Classic Creamy Potato Salad
Classic Creamy Potato Salad is a timeless dish that combines rich, creamy textures with a tangy dressing and a fresh crunch from celery and onions. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings, this potato salad features Yukon Gold potatoes tossed in a smooth mayonnaise-based dressing with mustard and apple cider vinegar. Easy to prepare and customizable to suit your tastes, it’s a comforting and crowd-pleasing side dish that pairs well with grilled meats and sandwiches.
- Author: Kaeli
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Potatoes
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more for potato water)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Mix-ins
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Prepare the potatoes: Wash and peel the Yukon Gold potatoes, then cut them into evenly sized chunks. Boil the potatoes in salted water for 10–15 minutes until they are fork-tender but still firm. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and let them cool slightly.
- Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning to achieve a balanced creamy and tangy flavor.
- Prepare the mix-ins: Dice the celery stalks and red onion finely. Peel and chop the hard-boiled eggs to add creaminess and richness to the salad.
- Combine and toss: In a large bowl, gently fold the potatoes with diced celery, red onion, and chopped eggs. Pour in the dressing and carefully toss to coat all ingredients evenly without breaking up the potatoes.
- Chill and garnish: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the potato salad for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld. Just before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a vibrant and fresh finish.
Notes
- Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold to ensure the salad holds its shape and has the perfect creamy texture.
- Do not overcook the potatoes; they should be tender but firm to avoid a mushy salad.
- Seasoning at multiple stages (boiling water and dressing) enhances the overall flavor.
- Chilling the salad before serving improves flavor harmony and creaminess.
- Customize toppings like adding crispy bacon, fresh dill, or paprika for extra flavor and visual appeal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; do not freeze.
- Serve cold or at room temperature; avoid reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: potato salad, creamy potato salad, picnic side dish, classic potato salad, summer salad, barbecue side dish, easy potato salad, tangy potato salad