You can easily swap white vinegar for apple cider vinegar. it gives a slightly sweeter tang.
Worried about the flavour? A pinch of sugar can round out the dressing perfectly, balancing acidity. If you’re like me and like your salad a bit spicy, then use a dash of hot sauce in your dressing!
Equipment Needed
- Large pot: For boiling the potatoes. Obvious, innit?
- Colander: To drain the potatoes. Don't skip the draining.
- Large mixing bowl: Plenty of room for mixing.
- Sharp knife: To chop the veg.
- Cutting board: Safety first.
Honestly, you can make do with a smaller pot if you need to. just boil the potatoes in batches. a fork can stand in for a fancy potato masher if you are going for a country potato salad instead.
It’s all about what you have!
Alright, let's talk potato salad recipe ! it's gotta be creamy, flavourful, and just, well, right. we're talking the kind of yummy potato salad that everyone fights over at the barbecue.
This isn't your average, dry-as-dust original potato salad .
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission
First, gather your troops. you’ll need: 2 lbs of yukon gold potatoes, a cup of mayo, and all those lovely mix-ins.
Chop the celery (1/2 cup), red onion (1/4 cup), and hard-boiled eggs (4!). this essential mise en place makes the whole thing smoother.
Time-Saver Tip: Peel your potatoes the day before if you're feeling lazy. Seriously, it makes a difference. Pop them in water in the fridge. Safety first! Watch the fingers.
Potato Salad Recipe: The Step-by-Step Lowdown
- Boil those spuds. Cut 2 lbs Yukon Golds into 1-inch pieces. Pop them in salted water. Add 1 teaspoon salt. Simmer for 15- 20 minutes , til fork-tender.
- Drain 'em and let them cool a bit. Like, 10- 15 minutes .
- Whisk up your dressing. In a big bowl, mix 1 cup mayo, 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons white vinegar, 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and 1/4 teaspoon celery seed.
- Gently fold the spuds into the dressing. Don't mash them!
- Add your mix-ins. Celery, red onion, and hard-boiled eggs. Gently fold again.
- Chill out! Cover it. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Longer is better .
- Serve it up! Garnish with parsley.
Pro Tips for a Killer Potato Salad Recipe
Honestly, the best classic southern potato salad lives or dies by the potatoes. don't overcook 'em! they should be tender, but not mushy.
Country style potato salad is all about that perfect potato texture.
Common Mistake: Overmixing! Be gentle. You’re not trying to make mashed potatoes.
Make-ahead magic: this country potato salad is always better the next day. make it the night before. the flavours meld beautifully.
You can also prep the cooked dressing for potato salad and refrigerate that too. this makes an easy potato salad with egg , especially if you have the boiled eggs ready too!
You know, my gran's southern potato salad with egg was always the star of our picnics. this recipe is my attempt to recreate that magic.
So go on, give it a whirl! i would sometimes sub in cooked potato salad dressing , it changes the flavour, but it is a tasty alternative.

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Recipe Notes: Getting the Perfect Scoop of Potato Salad Recipe
Honestly, this potato salad recipe is pretty foolproof. but here's a few extra bits 'n' bobs to help you nail it every time.
I've even included some little tweaks i've learned over the years – little secrets, you know?
Serving This Yummy Potato Salad
Right, so you've made this glorious country style potato salad . now what? don't just chuck it in a bowl, luv! a nice presentation makes all the difference.
I like to pile it high on a platter and sprinkle it with some extra fresh parsley for a pop of colour.
For a real barbecue bash, serve it alongside grilled burgers or sausages. a classic combo, innit? and a crisp green salad cuts through the richness nicely.
You could even try a classic southern potato salad twist by adding a sprinkle of paprika on top.
Storing Your Southern Potato Salad With Egg
This stuff's even better the next day. Seriously. Store your Original Potato Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll happily keep for 3-4 days.
Freezing isn't really recommended. The mayonnaise tends to separate, and it gets a bit watery. Nobody wants a watery Country Potato Salad , do they?
Reheating isn't necessary. This potato salad recipe is best served chilled. A refreshing side for a warm day!
Time for a Change: Variations On Your Potato Salad Recipe
Fancy a little change, eh? I get it. Sometimes you want to spice things up.
Dietary Adaptations: Swap out regular mayo for a low-fat version to lighten it up. Or use a vegan mayo for a totally plant-based Cooked Potato Salad Dressing .
Seasonal Swaps: In the summer, throw in some fresh chopped dill for an extra zing. In autumn, try adding some roasted butternut squash for a sweeter, earthy flavour.
Nutrition Deets: Is It Good For You?
Okay, let's be honest, this isn't exactly health food. But it's not the worst thing in the world either!
A serving has roughly 350 calories. it has some protein from the eggs and some carbs from the potatoes. the easy potato salad with egg offers some nutrients, but it’s best enjoyed in moderation.
Key health benefits: comfort food at its finest! a delicious cooked dressing for potato salad .
It’s a delicious way to enjoy a summer meal.
So there you have it. my tips for making the absolute best potato salad recipe you've ever tasted. give it a go and let me know what you think.
I reckon you'll absolutely love it! honestly, the try to understand what the user is looking for when they use this keyword is to make it simple and tasty, so here's your chance to shine!

Frequently Asked Questions
How can I stop my potato salad recipe from being bland and boring?
Nobody wants a flavourless potato salad! The key is in the dressing and the seasoning. Don't be shy with the Dijon mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Adding a touch of sweet pickle relish or celery seed also boosts the flavour profile, giving it that je ne sais quoi. Remember to taste as you go and adjust to your liking. Think of it like giving your spuds a proper spa day!
What are the best potatoes to use for a potato salad recipe, and how do I cook them perfectly?
Yukon Golds are brilliant for potato salad because they have a creamy texture and hold their shape well. Red potatoes are also a solid choice! Avoid Russets; they can get too starchy and fall apart. When boiling, start them in cold, salted water and cook until they're easily pierced with a fork but not mushy – about 15-20 minutes. It's a bit like Goldilocks – not too hard, not too soft, but just right.
Can I make potato salad ahead of time, and how long will it last in the fridge?
Absolutely! Potato salad is often even better the next day as the flavours have a chance to properly mingle. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will last for 3-4 days. However, be mindful of mayonnaise-based salads; always check for any off smells or appearances before tucking in. Better safe than sorry, eh?
I'm trying to eat healthier. Are there any lighter variations of this potato salad recipe?
You bet! You can lighten things up by using light mayonnaise or even swapping half the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt (though it will be a bit tangier). Add more veggies like chopped bell peppers or cucumbers for extra nutrients and crunch. You can also reduce the amount of potatoes and increase the proportion of other ingredients to lower the overall calorie count. It's all about finding that balance between tasty and wholesome!
What are some creative additions I can add to my potato salad recipe to make it unique?
Fancy taking your potato salad up a notch? Consider adding crispy bacon bits for a smoky flavour, some chopped dill pickles for an extra tang, or even a handful of fresh herbs like dill, chives, or parsley. A sprinkle of smoked paprika can also add a lovely depth. Just remember to balance your flavours and not go overboard – it's a potato salad, not a kitchen sink!
How can I make a vegan version of this potato salad recipe?
Making a vegan potato salad is a doddle! Simply substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayonnaise alternative. Most supermarkets carry several brands. Omit the hard-boiled eggs, or replace them with cubed, firm tofu for added protein. Add some Kala Namak (black salt) for an eggy flavour! With a few simple swaps, you can enjoy a creamy and delicious plant-based potato salad that even the carnivores will enjoy.
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