Old Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe

Tips And Tricks For Making The Best Potato Salad

Try not to overcook the potatoes. You dont want them to be super soft. They need to hold up and still have a little bite .

Be sure the potatoes and eggs are fully cooled before adding them to the salad.

For a super flavorful potato salad, you can add fresh dill, bacon, and cheese.

Prefer a potato salad without eggs? This recipe can be made exactly as written without the eggs.

Classic Old Fashioned Potato Salad

This old fashioned potato salad recipe is creamy with mayonnaise, tangy with mustard and crunchy with celery and onion. Perfect for any back yard bbq or Summer pot luck thrown your way. This is a classic American style potato salad recipe.

This is the classic potato salad that I grew up on. Its a 3rd generation old fashioned recipe passed down from my great grandmother, grandmother and my mother. Its a southern potato salad recipe thats just what youd expect as a classic.

Its been a Summer side dish for years for grilled burgers, ribs and my favorite grilled chicken recipe. Its simply Summer perfect.

Classic potato salad is one of those true comfort food side dishes that brings with it memories of family gatherings, and Summer outdoor picnics or bbqs.

When I think of potato salad, I think All-Americansummerpicnicsback yard BBQs But is Potato Salad really All-American? From what I read on a Google search, our cold mayonnaise based version was surely inspired by German immigrants who served their German potato salad warm and with vinegar.

Our version, a creamy sauce wrapped around a dependable American potato just cant be beat.

How Long To Boil Potatoes For Potato Salad

This recipe for Old-Fashioned Potato Salad instructs you to boil unpeeled potatoes in salted water until they’re tender but still firm. You’ll drain them and let them cool a bit, then peel and chop into bite-sized pieces. Depending on how large your potatoes are, boiling could take between 10 to 15 minutes or more. Start testing for doneness at about 10 minutes by piecing a potato with a sharp paring knife. If it slides in easily all the way to the center of the potato, the potato is cooked and ready to drain.

Flavor-boosting tipPotatoes have a very mild flavor on their own that’s why you add salt to the boiling water. To add even more flavor to the boiled potatoes, lay them out on a rimmed baking sheet after peeling and chopping, and while they’re still warm. Sprinkle them with a little vinegar, salt, and pepper. Let the potatoes cool until they’re not steaming anymore, then proceed with the rest of the recipe.

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How To Make The Best Potato Salad

This classic potato salad is the one I grew up on. Its the recipe my Grandma Mary Jane originally made, then passed down my mom, aunts, and cousins, and me and my sister. Its accompanied burgers, grilled ribs, and every other favorite summer dinner recipes under the sun.

As favorite family recipes do, its a food memory none of us can, or want to, forget. It shows up at nearly every BBQ, picnic or good old fashioned supper soirée at my house, and its one Im proud as punch to share when I go to others homes as well. And its extremely popular with readers who love it all year round, at Thanksgiving and Christmas too. Who knew? Looks like this recipe has found its Southern potato salad roots.

So now its your turn to give it a try. Heres how to make the best potato salad ever. Lets get started

Recipe Notes And Tips

• You can make more and the rule of thumb is: for every potato used, use the same amount of eggs.
• I like to hard boil eggs in my Instant Pot pressure cooker, they always turn out perfect and the shells peel right off!
• You can use Miracle Whip salad dressing if you like, keep in mind it’s sweeter than mayo so you may want to adjust the sugar accordingly and to taste.
• Chill for several hours or overnightso the flavors have a chance to meld.
• I like to dust with paprika before serving.

This traditional potato salad is no-frills and simple and exactly why it’s so dang good. It tastes just like the Amish potato salad at my neighborhood deli counter here in Missouri, and they have like 6 different kinds of potato salad! I definitely see why Herb loves this so much, and thank you Jeannie for showing us how to make it right! Kelly

Looking for more side dishes for your next potluck or gathering?

• Easy Baked Beans takes canned beans to the next level with just a few added ingredients, including bacon and brown sugar.
• Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a classic southern side dish.
• Cajun Macaroni Salad, another classic side dish with a spicy Cajun twist.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my Newsletter and come hang out with me on , or give me a follow on or see what Im pinning on .

Read Also: Loaded Baked Potato Salad Recipe

Old Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe

I honestly cant imagine summertime gatherings without a good potato salad side dish. While everyone has their own take on it, this classic recipe proves you just dont need fancy ingredients or complicated directions to make the best tasting potato salad. Its loaded with tender cooked potatoes, relish, eggs and a perfectly seasoned creamy, dreamy dressing.

