If you’ve been on the hunt for a truly comforting, nostalgic side dish, this Old Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Creamy, tangy, and packed with that perfect balance of crisp celery and tender potatoes, this salad takes you right back to classic family picnics and summer BBQs. It’s simple enough to make any day but special enough to bring out when you want to impress with a timeless favorite that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Old Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to create a harmony of flavors and textures, from the creamy mayonnaise to the crisp celery. These straightforward components come together effortlessly to form a salad that’s bursting with classic charm.
- Russet or Yukon gold potatoes (3 pounds, peeled and cut into chunks): Provides the hearty, starchy base that soaks up all the dressing beautifully.
- Mayonnaise (1 1/2 cups): Adds richness and that signature creamy texture we all crave.
- Yellow mustard (2 tablespoons): Gives a subtle tangy kick that brightens the flavor.
- Apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons): Balances the creaminess with a gentle acidity.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Helps round out the flavors and adds a hint of sweetness.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances every ingredient, bringing out their natural taste.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and depth.
- Celery (1/2 cup, diced): Offers a fresh, crisp crunch to contrast the softness of the potatoes.
- Onion (1/2 cup, diced): Brings subtle sharpness and a little bite to the mix.
- Hard-boiled eggs (3, chopped): Adds a creamy texture and rich flavor, making the salad even more satisfying.
- Paprika (for garnish): Provides a beautiful pop of color and a hint of smoky sweetness.
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a touch of freshness and vibrant green hue for presentation.
How to Make Old Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Start by placing your peeled, chunked potatoes in a large pot with cold water and sprinkle in a teaspoon of salt. Bring it all to a boil to ensure the potatoes cook evenly. Let them simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes until they’re fork-tender but not falling apart – you want them just soft enough to absorb the dressing.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
While the potatoes are cooking, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This mixture will be the creamy, tangy heart of your potato salad and blends those classic flavors perfectly.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Once the potatoes are drained and slightly cooled, gently toss them in with the dressing. Add the diced celery, onion, and chopped hard-boiled eggs, folding everything together carefully to keep the potato chunks intact and evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
Step 4: Chill the Salad
Cover your bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least two hours. This chilling time is key because it allows the flavors to meld and deepen, making your Old Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe taste even better the next day.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle a bit of paprika over the top and add a few fresh parsley leaves if desired. These final touches add color and that inviting aroma that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Enhancing your Old Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe with garnishes like paprika and fresh parsley not only elevates the visual appeal but also adds subtle layers of flavor. Paprika lends a smoky-sweet aroma while parsley offers a crisp, fresh note that brightens each bite.
Side Dishes
This classic potato salad is the perfect companion to grilled meats, fried chicken, or even a hearty veggie burger. It truly shines alongside barbecued ribs or a platter of hot dogs when you’re hosting friends outdoors, delivering that satisfying contrast of creamy and crisp textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your potato salad in individual mason jars at picnics or freshen it up by scooping it onto a bed of crisp lettuce leaves. You can also offer additional toppings like chopped dill pickles or crispy bacon bits to make the dish interactive and personalized for each guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Old Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay delicious for up to three days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy those comforting flavors again.
Freezing
Potato salad doesn’t freeze well due to its creamy mayo base, which can separate and change texture when thawed. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh or within a few days of making it.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served cold, so avoid reheating. Instead, give it a gentle stir after taking it out of the fridge to refresh the creamy texture before serving.
FAQs
Can I use red potatoes instead of russet or Yukon gold?
Absolutely! Red potatoes will add a slightly different texture and color, offering a bit more waxy firmness. Just be sure to cook until fork-tender.
Is it okay to add sweet pickle relish to the salad?
Yes, adding sweet pickle relish is a lovely way to inject a touch of sweetness and tang. It’s a popular variation that mixes nicely with the classic flavors in this Old Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe.
How far ahead can I make this salad?
This salad is actually better made a day ahead as chilling allows the flavors to blend deeply. Just give it a gentle stir before serving.
Can I make this salad vegan?
To keep the spirit of the Old Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe but vegan, you can swap the mayonnaise for a plant-based alternative and omit the eggs, or use a vegan egg substitute.
What if my potatoes fall apart when mixing?
To avoid mushy potatoes, make sure not to overcook them and handle gently when mixing. Larger chunks hold up better and keep the salad looking inviting.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Old Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe that brings nostalgia and smiles to the table. Its perfect harmony of creamy, tangy, and crunchy elements makes it a beloved classic worth making again and again. Grab your ingredients, give it a try, and watch how effortlessly it becomes a favorite at your next gathering.
Print
Old Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Description
This Old Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe is a classic American side dish perfect for picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings. Made with tender potatoes, creamy mayonnaise dressing, tangy mustard, and a touch of apple cider vinegar, it’s a flavorful and satisfying salad enhanced by crunchy celery, diced onions, and chopped hard-boiled eggs. Garnished with paprika and fresh parsley, this traditional potato salad is easy to prepare ahead and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 3 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)
Dressing
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Mix-ins and Garnish
- 1/2 cup celery (diced)
- 1/2 cup onion (diced)
- 3 hard-boiled eggs (chopped)
- Paprika for garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Potatoes: Place the peeled and chunked potatoes in a large pot, cover them with cold water, and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat and cook the potatoes for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are fork-tender but not falling apart. Once done, drain the potatoes well and let them cool slightly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the slightly cooled potatoes, diced celery, diced onion, and chopped hard-boiled eggs into the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together to coat the potatoes evenly without mashing them.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the potato salad for at least 2 hours. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the salad to thicken to a perfect creamy texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle the potato salad with a dash of paprika for color and a little fresh parsley if desired. Serve chilled for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For added flavor, mix in sweet pickle relish or chopped dill pickles before chilling.
- Prepare the salad a day ahead to allow flavors to develop fully.
- Adjust the creaminess by adding extra mayonnaise to your preference.
