Name: Delicious Potato Salad for Perfect Summer Gatherings
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds Russet Potatoes (peeled and cut into ¾-inch cubes); 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt (for boiling water); ¼ cup Distilled White Vinegar (or apple cider vinegar); 1 cup Mayonnaise (homemade is preferred); 1 cup Celery (finely chopped); ½ cup Dill Pickle Relish (or sweet pickle relish); ½ cup Red Onion (finely diced); ¼ cup Parsley (chopped); 2 tablespoons Yellow Mustard (or Dijon mustard); ½ teaspoon Black Pepper (to taste); 1 teaspoon Onion Powder; 4 large Hard-Boiled Eggs (chopped)

As I tossed the creamy mixture into a bowl, a wave of nostalgia washed over me—reminders of summer afternoons spent with family, laughter echoing around backyard barbecues. This Classic American Potato Salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a heartwarming staple that will easily become your go-to for sunny days and friendly gatherings. With its delightful blend of russet potatoes, crisp celery, and zesty dressing, this potato salad is not only quick to whip up but also freezer-friendly! Plus, it’s fully customizable—feel free to throw in your favorite ingredients for a personal touch. What variations will you try to make this dish your own? Let’s dive into the recipe!

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Why is this Potato Salad a Must-Make?

Comforting Familiarity: This potato salad brings back memories of sun-soaked picnics and family barbecues; it’s a dish that everyone loves.

Customizable Delight: Easily adapt this recipe with your favorite ingredients, whether it’s crispy bacon bits or sweet apple chunks.

Simple Preparation: Quick to prepare, it’s a breezy addition to your summer gatherings—spending more time with loved ones and less in the kitchen!

Crowd-Pleaser: With its creamy texture and balanced flavors, this dish is sure to please both family and friends, complementing grilled meats and sandwiches effortlessly.

Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to two days! Check out more make-ahead ideas like this Garlic Parmesan Potato to round out your menu.

Potato Salad Ingredients

• Dive into the world of flavor with these essential ingredients for the best classic potato salad!

For the Salad

Russet Potatoes – The star of your dish, they’re high in starch for that creamy texture.
Kosher Salt – Enhances flavor during cooking; be generous when boiling!
Distilled White Vinegar – Adds a tangy kick; substitute with apple cider vinegar if you prefer.
Mayonnaise – Creates that beloved creaminess; homemade is always a delightful upgrade!
Celery – Offers the perfect crunch; chop finely for an even mix.
Dill Pickle Relish – Infuses sweetness and tang; you can also use sweet pickle relish!
Red Onion – Provides flavor and texture; finely dicing helps it blend well.
Parsley – Freshness and lovely garnish; chives or dill can be used for a twist.
Yellow Mustard – Adds a subtle tang; swap it for Dijon for a sharper flavor.
Black Pepper – Essential seasoning for a flavorful boost.
Onion Powder – Brings umami depth to the overall flavor.
Hard-Boiled Eggs – Introduces richness; chop them into small bits for thorough mixing.

This classic potato salad combines a wealth of flavors, celebrating the essence of home-cooked meals. Enjoy experimenting with these ingredients as you make it your own!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Classic American Potato Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Begin by peeling the russet potatoes and cutting them into ¾-inch cubes for even cooking. Place the cubed potatoes in a large saucepan and cover them with cold water, ensuring the water is about an inch above the potatoes. This initial step is crucial as it helps the potatoes cook evenly, resulting in a creamy texture for your classic American potato salad.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
Heat the saucepan over high heat until the water reaches a rolling boil. Once boiling, generously add kosher salt to the water and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook the potatoes for about 8-10 minutes, or until fork-tender; you’ll know they’re ready when a fork easily pierces the cubes without resistance. Drain the potatoes thoroughly afterward to eliminate excess moisture.

Step 3: Marinate with Vinegar
After draining, return the warm potatoes to the pot and drizzle in the distilled white vinegar. Gently toss the potatoes to ensure they are evenly coated, allowing the warm cubes to soak up the tangy flavor. Let them marinate for approximately 20 minutes; this step enhances the potato salad’s overall taste and ensures a deliciously rich flavor profile.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinated potatoes with mayonnaise, finely diced celery, dill pickle relish, diced red onion, chopped parsley, yellow mustard, onion powder, and hard-boiled eggs. Stir gently but thoroughly to mix all ingredients, adjusting seasonings with salt and black pepper to suit your taste. This step ensures that every bite of your classic American potato salad is bursting with flavor and texture.

Step 5: Chill and Serve
Once fully mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the potato salad for at least one hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making your dish even more delicious. Before serving, garnish the top with additional parsley or finely chopped celery for a burst of freshness. Now, your classic American potato salad is ready to be enjoyed!

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Potato Salad Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to elevate your potato salad with these delightful twists that will sprinkle in new flavors and textures!

