The Best Homemade Potato Salad Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade potato salad is a crowd-pleaser, with its creamy texture and tangy flavor that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. It’s simple to make yet tastes like it took hours, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a cozy family dinner.
- Creamy & Tangy – The perfect balance of mayo and mustard gives it a rich, zesty kick.
- Easy to Customize – Add extra crunch with celery or a pop of color with fresh herbs—it’s all up to you!
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Tastes even better after chilling, so you can prep it ahead and relax.
Recipe
Potato salad is a classic side dish that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings. This homemade version is creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (about 900g) russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, finely diced
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Place the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes or until tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Add the slightly cooled potatoes, red onion, hard-boiled eggs, celery, and pickle relish. Gently fold to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes:
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of paprika or a dash of hot sauce.
- Adjust mayonnaise and mustard quantities to taste.
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 12 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 27 minutes (includes chilling)
Cuisine: American
Serving: 6–8 servings
Nutrition
Potato salad is a classic dish that can be enjoyed as a side or main course. Here’s the nutrition breakdown for a typical homemade potato salad recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Sodium | 450mg |
| Total Carbs | 35g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 3g |
| Protein | 6g |
What To Serve With It
I love serving homemade potato salad with grilled meats like chicken or burgers because their smoky flavors pair perfectly. Fresh summer sides, such as crisp coleslaw or a bright garden salad, add a revitalizing balance to the meal. Don’t forget a loaf of crusty bread for soaking up all the tasty juices!
Grilled Meats Pairings
Since potato salad’s creamy, tangy flavors balance rich, smoky grilled meats so well, it’s one of my go-to sides for summer cookouts. I love how it pairs with juicy burgers, where the cool salad cuts through the savory beef, or with smoky ribs, where the tangy dressing complements the char. Grilled chicken, especially with a hint of lemon or herbs, works beautifully too—the flavor combinations just click. Even simple hot dogs get a boost next to potato salad. The key? Let the cooking techniques shine—whether it’s slow-smoked brisket or quick-seared sausages, this side never disappoints.
Fresh Summer Sides
While grilled meats and potato salad make a classic combo, summer cookouts call for a variety of fresh sides to keep things exciting. I love balancing rich flavors with lighter options, so I always include cold pasta salads packed with colorful veggies and zesty dressings. They’re easy to make and always a hit! Fruit salads are another go-to for me—think juicy watermelon, ripe berries, and tangy citrus tossed together. They’re invigorating and add a sweet contrast to savory dishes. These sides not only brighten up the table but also make every bite feel like a celebration of summer.
