Get ready to taste a classic reimagined! The Best Potato Salad is a creamy, tangy, utterly satisfying side dish that brings everyone back for seconds. It’s built on tender Yukon Golds, a luscious mayo-mustard dressing, crunchy celery, and red onion, with farm-fresh eggs and a pop of dill to tie it all together. Every bite sings with balance and comfort—no summer picnic, family BBQ, or cozy weeknight dinner is complete without The Best Potato Salad on the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk building blocks! The magic of The Best Potato Salad lies in fresh, simple ingredients, each chosen for a very good reason. Every item adds unique flavor, texture, or color, coming together for pure potato salad bliss.
- Yukon Gold potatoes: These golden beauties have a naturally buttery taste and hold their shape—perfect for a creamy, not mushy, salad.
- Mayonnaise: The base of the dressing, bringing luscious creaminess and rich flavor to every forkful.
- Dijon mustard: For that hint of sharpness and gentle heat—just enough to wake up your taste buds.
- Apple cider vinegar: The secret weapon for balancing richness with bright, subtle tang.
- Sugar: Helps round out the acidity and brings all the flavors into harmony.
- Salt: Absolutely essential to enhance the potatoes and the whole salad.
- Black pepper: Lends just a hint of spice for depth and warmth.
- Celery: Add irresistible crunch and a refreshing flavor to every bite.
- Red onion: For a pop of sweetness, color, and a mild bite.
- Hard-boiled eggs: These add incredible richness and substance that makes this salad feel truly special.
- Fresh dill: Provides a clean, herbal punch—the classic finishing touch.
- Paprika (optional): Sprinkled on top, it gives a lovely splash of color and subtle smokiness.
How to Make The Best Potato Salad
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes Just Right
Start by placing your cubed Yukon Gold potatoes in a large pot, covering them with cold water. Don’t forget a generous pinch of salt—this little step seasons the potatoes from the inside out. Bring it all to a gentle boil, then simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender but still hold their shape, usually 10 to 12 minutes. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and let them cool slightly so they don’t turn your dressing runny.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Creamy Dressing
While the potatoes are cooling, it’s time for the magic sauce! In a roomy bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and dreamy. This blend is where The Best Potato Salad truly gets its personality—creamy with a subtle zing and a gentle sweetness you can’t get enough of.
Step 3: Gently Combine the Salad
Once your potatoes have cooled just enough, add them to the bowl along with the diced celery, red onion, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and fresh dill. Using a large spatula or spoon, carefully toss everything together so each bit is coated in that luscious dressing, but try not to mash the potatoes. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or even a splash more vinegar to suit your palate.
Step 4: Chill for Ultimate Flavor
Transfer the salad to your favorite serving bowl, cover it, and refrigerate for at least an hour. This simple patience game lets all the flavors marry and mellow—the key to unlocking what truly makes this The Best Potato Salad.
Step 5: Add the Final Touches
Right before serving, sprinkle the top with paprika for extra color and a breath of smoky aroma, if you’d like. Now all that’s left is to dig in and watch it disappear!
How to Serve The Best Potato Salad
Garnishes
Nothing completes The Best Potato Salad like a few smart garnishes. A dusting of paprika is a classic for good reason—it adds a splash of cheerful color and brings out the richness of the dressing. Fresh dill sprigs, extra chopped eggs, or even a scatter of chives can also take your salad’s gorgeous look (and flavor) up a notch.
Side Dishes
This potato salad shines as the star side at picnics and cookouts. It pairs beautifully with barbecue ribs, grilled chicken, burgers, or a stack of veggie kabobs. Serve it with sandwiches, roasted meats, or add a crisp green salad for a lighter meal. The Best Potato Salad is a team player, ready to complement almost any spread!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn heads by serving The Best Potato Salad in a vibrant serving bowl, or try spooning it into individual mason jars for grab-and-go picnic portions. For a fun twist, create a DIY potato salad bar with bowls of crispy bacon, pickles, extra herbs, and hot sauce, so guests can customize each scoop. Presentation makes the experience just as memorable as the flavor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll keep perfectly for up to three days, and the flavors get even cozier overnight. For best results, give it a gentle stir before serving again to reincorporate any dressing that’s settled.
Freezing
While the freezer is wonderful for many leftovers, The Best Potato Salad isn’t one of them. The creamy dressing tends to separate and the potatoes can go grainy after thawing. For peak flavor and texture, stick with fresh or refrigerated servings.
Reheating
Potato salad is meant to be enjoyed cold, so there’s no reheating required! If you’d like it less chilled, let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving, but skip the microwave to preserve its creamy texture.
FAQs
What type Side Dish
Yukon Gold potatoes are the absolute favorite for The Best Potato Salad because they have a buttery flavor and just the right firmness. They won’t fall apart after boiling, and their creamy texture delivers perfect results every time.
Can I make The Best Potato Salad in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, making The Best Potato Salad at least one day ahead gives the flavors plenty of time to meld, resulting in an even more delicious side dish. Just be sure to store it tightly covered in the fridge.
How can I add extra flavor to my potato salad?
Feel free to experiment! Extras like chopped pickles, capers, or a spoonful of relish bring a tangy bite, while smoked paprika or bacon add bold layers. The Best Potato Salad is endlessly customizable to suit your taste.
Is The Best Potato Salad gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written! Just check that your mayonnaise and mustard are labeled gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
How do I keep my potato salad from getting watery?
Be sure to let your cooked potatoes cool and drain thoroughly before mixing with the dressing. Excess water can make the salad runny, so a little patience while cooling really pays off for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a backyard bash or simply craving comfort food, The Best Potato Salad is always a good idea. It’s a recipe that delivers classic flavor with a cozy, modern twist—so gather your ingredients, share with those you love, and let every bite remind you why it’s called The Best Potato Salad.
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The Best Potato Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic potato salad recipe is a must-have for picnics and gatherings. Creamy Yukon Gold potatoes are combined with a flavorful dressing and crunchy vegetables for a delicious side dish.
Ingredients
Potato Salad:
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- Paprika for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Place cubed potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, add salt, and boil until fork-tender.
- Prepare Dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix potatoes, celery, onion, eggs, and dill with dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, then garnish with paprika before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding chopped pickles or relish.
- Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape well and provide a creamy texture.
- Best served chilled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