Dairy-Free: Replace mayonnaise with a vegan mayo or a mixture of tahini and lemon juice for a creamy, plant-based option.
Herb-Infused: Add fresh dill or chives for a burst of herby freshness; they complement the potatoes beautifully and offer a delightful twist.
Creamy Avocado: Incorporate diced avocado instead of mayonnaise for a rich, creamy texture with a hint of nuttiness. It also brings a beautiful green hue!
Zesty Kick: Mix in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a flavorful heat that’ll awaken your taste buds.
Protein Boost: Stir in crispy bacon bits or shredded rotisserie chicken to make the potato salad more hearty and satisfying. Your guests will love this addition!
Sweet Surprise: Toss in some finely chopped apples or pineapple chunks for a sweet contrast, which pairs wonderfully with the tangy dressing.
Southern Twist: Add smoked paprika to bring a warm, smoky flavor that perfectly complements summer barbecue vibes.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle in some toasted pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture that adds depth to each bite.

If you’re in the mood for refreshing salads to accompany your potato salad, try making a delicious Cucumber Chicken Salad or a vibrant Broccoli Cauliflower Salad. These variations will keep your summer gatherings exciting and full of flavor!

Make Ahead Options

These Classic American Potato Salad preparations are a game changer for busy weeknights! You can peel and cube the russet potatoes up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them in a bowl of cold water in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and prevent browning. Additionally, you can hard-boil the eggs and chop the vegetables (celery and red onion) ahead of time, storing them separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply follow the recipe’s mixing instructions, adding the previously prepared ingredients to the marinated potatoes. This way, your potato salad is just as delicious with minimal effort, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your summer gatherings!

Expert Tips for Perfect Potato Salad

Uniform Potato Sizes: Ensure your russet potatoes are cut into evenly sized cubes for consistent cooking, preventing any mushy or undercooked pieces.
Warm Marination: Toss the warm potatoes with vinegar immediately after draining to enhance flavor absorption and create a more delicious potato salad.
Cool Before Mixing: Allow the potatoes to cool completely before adding mayonnaise to avoid a soggy texture that can occur when warm potatoes mix with dressing.
Season Gradually: Start with a small amount of salt and pepper, and adjust to taste after combining all ingredients. Different potatoes absorb flavors differently, so taste testing is key!
Make-Ahead Benefits: Consider preparing your potato salad a day in advance; the flavors develop beautifully as they sit in the refrigerator, enhancing overall taste for your summer gatherings.

What to Serve with Classic American Potato Salad?

Embrace the essence of summer dining by complementing this creamy delight with the perfect sides and drinks that enhance every gathering.

Grilled Chicken: Juicy and smoky, it pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of the potato salad, creating a delightful contrast.
Corn on the Cob: Fresh and sweet, this summer staple adds a playful crunch to your meal, making it vibrant and fun.
Coleslaw: This tangy, crunchy side salad brings a refreshing balance, pairing perfectly with the rich flavors of the potato salad.
Watermelon Salad: A refreshing, juicy side that offers a sweet contrast, this salad lightens the meal and keeps it summery.
Barbecue Ribs: Rich, mouthwatering ribs provide a hearty, savory complement, perfect for those backyard vibes and hungry bellies.
Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing drinks that quench your thirst while providing a zesty brightness that elevates the entire dining experience.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: End your meal on a sweet note. Their comforting familiarity with its chewy texture creates a wonderful finale.

How to Store and Freeze Potato Salad

Fridge: Store any leftover potato salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The flavors deepen as it melds together, making it even tastier!

Freezer: Freezing potato salad is not recommended, as it can result in a watery texture and separation of ingredients when thawed.

Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the potato salad a day before your gathering and refrigerate it; this allows the flavors to blend beautifully, ready to wow your guests!

Reheating: Serve the potato salad cold as it’s meant to be enjoyed fresh from the fridge; simply give it a good stir before serving to refresh its texture.

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Classic American Potato Salad Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right potatoes for my salad?
Absolutely! For the best potato salad, I recommend using russet potatoes. Their high starch content gives the salad that creamy texture we all love. Look for firm potatoes without any dark spots or blemishes, as they are fresher and will cook evenly.

How should I store leftover potato salad?
Very simply, just transfer any leftover potato salad into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days. The flavors actually improve as they meld together, making it even tastier on day two!

Can I freeze potato salad?
No, it’s best to avoid freezing potato salad. When thawed, the creamy texture can become watery and the ingredients may separate. If you want to enjoy the flavors later, I suggest making it a day ahead and chilling it in the fridge instead.

What should I do if my potatoes are mushy?
If you find your potatoes are mushy, it likely means they were overcooked. For next time, keep an eye on them while boiling; they should only be cooked until fork-tender, about 8-10 minutes. If they do get mushy, you can cream them into a spread instead of serving as a salad!

Can I customize this recipe for dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! This potato salad is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free mayo and mustard. For those with egg allergies, you can omit the hard-boiled eggs or substitute them with mashed avocado for creaminess. Feel free to add your favorite ingredients to tailor it further to your dietary needs!

How long should I let the potatoes marinate with vinegar?
It’s essential to allow the warm, drained potatoes to marinate with vinegar for about 20 minutes. This step helps the potatoes soak up that tangy flavor, making your classic American potato salad even more delicious. Always toss them gently to ensure even coverage!