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Home » Classic Potato Salad

Classic Potato Salad

May 24, 2020

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Featuring the perfect texture, creaminess and balance of flavors, this classic potato salad recipe is simply the BEST!  Whether you enjoy it at home or take it on a picnic or to a potluck, this is sure to be a hit!

potato salad recipe best homemade classic creamy pickles eggs mayonnaise

Classic Potato Salad Recipe

Potato salad is one of those dishes practically everyone claims they have the best recipe for.  (I know, dangling participle.  But the grammatically correct way just sounds so darned highfalutin!)   But most potato salads are downright uninspiring.  In my experience most of them are either too dry, too wet, too mushy, not salty enough, lack flavor, and are just overall bland.

This creamy Classic Potato Salad features the perfect balance of textures and flavor and is a potato salad you can feel proud to show off at your next barbecue, picnic, potluck or family dinner!

potato salad recipe best homemade classic creamy pickles eggs mayonnaise

Before we get to the recipe, let’s dispel a commonly held belief about potato salad and food poisoning, because the two get thrown together a lot.

Myth-buster:  Despite common belief that the mayonnaise is the culprit, the fact is that mayonnaise can actually help inhibit the growth of food-borne bacteria because of its high acidity level (vinegar, lemon juice, salt).  Plus store-bought mayonnaise is highly pasteurized.  So when you hear about potato salad having caused food poisoning, what actually caused it?

Usually it’s the protein-based ingredients added to the salad like chicken, ham, tuna, eggs, or even the potatoes themselves.  Cooked starchy vegetables like potatoes can be an incubator for bacteria if not stored properly.  Another reason for bacteria growth has to do with the preparation of the potato salad – it involves a lot of hand contact with the ingredients (eg, chopping, dicing, slicing).  So the takeaway here is to just wash your hands and the vegetables thoroughly, use a clean working surface, and store your potato salad properly and you can wave goodbye to food poisoning.

potato salad recipe best homemade classic creamy pickles eggs mayonnaise

How to Make Classic Creamy Potato Salad

Let’s get started!

Chop the onions, celery and pickles and place them in a large mixing bowl.

combining the pickles onions and celery

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sauce ingredients.

making the mayonnaise sauce

Add the potatoes and chopped eggs to the mixing bowl along with the mayonnaise mixture.

Carefully stir the ingredients together until combined being as careful as you can not to break up the potatoes too much.

stirring together the ingredients

Let the salad refrigerate for at least a couple of hours before serving.

This salad gets better and better the longer it sits and is fantastic the next day!

Enjoy!

stirring together the ingredients

 

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potato salad recipe best homemade classic creamy pickles eggs mayonnaise

Be sure to try these other delicious salads!

  • Chicken Salad
  • Creamy Coleslaw
  • Macaroni Salad
  • Crunchy Broccoli Salad
  • Freezer Slaw
  • Waldorf Salad
  • Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Salad
  • Broccoli Pasta Salad
  • Thai Quinoa Salad

 

potato salad recipe best homemade classic creamy pickles eggs mayonnaise

BEST Classic Potato Salad

Kimberly Killebrew
Wonderfully creamy with the perfect texture and balance of flavors, this classic potato salad is sure to get rave reviews!
Print Recipe
4.84 from 18 votes
Prep Time 15 mins
Chill Time 2 hrs
Total Time 15 mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 687 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 3 pounds firm yellow potatoes , scrubbed and boiled with skins on in lightly salted water (do not overcook or the potatoes will be mushy), then peeled and left to cool completely before slicing
  • 1/3 cup chopped dill pickles (can use sweet pickles if you prefer)
  • 2 large celery stalks , chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion , chopped
  • 4 large boiled eggs , chilled and then chopped
  • For the Mayo Sauce:
  • 2 cups mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons brown mustard
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Sliced the cooled potatoes into 1/4 inch rounds. Place in a large mixing bowl along with the chopped vegetables and eggs.
  • To make the Mayo Sauce, combine all the ingredients in a medium-sized bowl.
  • Pour the sauce over the potato salad and stir very carefully until combined, being as careful as you can not to break up the potatoes too much.
  • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving, preferably longer. This potato salad gets better the longer it sits. It's fabulous the next day.

Nutrition

Calories: 687kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 57g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 140mg | Sodium: 862mg | Potassium: 1085mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 432IU | Vitamin C: 50mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 3mg
Keyword Potato Salad
Tried this recipe? We'd love to see it!Mention @daringgourmet or hashtag #daringgourmet

Originally published on The Daring Gourmet on Jul 18, 2015

 

 

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Filed Under: Affiliate, All Recipes, America, Disclosure, Food, Gluten Free, North America, Salads, Side Dishes, Vegetarian Tagged With: celery, gluten free, mayonnaise, pickles, potato salad, potatoes, salad, vegetarian

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46 Responses

  1. PW says

    July 28, 2020 at 5:34 am

    A big hit! Wasn’t sure about the pickles at first, but added them because all the recipes of yours I have tried are fantastic. Glad I didn’t leave them out! The family was raving – even the ones who don’t like potato salad.

