The Best Potato Salad Recipe

If you’re searching for the best potato salad recipe that’s creamy, tangy, and destined to earn raves at every gathering, you’ve just found your new favorite! This classic Southern-style potato salad is brimming with tender Yukon Gold potatoes, crunchy celery, hard-boiled eggs, and a pickle-forward dressing that’s full of flavor in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best potato salad recipe shines because of its simple, everyday ingredients—each one adding just the right element of texture, flavor, or color. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a single thing!

• Yukon Gold potatoes (or Klondike Goldust): These potatoes give the salad its creamy texture and naturally buttery flavor—plus, their thin skins mean less peeling work!
• Mayonnaise: The rich, smooth base of the dressing. Use your favorite brand for the best flavor.
• Sweet pickle relish: Adds a sweet-tangy pop that sets this salad apart; make sure to include the juices for extra zing.
• Yellow mustard (and a little Dijon, too): Mustard brings a touch of sharpness and color that brightens every bite.
• Apple cider vinegar: Lifts the entire dish with a hint of acidity—it’s the zip you didn’t know you were missing.
• Celery seeds: A classic potato salad secret, these tiny seeds bring gentle crunch and earthy, herbal notes.
• Paprika: For that signature color and a subtle warmth; a little goes a long way.
• Hard boiled eggs: Creamy, rich, and full of protein, they add heft and flavor—a must for any Southern-style potato salad.
• Celery: Brings fresh, green crunch throughout the salad.
• Sweet onion: Balances the richness with a delicate sweetness—dice finely for best texture.
• Fresh dill: A sprinkle of chopped dill adds garden-fresh aroma and a lovely finishing touch.
• Salt and pepper: The basics—season to taste to make every ingredient shine.

Variations

The best part about The Best Potato Salad Recipe? It’s endlessly customizable! Don’t be afraid to riff on tradition—swap, skip, or add to fit your family’s tastes, dietary needs, or whatever’s in your fridge.

• Bacon Lovers: Stir in crispy, crumbled bacon for a smoky kick and a bit of salty crunch.
• Herb Boost: Try mixing in fresh chives, parsley, or tarragon for extra garden-fresh flavor alongside (or instead of) the dill.
• Lighter Dressing: Swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier, lighter finish.
• Extra Veggies: Add diced red bell pepper or shredded carrot for a pop of color and even more crunch.

How to Make The Best Potato Salad Recipe

Step 1: Boil & Prep the Potatoes

Start by cutting your Yukon Gold potatoes into quarters—you want them about the same size so they cook evenly. Place them in a big pot and cover with cold water (about an inch above the potatoes), then bring it all to a gentle boil. Don’t forget to salt the water once it’s boiling! This makes the potatoes tasty through and through. Boil for 13–15 minutes, until they’re fork-tender—soft but not mushy.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

While the potatoes are bubbling away, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish (and its juice!), yellow and Dijon mustards, apple cider vinegar, celery seeds, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This tangy, creamy concoction is the secret sauce that sets The Best Potato Salad Recipe apart from the rest. Don’t be shy with the relish—it makes all the difference!

Step 3: Chop & Prep the Add-ins

Go ahead and peel your hard-boiled eggs (a quick tap on the counter helps), then give them a rough chop. Dice your celery for crunch, onion for subtle sweetness, and fresh dill for a fragrant herbal lift. Prepping these now means you’re ready for assembly once the potatoes are drained and slightly cooled.

Step 4: Toss It All Together

Once the potatoes are tender, drain them well. While they’re still warm, peel off any loose skins, then chop them into 1/2-inch chunks. It’s okay if they’re a bit crumbly—this helps make the salad extra creamy! Gently fold in the dressing so every bite is nicely coated, then add your eggs, celery, onion, and dill. Mix softly to keep it chunky—you want a little texture in every mouthful. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Chill to Perfection

Spoon your finished potato salad into a pretty bowl, cover tightly, and let it chill in the fridge for at least four hours (overnight is even better!). This rest gives the flavors time to meld and deepen, taking this classic side from “great” to “unbeatable.”

How to Serve The Best Potato Salad Recipe

Garnishes

For a finishing flourish, sprinkle a little extra fresh dill and a dusting of paprika across the top just before serving. This not only adds color and fragrance, but makes the salad look picnic-perfect every time. Thin slices of hard-boiled egg or a few extra celery leaves make a lovely garnish, too!

Side Dishes

The Best Potato Salad Recipe is the quintessential side for all your summer mains—think grilled burgers, smoky barbecue, sticky ribs, or simple roast chicken. It’s also fantastic alongside baked beans, corn on the cob, and a crisp green salad for a fully classic picnic spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your potato salad in a vintage mixing bowl, on a rustic wooden platter lined with lettuce leaves, or spooned into individual mason jars for grab-and-go portions at a party. For a festive touch, top each serving with a tiny gherkin or a sprinkle of microgreens to wow your guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors deepen with time, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next day. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to refresh the texture.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for The Best Potato Salad Recipe—potatoes can turn grainy and the dressing may separate. For best results, enjoy within the week and make smaller batches if you won’t need leftovers.

Reheating

Potato salad is best enjoyed chilled or at cool room temperature, but if you prefer it a bit warmer, let it sit out for 30 minutes or so before serving. Heating in the microwave isn’t recommended, as it can cause the dressing to break.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been looking for a truly crowd-pleasing side, give The Best Potato Salad Recipe a try. It’s made for memory-making moments—from summer cookouts to family reunions—and I promise, every bite is as comforting as it is celebratory. Grab your ingredients and share a bowlful with people you love!

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