Classic Potato Salad is a beloved side dish that’s perfect for barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings. Creamy, tangy, and full of flavor, it’s a dish that pairs well with almost anything. The combination of tender potatoes, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty dressing makes it a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Ingredients
- 5 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until fork-tender. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, mustard, and vinegar.
- Add the cooled potatoes, celery, onion, and eggs to the bowl. Gently stir until everything is well coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Servings: 6
Variations
- Spicy Potato Salad: Add a tablespoon of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Bacon Potato Salad: Crumble crispy bacon and mix it into the salad for added flavor and crunch.
- Vegan Potato Salad: Use a plant-based mayonnaise and skip the hard-boiled eggs to make it vegan-friendly.
- Herb Potato Salad: Stir in some fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives for a fresh, herby flavor.
- Dijon Mustard Potato Salad: Swap yellow mustard for Dijon mustard for a more refined flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: It is not recommended to freeze potato salad, as the texture of the potatoes and mayonnaise may change when thawed.
- Reheating: Potato salad is best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. Just take it out of the fridge and enjoy!
10 FAQs
- Can I make potato salad ahead of time? Yes, potato salad can be made a day or two in advance. In fact, it often tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a while to let the flavors meld.
- What kind of potatoes are best for potato salad? Waxier potatoes like red potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes work best because they hold their shape and have a smooth texture after boiling.
- Can I use sour cream instead of mayonnaise? Yes, you can use sour cream or a combination of sour cream and mayonnaise for a tangier flavor.
- How do I prevent the potatoes from getting mushy? Be careful not to overcook the potatoes. Boil them until they are fork-tender but not falling apart.
- Can I add pickles to the potato salad? Yes, chopped pickles or relish can add an extra burst of flavor to your potato salad.
- Can I use yellow mustard instead of Dijon mustard? Yes, yellow mustard is commonly used in potato salad and adds a mild, tangy flavor.
- How can I make my potato salad creamy? Use a generous amount of mayonnaise and adjust the mustard and vinegar to your liking to achieve the desired creaminess.
- Is there a substitute for hard-boiled eggs? If you prefer to leave out the eggs, you can substitute with more veggies or add cubed cheese for a different texture.
- Can I make potato salad without vinegar? Yes, you can skip the vinegar and use extra mustard or a bit of lemon juice to maintain the tangy flavor.
- How long can potato salad be left out? It’s best to refrigerate potato salad after no more than 2 hours at room temperature to prevent the mayonnaise from spoiling.
Conclusion
Classic Potato Salad is a versatile and easy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture, tangy dressing, and customizable ingredients, it’s bound to be a hit with your family and friends. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or try out some of the variations, this potato salad will always be a delicious and satisfying side dish.