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      July 28, 2020 at 7:54 pm

      I’m so happy it was a hit, PW, thanks so much for your feedback and compliment! :)

      Reply
  2. Shelleyrae says

    June 10, 2020 at 12:08 am

    This is my dad’s recipe. His preference was 1) no sugar and 2) instead of vinegar, he always used dill pickle juice. Now that he is no longer with us, I always substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayo, and garnish with fresh dill: yum.

    Reply
  3. El says

    June 9, 2020 at 9:11 pm

    Sorry, but self made cooking and bought mayo? Hey it takes not even 10 mins to make your own and generate taste. Try the salad with pieces of Frankfurter sausage..

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      June 9, 2020 at 11:42 pm

      And are those Frankfurter sausages self made as well, El? ;)
      I said nothing about bought and I would certainly encourage the use of homemade mayo for those who wish to make it.

      Reply
  4. Jean Moore says

    June 9, 2020 at 12:21 pm

    I completely agree with everything in this recipe except the dill pickles. This is just like my mother’s recipe except she used sweet pickles or sweet relish. It is absolute creamy goodness!

    Reply
  5. Chef zacki Murphy says

    June 9, 2020 at 10:06 am

    When I had a NC BBQ restaurant in NYC, I only used chopped sweet pickles. This is a more southern way of making potato salad. I prefer to use little red potatoes for color.

    Reply
  6. Sandra says

    May 31, 2020 at 2:46 pm

    I would love to give this a try! Looks amazing!!

    Reply
  7. Sara Welch says

    May 28, 2020 at 12:07 pm

    This is summertime staple in our house; so delicious! Looking forward to enjoying this all season long!

    Reply
  8. Cathy says

    May 27, 2020 at 2:26 pm

    The pickles give this such a delicious kick!

    Reply
  9. Beti says

    May 27, 2020 at 6:28 am

    I would love some of this delicious potato salad for lunch!! YUM!!

    Reply
  10. katerina says

    May 27, 2020 at 6:27 am

    I LOVE a classic! This looks incredibly delicious!!

    Reply
  11. Catalina says

    May 26, 2020 at 11:41 pm

    I am drooling over this potato salad. This is exactly what I need for lunch today!

    Reply
  12. Beth Pierce says

    May 26, 2020 at 1:46 pm

    This looks so delicious and flavor filled! My family loves this recipe! Thanks!

    Reply
  13. RJ Unsinn says

    May 11, 2020 at 1:27 am

    I cannot agree with your statement that “my main complaint with most potato salads is that they’re just too darn dry”. My experience has been just the opposite. That is, the vast majority of commercial potato salads (restaurants or from grocery store/delis) are “just to darn slimy and swimming in mayonnaise”. I grew up in the American Midwest where potato salad is a staple of almost every family. No self respecting “home chef” would make the “slop” that commercially prepared brands sell in stores or restaurants.

    The trick is to use “just the right amount” of mayo and other “saucy ingredients” (mayo, mustard, etc.) The end result should be pleasantly moist but not swimming in sauce (as are most commercial potato salads).

    Reply
  14. Wilco says

    October 11, 2019 at 8:32 am

    Hi, great recipe. I never would have thought to put eggs in it, but that is a very good idea. I personally put an apple in there also for a sweet crunch. Try it, it works. Also, do you not put any salt in there? Furthermore I put the cooked, peeled and sliced – still warm potatos in some bouillion, and let it cool down totally. Drain the acces bouillion and mix ot with the veg. and sauce. Viola!

    Reply
  15. Rayna Huckleberry says

    September 3, 2019 at 7:58 pm

    5+ Rating, btw!

    Reply
  16. Katie says

    April 12, 2019 at 4:50 am

    Omg! This is definitely the best potato salad Ive ever made! So tasty!

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      April 13, 2019 at 7:51 am

      Wonderful, Katie, thank you!

      Reply
      • Rayna J Huckleberry says

        September 3, 2019 at 7:57 pm

        How many calories, carbs, protiens, fat would you say this is per serving?

        Reply
  17. Sharlene Hunter says

    January 29, 2019 at 4:38 pm

    Absolutely delicious!! Flavor full & creamy as! Lots of fresh ingredients & the kids love it (always a winner), I plan on bringing some into work to share the joy & recipe!

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      January 29, 2019 at 6:44 pm

      Wonderful, Sharlene, I’m so glad you all enjoy it, thank you!

      Reply
  18. grayslady says

    June 16, 2018 at 4:46 pm

    I just finished making this for the sixth or seventh time, and it occurred to me that I have never thanked you for this recipe. It is foolproof! Always popular with friends. It’s one of those recipes that requires following it to the letter in order to get the very best taste and, of course, making it up the day before. I’ve never been quite sure what you mean by “brown mustard” so I usually just use a Dijon mustard, which is my favorite for salad dressings. Thanks again.

