This recipe is for a quintessential Classic Creamy Potato Salad, a beloved side dish that is a staple at picnics, barbecues, potlucks, and family gatherings. This potato salad features tender, bite-sized pieces of cooked potatoes enveloped in a rich and tangy creamy dressing, often studded with hard-boiled eggs, crisp celery, and flavorful onions or scallions. The dressing is typically mayonnaise-based, providing a smooth and creamy texture, and is seasoned with mustard (usually yellow or Dijon for a bit of tang), vinegar (white or apple cider for a touch of acidity), and often a hint of sweetness from sugar or relish. Salt and pepper are essential for bringing out the flavors. Some variations may include other additions like dill, paprika, or even crumbled bacon for extra flavor and texture. The key to a great potato salad lies in cooking the potatoes until they are tender but not mushy, allowing them to cool slightly before dressing, and achieving the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors in the dressing. The salad is best when chilled for a while before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Classic Creamy Potato Salad is a versatile dish that pairs well with a wide variety of main courses, from grilled meats and burgers to sandwiches and fried chicken. Its comforting and familiar flavors make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. The image shows a close-up of a bowl of potato salad. The salad consists of chunks of cooked potatoes, slices of hard-boiled eggs (with visible yellow yolks), and green pieces, likely chopped celery or scallions, all coated in a creamy white dressing. A wooden spoon rests in the salad. The overall appearance is consistent with a classic creamy potato salad.
The texture of Classic Creamy Potato Salad is a delightful combination of soft, slightly firm potato chunks, the tender bite of hard-boiled eggs, the crispness of celery or onion, all coated in a smooth and creamy dressing.
The flavor profile is a balanced blend of the earthy taste of potatoes, the richness of mayonnaise, the tanginess of mustard and vinegar, a hint of sweetness, and the fresh, mild flavors of celery and onion, with the subtle savory notes of egg.
Classic Creamy Potato Salad is a versatile and comforting side dish, perfect for picnics, barbecues, potlucks, or as a delicious accompaniment to a wide range of meals.
The preparation involves boiling potatoes until tender, preparing hard-boiled eggs, chopping vegetables, and then combining everything with a creamy, tangy dressing.
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold or red potatoes, unpeeled, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or more, to taste)
- ¼ cup yellow mustard (or Dijon mustard for a tangier flavor)
- ¼ cup chopped celery (about 2 stalks)
- ¼ cup chopped red onion or scallions
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar or sweet pickle relish (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dill (optional, for garnish and flavor)
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula or spoon
Instructions:
- Cook the Potatoes: Place the cut potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the potatoes are tender but not mushy, about 15-20 minutes. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork. Drain the potatoes well in a colander.
- Cool the Potatoes: Allow the cooked potatoes to cool slightly. You can speed up this process by spreading them out on a baking sheet for a few minutes. Once they are cool enough to handle but still slightly warm, you can peel them if desired (peeling is optional for Yukon Gold and red potatoes). Cut any larger pieces into bite-sized chunks.
- Prepare the Dressing: While the potatoes are cooling, prepare the creamy dressing in a large mixing bowl. Stir together the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar or relish (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Add Ingredients to Dressing: Add the chopped hard-boiled eggs, chopped celery, and chopped red onion or scallions to the dressing in the bowl. Stir gently to combine.
- Combine Potatoes and Dressing: Add the slightly cooled potato chunks to the bowl with the dressing and other ingredients. Gently fold everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated with the creamy dressing. Be careful not to mash the potatoes.
- Chill the Potato Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the potato salad for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill thoroughly. Chilling also helps the salad to firm up slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh parsley or dill (if using) for added flavor and a pop of color. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve the Classic Creamy Potato Salad chilled.
Tips and Variations:
- Potato Choice: Yukon Gold and red potatoes hold their shape well after boiling and have a creamy texture, making them ideal for potato salad. Russet potatoes can also be used but may be more prone to becoming mushy.
- Cooking Potatoes: Starting the potatoes in cold water helps them cook more evenly. Avoid overcooking, as mushy potatoes will result in a less appealing salad.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different types of mustard (like Dijon or whole grain), add a splash of hot sauce for a little heat, or include other chopped vegetables like bell peppers or pickles.
- Herb Options: Fresh dill, chives, or even a touch of tarragon can add unique flavors to your potato salad.
- Creamier Salad: For an extra creamy salad, you can add a tablespoon or two of sour cream or plain yogurt to the dressing.
- Make Ahead: Potato salad can be made a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. You may need to add a little more mayonnaise before serving if it seems dry, as potatoes tend to absorb the dressing over time.
Enjoy this timeless and delicious Classic Creamy Potato Salad! It’s a perfect addition to any gathering.