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Classic Potato Salad Recipe

A Classic Potato Salad Recipe might be the most iconic dish at an American barbecue. Especially in the midwest, if there’s not potato salad it isn’t a proper party in the summer. This recipe comes to you straight from my mother-in-law, who is our family’s go-to potato salad pro (among many other things), and also one of my favorite people.

Homemade Potato Salad Recipe

All hail the potato salad. This is another one of those dishes I had NO time for love for when I was growing up, but once I tried my mother-in-law’s version it was all over.

This is a simple potato salad with just a few ingredients in the sauce, and in this case simplicity is best.

We also omit the raw onion because I don’t know who made raw onion a thing in salads, but they can keep it, and we’re also in a fight. Raw onion only belongs on a street taco, as far as I’m concerned, and that’s why you won’t see it in many recipes around these parts. COOKED onion, I’m all for, and in large amounts, but raw is not my thing (and probably no cooked onion in potato salad either if we’re being real.)

What’s the best kind of potato for potato salad?

I prefer red or yellow potatoes for potato salad. Russet potatoes are too starchy, and don’t stay together well enough after cooking.

How long should you boil potatoes for potato salad?

Boil potatoes just until they are fork tender. Too long, and they’ll fall apart when you dice them.

Can you use Miracle Whip instead of mayo?

I don’t recommend using Miracle Whip in place of mayo in this recipe, but I’m not the boss of you and if you love Miracle Whip, do your thing.

Is it better to boil potatoes whole or cut them up for potato salad?

If your potatoes are large, cut them into quarters before boiling. If they are small, just leave them whole.

Can you dress the potatoes while they are still warm?

Since we’re using a mayo-based sauce, you definitely want to chill the potatoes for a bit before dressing or the heat from the potato can break down the mayo.

How salty should the potato water be for potato salad?

The potatoes are going to get a big boost of flavor from the water they are cooked in, so make sure your water is well-salted. Like VERY salted. It won’t all be absorbed into the potatoes, and potatoes are dense and relatively large. When you taste the water it should be a little saltier than sea water. In a big 8 quart stock pot, I add 1/3-1/2 cup of kosher salt.

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More great BBQ Side Dishes!

Potato Salad shopping list

Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  • red & yellow potatoes
  • eggs
  • celery
  • mayonnaise
  • apple cider vinegar
  • salt & black pepper
  • paprika
  • mustard powder

Don’t miss our Traeger Smoked Potato Salad too!

How to make Homemade Creamy Potato Salad

This is just the overview so you can see what you’re actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.

1

Boil & Prep

Bring a pot of well-salted water to boil, and cook the peeled potatoes until they are fork tender. Drain well.

Hard boil your eggs and then place in an ice bath to chill. Peel.

Chop both the potatoes and the eggs into bite-sized pieces.

Toss them in the fridge so they can chill. You don’t want to dress steaming hot potatoes with mayo dressing or bad things can happen.

2

Mix the sauce

Combine all the sauce ingredients in a large salad bowl. Taste and adjust according to your personal preferences.

3

Combine

Gently combine the cooled potatoes, eggs, celery (if using), and salad sauce.

4

Chill

This salad needs to chill for at least 2-3 hours. Overnight is better!

5

Enjoy

Sprinkle with some green onions, if desired, and serve chilled.

Want a great pasta salad recipe? Try this 4-ingredient Caprese Pasta Salad from Entertaining Diva!

How about our Loaded Baked Potato Salad?

Potato Salad FAQ

How do you store leftovers?

Store potato salad leftovers covered in the fridge. Make sure to keep your salad chilled if it is on a buffet line. You’ll need to cover it, put the bowl in an ice bath, and remove to the fridge or cooler once people are through the line. Potato salad cannot be unchilled longer than 1-2 hours, MAX.

How long does potato salad keep?

This should be eaten within 2-3 days after preparing.

Are there any substitutions for mayo?

Nope! There are no substitutions in this recipe for mayo. This is not a low-calorie meal. This is all carbs and creamy fat and calories. Enjoy, or don’t, but don’t try and clean up a creamy potato salad because you’re kind of defeating the purpose.

Try this with our Smoked Pulled Pork sandwich!

More Backyard BBQ Favorites

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Yield: 12 servings

Classic Potato Salad Recipe

Classic Potato Salad Recipe

This classic potato salad recipe is simple, and my favorite version of the ever-popular salad made from potatoes!

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes

Ingredients

Salad

  • 3 pounds red and yellow potatoes
  • 8 hard boiled eggs
  • 1 cup finely diced celery (optional)

Sauce

  • 2 1/2 cups real mayonnaise (Duke's or Hellman's/Best Foods are my favorites!)
  • 2-3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (NOT smoked)
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder

Instructions

  1. Boil your potatoes in well-salted water. It should taste a little saltier than sea water when it is properly salted. Cook until fork tender, but not falling apart.
  2. If your eggs aren't already hard-boiled, do that now. (Want a great recipe for hard boiled eggs? Check out this one from My Baking Addiction!)
  3. Drain your potatoes and dice into bite-sized pieces.
  4. Mix together all of the sauce ingredients and taste. Adjust according to your own preferences.
  5. Peel and cut the eggs into bite-sized pieces. Place the diced potatoes and the eggs into a large bowl along with the celery (if using). Gently mix in the sauce.
  6. Chill for 2-3 hours, minimum until it is time to serve.

Notes

This is a saucey potato salad, intentionally. If you like it a little drier, you can omit some of the sauce. We like it saucey.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 402Total Fat: 38gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 30gCholesterol: 144mgSodium: 431mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 6g

Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate.

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Nicole Johnson
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Nicole Johnson, a self-taught expert in grilling and outdoor cooking, launched Or Whatever You Do in 2010. Her blog, renowned for its comprehensive and creative outdoor cooking recipes, has garnered a vast audience of millions. Nicole's hands-on experience and passion for grilling shine through her work. Her husband, Jeremiah Johnson, also plays a pivotal role in recipe development, adding his culinary flair to the mix. Together, they form a dynamic duo, offering a rich and varied outdoor cooking experience to their followers.

Dan EVANS

Friday 12th of April 2024

Raw onions belong in potato salad as far as I’m concerned, everyone has an opinion. My mother made the best potato salad, and now my wife continues on with the same recipe. When we have neighbors over for barbecues they always ask if we’re having potato salad

Nicole Johnson

Saturday 13th of April 2024

I am a raw onion hater - so we'll have to disagree there. It is one of those things where you either love 'em or HATE 'em, and if you hate 'em they basically ruin whatever they are in. I'm finally coming around to a few raw white onions on street tacos, but that's about it. You're welcome to add some to this if that's your thing! I always encourage people to make these recipes their own.

MacKenzie

Monday 15th of August 2022

Just made this recipe, it’s so simple and delicious. Reminds me of the potato salad my mom used to make. Will be making again. Thank u

k

Saturday 13th of August 2022

I haven't had potato salad in forever! But man, did this hit the spot! I had forgotten how good eggs can be in potato salad (celery IMO, not optional. Totally adds great texture!)

Genevieve

Friday 12th of August 2022

This was super easy, tasty, and creamy! They were a hit. Thank you!

Glenda

Friday 12th of August 2022

A summer staple at our house. Delicious! Thanks for sharing your recipe!

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