Here’s a classic Potato Salad recipe that’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish for any meal!
Classic Potato Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup pickles or relish, chopped (optional)
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
- Fresh herbs (like dill or parsley) for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Cook the Potatoes:
- Wash and peel the potatoes (if desired). Cut them into uniform chunks (about 1-2 inches).
- Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the potatoes are tender but not falling apart, about 10-15 minutes. You can test doneness by piercing a potato with a fork; it should slide in easily.
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Drain and Cool:
- Once cooked, drain the potatoes in a colander and let them cool for about 10-15 minutes. You can also spread them out on a baking sheet to cool faster.
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Prepare the Dressing:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Mix until smooth.
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Combine Ingredients:
- Once the potatoes have cooled, add them to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold the potatoes into the dressing until well coated.
- Add the chopped celery, red onion, pickles or relish (if using), and hard-boiled eggs (if using). Gently mix until everything is combined.
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Chill:
- Cover the potato salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. It can be made a day in advance for even better flavor.
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Serve:
- Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips:
- Potato Varieties: Yukon Gold potatoes are creamy and hold their shape well, while red potatoes have a waxy texture. You can also use Russet potatoes, but they may become a bit mushy.
- Additions: Feel free to customize your potato salad with ingredients like chopped bell peppers, green onions, or bacon bits for extra flavor.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Enjoy your Classic Potato Salad! It’s a delicious and satisfying dish that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!