Classic American Potato Salad
A quintessential creamy potato salad, perfect for picnics and BBQs, featuring tender potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, crisp celery, and a tangy dressing. This recipe is a beloved American classic.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 lbs Potatoes(Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best as they hold their shape well.)
- 4 Large eggs(For hard-boiling.)
- 2 stalks Celery stalks(Finely chopped for crunch.)
- 1 cup Mayonnaise(Full-fat mayonnaise for the best creamy texture.)
- 2 tbsp Yellow mustard(Adds a classic tang.)
- 1/4 cup Dill pickles(Finely chopped. Sweet or dill pickles can be used based on preference.)
- 1 tsp Salt(Or to taste.)
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper(Freshly ground, or to taste.)
- 2 tbsp Optional: Fresh dill or parsley(Chopped, for garnish and added freshness.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the potatoes: Wash the potatoes thoroughly. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water by about an inch. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until a fork can be easily inserted into the largest potato with little resistance. Drain the potatoes and let them steam dry in the colander for a few minutes. While still warm (but cool enough to handle), peel the potatoes if desired, and cut them into bite-sized cubes (about 3/4-inch).
⏱️ 25 minutes - 2
Prepare the eggs and vegetables: While the potatoes are cooking, hard-boil the eggs. Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 10-12 minutes. Drain and immediately plunge into ice water to stop the cooking. Peel the eggs and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the celery stalks and the dill pickles.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 3
Make the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, chopped pickles, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined and smooth.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Combine and season: Add the warm, cubed potatoes, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and chopped celery to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together until the potatoes and eggs are evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the potatoes. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Chill thoroughly: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably longer, to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill completely. Chilling overnight will result in even better flavor.
⏱️ Minimum 2 hours - 6
Serve: Before serving, gently stir the potato salad. Garnish with fresh chopped dill or parsley, if using. Serve cold.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For best results, use starchy or all-purpose potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes, as they hold their shape better when cooked and cubed.
- ✓Seasoning the potatoes while they are still warm helps them absorb the flavors more effectively.
- ✓Allowing the potato salad to chill for several hours, or even overnight, significantly enhances the flavor as the ingredients meld together.
- ✓Adjust the amount of mayonnaise and mustard to your personal preference for creaminess and tanginess.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky, savory flavor.
- Incorporate chopped red onion or chives for an extra layer of flavor and color.
- For a German-style potato salad, use a vinaigrette base with bacon fat and vinegar instead of mayonnaise.