The Best Potato Salad Recipe Potato Salad Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This potato salad is a crowd-pleaser, with its creamy texture and perfect blend of flavors that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
- Easy to make—just a few simple steps, and you’ve got a dish that tastes like it took hours.
- Versatile—great for picnics, BBQs, or even as a quick side for weeknight dinners.
- Family-approved—kids and adults alike love the mix of tender potatoes and zesty dressing.
Recipe

Potato salad is a classic side dish, perfect for picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings. This recipe offers a creamy, tangy version that’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into bite-sized cubes.
- Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, until the potatoes are tender but not mushy.
- Drain the potatoes and let them cool to room temperature.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and vinegar.
- Add the cooled potatoes, celery, red onion, hard-boiled eggs, and parsley to the bowl.
- Gently toss everything together until well coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes:
- For a lighter version, replace half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Add-ins like bacon, pickles, or chives can be included for variation.
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
Time:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes chilling)
Cuisine: American
Serving: Serves 6-8
Nutrition
Potato salad provides a mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 215 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my potato salad with grilled meats like chicken or burgers—it’s a classic combo that never disappoints. For a lighter touch, I’ll add fresh summer sides, like crisp cucumber slices or a tangy coleslaw. The mix of flavors and textures makes every bite feel like a perfect summer meal.
Grilled Meats Pairings
When you’re firing up the grill, potato salad makes a perfect side because it’s cool, creamy, and balances out smoky, savory flavors. I love pairing it with ribs slathered in tangy barbecue sauce—the richness of the meat contrasts so well with the salad’s lightness. Grilled chicken, especially with a smoky rub, is another winner, letting the creamy potatoes shine. Burgers work too, but go for juicy ones with a charred crust. And don’t forget sausages! Their bold spices play nicely with the salad’s mild taste. Trust me, these combos turn any cookout into a meal worth remembering.
Fresh Summer Sides
While grilled meats and potato salad are a classic combo, summer cookouts call for more fresh, vibrant sides to round out the meal. I love adding a crisp cucumber and tomato salad, tossed with olive oil and herbs, to my picnic spreads. It’s light, invigorating, and pairs perfectly with the creaminess of potato salad. For outdoor gatherings, I also whip up a tangy slaw or a charred corn-on-the-cob brushed with butter and sprinkled with chili powder. These sides bring a pop of color and flavor to the table, making every bite feel like a celebration of summer.