How to Make the Classic Potato Salad
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To me the classic potato salad needs to have the right balance of sweet and savory, creamy, tender yet firm potatoes, and not an overload of mayonnaise. Let me show you How to Make the Classic Potato Salad. This is your new go to version.
A reader asked about the potato salad in the background of a photo from My Oven Fried Chicken (KFC Copycat) recipe that I posted the other day. I looked on the site and realized I never have posted this one for you guys, so here it is!
The classic potato salad is always one dish you can rely on to be at that family potluck, picnic or party.
This is my go to version and I love to use red potatoes, but you can also use Yukon Gold or russet if you prefer.
I think the sweet relish adds that extra touch and I like to soak the red onion in water for a bit so it takes the bite out of the onion and isn’t over powering.
Classic yellow mustard is most often used, but you can substitute dijon if you like a little extra kick, too.
Celery gets diced small and hard boiled eggs get cut in half and each quartered. I don’t like little bits of hard boiled egg and feel this cut makes for a good feel and visual.
A simple sprinkle of paprika on top and you’re ready to serve.
Great as a side dish for potlucks, lunches, dinners, picnics and big Game Day parties, this Classic Potato Salad hits all the right flavor notes.
This goes great with my BBQ Ribs, Balsamic Roast Pork Tenderloin, or Citrus Honey Grilled Chicken. Enjoy!
How to Make the Classic Potato Salad
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lbs potatoes cut into 1/2" cubes (See Note 1)
- 2 celery ribs sliced
- 1 cup red onion small dice (See Note 2)
- 4 hard-boiled eggs
Dressing
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp sweet relish
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard (See Note 3)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp celery seed
Instructions
- In large pot of heavily salted cold water bring peeled potatoes (See Note 1) to a boil. Reduce heat to medium or a light rolling boil and cook for 12-15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender.
- Drain and place diced potatoes in large bowl. Allow to cool to room temperature.
- Slice celery, set aside. After cutting the red onion, cover with cold water and let soak for 15 minutes, then drain. Cut hard boiled eggs, set aside.
- In a small bowl whisk together mayonnaise, cider vinegar, sweet relish, sugar, mustard, salt, garlic powder, pepper and celery seeds.
- Add celery and onions to potatoes, pour dressing over all and mix well. Gently stir in eggs. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour for flavors to meld.
- Sprinkle paprika on top for garnish (optional) and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Some use russet potatoes, that get peeled. I like to use red potatoes or yellow (Yukon Gold) and keep the skins on. Both options are wonderful.
- After cutting the red onion I cover with cold water and let soak for 15 minutes, then drain and use. This takes the raw bite flavor out of them.
- For a little extra kick, substitute with dijon mustard
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
The addition of diced cucumber and / or crisp bacon to your potato salad produces an American potato salad I have made for 50 years here in NZ.
I’m all about the bacon, thanks for the added tip Maggie!
Another winner recipe for my family Kevin!!!!! This potato salad recipe is amazing and packed with protein from hard boil eggs. It is also loaded with flavor from red onions, celery and great spices. Also, it is very light on the Mayo, which is a must for me. This is a recipe I will make and bring to parties and potlucks for sure! Whenever I bring a recipe I made from Keviniscooking website, it is always to hit of the party! Thank you Kevin!!! You have changed the way I cook!!! My family loves you!!!!
Got lots more for you and the gang over there Mary! Thanks for coming back to let me know here. Cheers!
Kevin, I want to call you out on something here. This is not a “classic” potato salad. Is it absolutely fantastic, over the top, delicious-looking, wonderful, amazing, pièce de résistance of a potato salad! Man, I want some!
Funny when I first read your comment I thought, OK, here’s another reader about to tell me how they have the classic (recipe) and I’m incorrect! Thanks for the kind words friend. Hope that 7 course meal you guys had the other evening was tasty. Looked pretty good to me! Cheers friend. 🙂
I have not made potato salad in a long time – your version looks so delicious!
Thanks so much Miriam, hope this finds you doing well friend! 🙂
We’re simpatico on criteria for a stellar potato salad – this one looks just perfect!
Thanks so much Marissa! In between rain and sun here I wish I had a break and could play up in the snow your having! 🙂