This easy potato salad recipe is always a crowd pleaser, not only because it tastes absolutely amazing but also because its the perfect companion to just about any main dish. You can serve it with anything from Hot Dogs and Hamburgers to Pulled Pork or Ham and Cheese Sliders, you just cant go wrong!

Best Potatoes For Potato Salad

I use good old russet potatoes when I make Southern Potato Salad. Ive also used red other potato salad recipes like my Bacon Ranch Red Potato Salad and Lemon Herb Red Potato Salad and new potatoes for my Grandmas Authentic Swabia Style German Potato Salad.

I love reds and whites because you can eat the skins. You do have to peel russets but they hold their shape the best which is why I love them in potato salad. Each of these will hold their shape when you boil them.

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Can You Freeze It

I have read that it is possible to freeze potato salad, although I have never tried it myself and Im not sure I would recommend it. It seems to me like the freeze/thaw process could alter the smooth, creamy texture of the dressing and maybe cause it to separate.

But if you do choose to try it, be sure to thaw it in the fridge rather than at room temperature, to keep it in that safe temperature range.

How To Make Southern Potato Salad

• Boil the potatoes: Peel and dice your potatoes into bite sized pieces. Watch until they are just fork tender dont overcook or they will become mushy. Boil, drain, and set aside to dry.
• Make the dressing: While the potatoes are drying and cooling, mix the dressing in a large mixing bowl. Taste and add more mustard or mayo, or maybe more pickle relish. Add the potatoes and stir to coat with the dressing, then fold in the celery, onions, eggs, and potatoes to the large bowl with the dressing and gently stir everything together.
• Cover and chill until youre ready to serve. Sprinkle paprika on top for color.

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Tips For Making This Old Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe

How To Cook Potatoes For Potato Salad

One of the biggest potato salad controversies is do you cut potatoes before boiling for potato salad? My mom says, no.

My mom cooks her potatoes whole with the skin on. I follow her lead, or will quarter them before cooking. The other method to cooking the potatoes is peeling and cutting the potatoes before cooking as suggested in the comments below. But, my mom says that method allows the potatoes to absorb more water, and so I do what mama says.

To cook the potatoes, add them to cold water and bring to a boil and reduce to medium heat, rather than adding the potatoes to hot, boiling water. Boil the potatoes until fork tender and the skin just begins to crack, about 20-25 minutes.

Another cooking method a reader suggests is steaming the potatoes in 1 inch of water for 30 minutes, which works too. Just be sure to watch you dont boil your water away and burn the pan.

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Whats In Potato Salad

I spent many a summer afternoon making and taste testing this salad alongside my amazing mama, just like she did with hers. In fact, Ive made it so many times I dont even need the recipe. You know a recipe is that good when you know it by heart.

Heres the ingredients youll need for this classic potato salad:

• Yukon gold potatoes
• kosher salt and fresh ground pepper

What Is Amish Potato Salad

Just like regular potato salad, Amish potato salad is a delectable dish made of potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and a creamy dressing.

What sets it apart is that its dressing has a deeper flavor. Its made with a combination of eggs, vinegar, milk, mustard, mayonnaise, and butter.

Its slightly sweeter, tangier, and has a more complex flavor than classic potato salad dressing, which is usually just mayonnaise.

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Ingredients You’ll Need For A Classic Potato Salad

Heres what you will need to make this classic potato salad recipe:

• Yukon gold potatoes – Yukon Gold potatoes come out soft and smooth. You can also use russet or redskin potatoes if you prefer.
• eggs– If youd prefer a potato salad without eggs, simply omit them.
• mayonnaise – I like to use regular mayonnaise, but if you need a lighter option you can use light mayonnaise or Miracle Whip.
• salt and pepper – Kosher salt or sea salt and freshly cracked pepper are my favorites.
• mustard – You can use any kind of mustard, including spicy or whole grain.
• sweet relish – I usually use a sweet relish, but a dill relish works too. You can also chop up your favorite pickles.
• onion – I typically buy a yellow onion or white onion for this recipe, but you can use red onion, green onion, or shallot instead.
• celery– If celery isnt your thing, you can use green bell pepper instead.
• sugar– Sugar is necessary for this recipe, so dont skip it or replace it with a sugar substitute.

If you like, you can make it fully loaded by adding chopped bacon and shredded cheese. Some fresh dill or other herbs will bring lots of extra flavors. Potato salad with dill is an excellent flavor I always recommend.

For a vegan potato salad, skip the eggs and use a vegan mayonnaise of your choice.