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      June 17, 2018 at 5:46 am

      Thank you, grayslady, I’m so glad you like it and appreciate the feedback! This is one of our family favorites as well. Brown mustard brown mustard simply leaves the bran on the seeds which results in a slightly coarser texture than yellow mustard but Dijon is an equally good choice. Thanks again, Kimberly

      Reply
  19. Andrea says

    January 18, 2018 at 2:57 pm

    I have recently discovered your site and the recipes I have tried so far are absolutely fabulous. I have a friend who makes an amazing potato salad but won’t share the recipe – or any for that matter! This potato salad was delicious, my family loved it and it rivaled her recipe. I am a big fan of sharing recipes and cooking tips, you successfully do both – thank you.

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      January 18, 2018 at 4:47 pm

      I’m so happy to hear that, Andrea, you’ve made my day – thank you!

      Reply
  20. Monica says

    February 23, 2017 at 4:15 am

    Hi Trish, I’m searching for a cooked mayonnaise that doesn’t contain sugar. It’s savory and very rich tasting. A local Danish deli serves thieir potato salad slathered in this deliciousness but they won’t disclose their recipe other than to say it contains white wine vinegar and they cook it each morning. The potato salad is simply potatoes, hard-cooked eggs, finely minced white onion and celery and their homemade mayo. Any ideas?

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      February 25, 2017 at 9:13 pm

      Hi Monica, have you tried Julia Child’s recipe? It’s a cooked mayonnaise made with white wine vinegar and contains no sugar. If you Google it you’ll easily find the recipe. You’ll have a delicious batch whipped up in no time :)

      Reply
  21. Kelly Jenkins says

    May 28, 2016 at 2:04 am

    This is the exact recipe my mom used. The only difference is that we always mashed the potatoes.

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      May 31, 2016 at 6:21 am

      Hi Kelly, I’ve never had a mashed potato salad before but it sounds intriguing! Are the potatoes completely mashed? Or I’m assuming just smushed a bit?

      Reply
      • Kelly Jenkins says

        May 31, 2016 at 1:44 pm

        You make them just like you are making mashed potatoes for dinner then you add the mayo, mustard and other things. It’s really good. Of course everyone thinks their mom’s is the best.

        Reply
        • pam says

          August 6, 2016 at 11:48 pm

          That’s how we always made our potatoe salad.by mashing the potatoes.I’m 62 yes old from cut and shoot tx.I’m part native american.my family loves potatoes salad that way.

          Reply
  22. Carron Ingham says

    August 15, 2015 at 10:08 am

    Kimberley…the best potato salad I have ever had. I have always enjoyed my mother’s recipe but your recipe was so good that I will be making it in the future. Thank, once again, for a yummy recipe.

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      August 15, 2015 at 9:41 pm

      Fantastic, Carron, that is a compliment indeed, thank you! :)

      Reply
  23. Sandra says

    August 5, 2015 at 1:51 pm

    This was deeeeeelish!! Thank you!!

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      August 5, 2015 at 2:02 pm

      That’s wonderful, Sandra, so glad you enjoyed it and I appreciate the feedback!

      Reply
  24. Karen B says

    July 25, 2015 at 7:47 pm

    1/3 cup dill pickle?

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      July 25, 2015 at 7:52 pm

      Thanks for catching that, Karen! Yes, 1/3 cup.

      Reply
  25. Katrina says

    July 25, 2015 at 7:22 pm

    I made this today and it was terrific! Definitely a keeper, thank you!

    Reply
  26. Toffeeapple says

    July 23, 2015 at 10:30 am

    My partner brought home a supermarket one recently, it was very nasty. When I used to make them, I would often simply use a vinaigrette sauce, especially on slightly warm potatoes.

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      July 23, 2015 at 10:33 am

      I don’t know why it is, but often store-bought potato salad has an almost slightly fishy taste to it! Yes, if you check out my Swabian Potato Salad it’s a vinaigrette-based one.

      Reply
  27. Kate Lewis says

    July 20, 2015 at 10:20 am

    This looks sooooooo yummy, can’t wait to try it!

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      July 20, 2015 at 10:22 am

      Awesome, Kate, let us know what you think!

      Reply
  28. Cori Landon says

    July 20, 2015 at 8:00 am

    I couldn’t agree more with your assessment of the average potato salad. For whatever reason I haven’t made one in years. Will definitely try yours.

    Reply
  29. Trish Yearsley says

    July 19, 2015 at 8:57 pm

    Okay, Kimberly, I made this last night to eat today and I have to be honest with you…it really IS the best potato salad I’ve had! :) We all loved it and I will be keeping this recipe to make again and again. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      July 20, 2015 at 7:46 am

      I’m super happy to hear that, Trish! I’m glad it was a hit and really appreciate your feedback!

      Reply

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kimberly killebrew the daring gourmet

Welcome!  I’m Kimberly and I share delicious originals, revitalized classics and authentic dishes from around the world.  Come travel the world through your taste buds!

Amazon Affiliate Disclosure:
The Daring Gourmet is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.  As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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