The Best Homemade Potato Salad Recipe

For a creamy, tangy classic, try this homemade potato salad that's perfect for picnics—discover the secret to its irresistible flavor. (Based on [SUMMARY], [INSTRUCTIONS

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What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This homemade potato salad is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and full of flavor, perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll end up with a dish that’s creamy, tangy, and oh-so-satisfying.

  • It’s customizable—add your favorite herbs, veggies, or even bacon for extra flavor!
  • The recipe requires no fancy tools or techniques, making it beginner-friendly.
  • It’s a make-ahead dish that tastes even better after chilling, saving you time on busy days.

Recipe

classic american potato salad

Potato salad is a classic side dish that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings. It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds of potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best)
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill or parsley

Instructions:

  1. Wash the potatoes and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Leave the skin on for added texture.
  2. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender but not mushy.
  3. Drain the potatoes and let them cool to room temperature.
  4. In a large bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  5. Add the cooled potatoes, chopped eggs, celery, red onion, and dill or parsley to the bowl. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes:

For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise.

Equipment:

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Time:

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Cuisine:

American

Serving:

Serves 6-8

Nutrition

Homemade potato salad offers a balance of nutrients essential for a healthy diet. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.

Nutrient | Amount

Calories | 358 kcal

Total Fat | 22 g

Saturated Fat | 4 g

Cholesterol | 15 mg

Sodium | 420 mg

Total Carbohydrates | 35 g

Dietary Fiber | 4 g

Sugars | 3 g

Protein | 6 g

What To Serve With It

I love pairing my homemade potato salad with grilled main dishes, like juicy burgers or smoky ribs, because the flavors just work together. Fresh side options, such as crisp coleslaw or a simple green salad, add a nice crunch to balance the creaminess. Trust me, these combos make any meal feel special without extra fuss.

Grilled Main Dishes

When you’re grilling up a storm, this potato salad makes the perfect sidekick to just about anything hot off the barbecue. I love pairing it with juicy burgers—something about the creamy salad and smoky patty just works. Grilled chicken breasts, marinated in lemon and herbs, also shine alongside this dish. Don’t forget about ribs; the tangy potato salad balances their rich, smoky flavor perfectly. For a lighter option, grilled salmon or veggie skewers are fantastic too. Honestly, it’s hard to go wrong—this potato salad complements almost everything. Just toss it on the table, and let the grill do the rest of the talking.

Fresh Side Options

While grilled main dishes get most of the attention, the sides really help bring the meal together. I love pairing my potato salad with fresh, vibrant options like a crisp green salad, cucumber slices, or grilled asparagus. Corn on the cob, roasted veggies, or a tangy coleslaw also work wonders. For something light, I’ll toss together a fruit salad or serve watermelon slices—perfect for summer. Garlic bread or rolls add a comforting touch. Every bite feels balanced when the sides complement the creamy potato salad. Experiment with what’s in season, and you’ll find endless delicious combinations to make your meal complete.

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