Hi friends! I’m Darian and today I’m sharing my go-to simple potato salad recipe. As a busy wife and mother of three, I love potato salad because it’s such an easy side dish for backyard BBQs, potlucks and summer picnics. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser with its creamy dressing, tender potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and crunchy celery. The best part is it’s made with simple ingredients you likely have on hand!
Let me walk you through my tips for making the perfect simple potato salad, how to serve it, frequently asked questions, and why this recipe means so much to me. I hope you’ll add this classic to your summer recipe rotation – let’s get started!
Simple Potato Salad
Equipment
- 1 medium-sized bowl
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Potatoes
- 1 tbsp Mustard
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- sprinkle Paprika
Instructions
- Wash and boil the potatoes.
- Once done, drain and rinse potatoes under cold water.
- In a medium-sized bowl, add in potatoes, mayonnaise, and mustard. Give a good stir.
- Add in any other ingredients you'd like, and give another stir.
- Sprinkle with paprika.
- Cover and store in the refridgerator until ready to eat.
Video
Notes
Tips for Creamy, Tender Potato Salad
The secrets to great simple potato salad are in the prep and dressing. Follow these tips:
Pick the right potatoes. I prefer Yukon gold or red potatoes for their buttery flavor and tender texture.
Cook them perfectly. Boil until just fork-tender, not mushy. Let them cool completely before mixing.
Gently toss the dressing. Fold it in vs. stirring vigorously to keep the potatoes intact.
Chill thoroughly. At least 2 hours in the fridge allows the flavors to meld.
Add mix-ins just before serving. Hard-boiled eggs, celery, onions, etc. will get soggy if added too early.
How to Make the Perfect Potato Salad Dressing
The dressing makes all the difference! Mine has:
The creaminess of mayo. I use a combination of mayo and Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor.
The zip of mustard. Yellow mustard adds the perfect punch.
The freshness of lemon juice. Brightens up the entire salad.
The aroma of herbs. Parsley, dill, chives – use your favorites!
The crunch of celery. Finely dice some celery and add it right to the dressing.
The saltiness of brine. A bit of pickle juice balances the flavors.
The sweetness of relish. Cornichons or dill relish add nice texture.
Storing & Serving Simple Potato Salad
While simple potato salad is great on its own, you can make it a meal with:
- Sliced deli meats – Ham, turkey, or roast beef make it hearty.
- Grilled chicken or shrimp – For a protein-packed main dish salad.
- Burgers or hot dogs – What summer BBQ is complete without them?
- Macaroni salad – Mix together for a fun twist.
- Crusty bread – For dipping into the creamy dressing.
- Leafy greens – Turn it into a salad by serving over mixed greens.
Storage and Leftovers:
- Store leftover potato salad covered in the fridge for 3-5 days. The potatoes will soak up the dressing and flavors even more over time.
- You can prep the dressing and boiled potatoes in advance but wait until ready to serve before adding the eggs, celery, onions so they stay fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of potatoes are best?
I prefer Yukon gold or red, but Russets also work well. New potatoes are great in the summer!
How long should I boil the potatoes?
Cook until just fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes depending on size. Do not overcook!
Is it ok to use Greek yogurt?
Yes! I love mixing Greek yogurt and mayo for extra tang.
How far in advance can I make simple potato salad?
You can boil the potatoes and make the dressing up to 2 days in advance but add fresh mix-ins right before serving.
Simple potato salad always takes me back to childhood summers. My mom would make huge batches for backyard BBQs and trips to the lake. The cousins and I couldn’t wait to dig in! Now, I make it for my own family. My kids love scooping up bites of their favorite potato salad. It’s become a tradition I hope to pass down someday, full of happy memories. Potato salad just says summer to me! I hope this simple recipe makes some special memories for your family too.