Ultimate Potato Salad Recipe

There's something truly magical about a bowl of homemade potato salad, chilled to perfection and brimming with creamy, tangy goodness. With each forkful, you get a delightful mix of tender potatoes, crunchy celery, and a rich dressing that feels like pure comfort.

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I still remember my first attempt at making potato salad for a summer barbecue. Nervous but excited, I followed a family recipe, and from the very first bite, I knew it would be a dish I'd return to time and time again. This ultimate potato salad is not only incredibly easy to make, but it's also budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for every occasion.

Get ready to dive into a classic that never goes out of style.

Why You'll Love This Ultimate Potato Salad

Get ready to fall head over heels for a side dish that's about to steal the show. This ultimate potato salad is everything you want and more.

First, it’s unbelievably simple to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you'll have a dish that's ready to impress without any fuss.

Next, it's the perfect make-ahead option. This potato salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Ideal for prepping before a big party or picnic.

Affordability is another huge win. Potatoes, eggs, and pantry staples are all you need, making this a wallet-friendly addition to any meal.

And let's not forget its incredible versatility. You can easily tweak the ingredients to match your preferences, whether you like it extra creamy, a bit spicy, or loaded with extras like bacon or pickles.

This ultimate potato salad will quickly become your go-to for potlucks, picnics, and family dinners.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this potato salad lies in its straightforward, yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in creating that classic flavor we all know and love.

Potatoes are the foundation of this recipe. I recommend using Yukon Golds for their creamy texture and buttery flavor. They hold their shape well after boiling, giving the salad just the right consistency.

Mayonnaise forms the base of the dressing, adding richness and a silky smoothness that coats every bite. I love using a good-quality, full-fat mayo for the best flavor and mouthfeel.

Mustard brings a pop of tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the mayo. A little Dijon mustard or classic yellow mustard works wonders to balance the flavors.

Celery and red onion add a refreshing crunch and a slight sharpness. These ingredients provide the textural contrast that keeps each bite exciting.

You'll also need a large pot for boiling the potatoes, a big mixing bowl, and a sturdy spoon for gently folding everything together without breaking up the potatoes too much.

How To Make This Ultimate Potato Salad

Whipping up this potato salad is as easy as it gets, but a few simple techniques will ensure it turns out perfect every time.

Start by peeling and cutting your potatoes into even, bite-sized chunks. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the potatoes. Cook them until just tender — about 10-12 minutes. Be careful not to overcook; you want them tender but not falling apart.

While the potatoes are cooking, prepare your dressing. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, a splash of vinegar, salt, and pepper. This creates a creamy, tangy base that will soak into the warm potatoes beautifully.

Once the potatoes are done, drain them and let them cool slightly. It's important to add the dressing while the potatoes are still a little warm; this way, they absorb all that flavor. Gently fold the potatoes into the dressing until well coated.

Stir in the diced celery, red onion, and chopped hard-boiled eggs. Fold gently to avoid mashing the potatoes too much. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary — a little more salt or a pinch of sugar can make all the difference.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours before serving. The chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set up perfectly.

In total, expect to spend about 30 minutes active time, with a few hours of chilling. The result is well worth the wait: creamy, tangy, slightly crunchy perfection in every bite.

Storage Options

Potato salad stores beautifully, making it a fantastic make-ahead dish. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 4 days.

If you're transporting it for a picnic or party, keep it chilled on ice to maintain food safety. Potato salad should not sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

To rehydrate leftover salad that's become a little dry, stir in an extra spoonful of mayonnaise or a splash of milk before serving. This brings back its creamy texture and vibrant flavor.

Avoid freezing potato salad, as the mayonnaise can separate and the potatoes can become grainy after thawing.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about potato salad is how endlessly customizable it is. Feel free to put your own spin on it.

For extra richness, you can add a few slices of crumbled crispy bacon. It brings a smoky, savory depth that's downright irresistible.

If you prefer a little heat, try stirring in some finely chopped jalapeños or a spoonful of horseradish. A subtle kick can take this classic to a whole new level.

Adding chopped dill pickles or a splash of pickle juice introduces a briny tang that's bright and refreshing. It's especially great if you like a punchier flavor.

For a healthier twist, swap out half of the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. You'll still get that creamy texture but with a lighter, tangier taste.

No matter how you tweak it, this ultimate potato salad is all about making it your own. Experiment with flavors, have fun, and enjoy every delicious bite.

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