Easy Potato Salad Recipe

I can’t get enough of the classic summer sides. From pasta salad to macaroni & cheese to baked beans, there’s just something so perfect about the classics.

I’ve been making this potato salad recipe for over 10 years, but a few years ago I started using my Instant Pot to cook the eggs and potatoes at the same time.

Don’t worry, if you still want to use the stove top method, that’s okay! I include the directions for that as well.

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How To Make Potato Salad:

1. Boil the potatoes. Place the whole, unpeeled potatoes in a large pot of water. Bring the water to a boil, then simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Peel potatoes, if desired, and cut them into 1 inch chunks.

2. Make the dressing. Add egg yolks, mayonnaise, buttermilk, mustard, a splash of pickle juice, and salt and pepper, to a bowl and mix together.

3. Mix dressing and potatoes.

4. Add egg whites, celery, onion, and pickles.

5. Stir well and refrigerate.

Cut And Boil The Potatoes

Step 1: Cut and Boil the Potatoes. Rinse the potatoes under cold running water. Then cut potatoes and dice them into approximately 2-inch cubes, leaving the skin on if desired.

Place the diced potatoes into a dutch oven or stockpot, then add enough cold water to cover them. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Bring the potatoes to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork tender.

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Three: Combine The Salad Ingredients And Serve

• Drain and let the warm potatoes cool so they hold their shape longer.
• In large bowl, add the tender potatoes, celery, and diced onion to the mayonnaise mixture. Using a large spoon, fold in the chopped eggs.
• Transfer the potato mixture to a salad bowl and sprinkle paprika on top.
• Cover and refrigerate a couple hours.

Why You’ll Love Homemade Potato Salad

This recipe is a classic-style potato salad, complete with eggs, mustard, mayonnaise, relish, onion and celery. Its one you are going to love!

• Its so quick and easy to make. You can do it on the stove or in the Instant Pot.
• You can make large quantities pretty easily, so its perfect for large gatherings.
• Do you have picky eaters and you’re looking for a potato salad recipe without eggs? You can leave the eggs out without having to make any other adjustments.

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Kitchen Tools You May Need

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You can find my favorite essentials can be located on my . While I often try to link to the exact products you see in my photos and videos, my pieces are usually vintage and thrifted. However, I try to find and connect replicas as much as possible, made in the USA or by other small shops, as I believe in supporting hardworking American families.

• Dutch Oven the most useful kitchen essential just might be enameled cast iron dutch oven. This is my favorite dutch oven, from boiling potatoes for making potato salad.

• Steamer Set this is my go-to kitchen tool for making hard-boiled eggs.

• Serving Bowl hand turned, these bowls are reminiscent of what grandma would have served her homemade potato salad in.

What Type Of Potato Is Best For Potato Salad

We use white potatoes, or Yukon Golds, in our familys recipe. Because they have a thinner skin, theyre easy to peel after boiling and taste creamier, a little sweeter, and hold their shape well after cooking. Avoid using starchier potatoes like russets that too easily turn to mush in salads like this.

Also remember to choose potatoes of the same size for the most consistent cooking.

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How To Cook Potatoes And Eggs On The Stove

If you dont have or dont want to use an Instant Pot for your potatoes and eggs, you can make them on the stovetop.

After the potatoes have cooled completely, youre ready to add them to your potato salad.

By Step Instructions How To Make The Best Potato Salad

Be sure to see the recipe card below for complete ingredients and instructions.

• Step 1: How To Cook Potatoes for Potato Salad: Rinse potatoes and cut out any unsightly spots. Theres no need to peel the potatoes. You can peel them once they are cooked if you simply dont want the peel for appearance reasons. Add enough cold water to cover the potatoes by a couple of inches. Slowly bring the potatoes to a simmer over medium heat. Add about a 1/2 cup salt. Dont let them come to a hard boil. We dont want them bouncing and bumping all over the place, just a good simmer. Watch them closely. If you cook them too long, youll have mashed potatoes when you mix the salad, not enough and youve got that raw potato taste.
• Step 2: Drain potatoes in a colander: How do I know when potatoes are done? Insert a sharp knife into one of the potatoes. When it slides out easily and feels tender. The potatoes are done enough for potato salad. Remember, when you drain them in the colander, theyre so hot, theyll continue to cook for a few minutes more. Heres where you can decide to leave skins on or off. The skins will peel off easily since theyre cooked. With a sharp knife very coarse chunk them while theyre sitting in the colander.

Pro Tip: Hard Boiled eggs will slice cleaner if theyve been sitting in the refrigerator for a couple of hours after boiling. Plan accordingly.

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