Recipe Ideas

Old-Fashioned Potato Salad

Okay, friends, let’s talk potato salad. Not just *any* potato salad, but the kind that evokes sunshine, backyard barbecues, and that unmistakable feeling of pure, unadulterated comfort. Forget those fancy potato salads with capers and arugula (though I love those too, sometimes!). We’re talking about the classic **Old-Fashioned Potato Salad** – the kind your grandma made, the kind that disappears in minutes at family gatherings, the kind that’s just…right. It’s similar to egg salad in its simplicity, but with the heartiness of potatoes. This recipe? It’s *that* recipe. The one I’ve been tweaking and perfecting for years, and I’m finally ready to share it with you. Trust me, you’ll want to bookmark this one!

Old-Fashioned Potato Salad final dish beautifully presented and ready to serve

What is Old-Fashioned Potato Salad?

So, what exactly *is* **Old-Fashioned Potato Salad**? It’s essentially a celebration of humble ingredients transformed into something incredibly delicious. Think of it as a creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced symphony of potatoes, eggs, celery, onion, and mayonnaise. The name comes from the way our grandmothers and great-grandmothers used to make it – simple, straightforward, and utterly satisfying. It’s not about fancy techniques or exotic ingredients; it’s about using what you have and creating a dish that brings people together. I always think of picnics when I think of this salad, doesn’t everyone?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

There are a million potato salad recipes out there, I know! But this one? This one is special. What I love most about this **Old-Fashioned Potato Salad** is how it manages to be both incredibly flavorful *and* ridiculously easy to make. It’s the Perfect Side Dish for just about anything – grilled burgers, fried chicken, even a simple sandwich. Here’s the breakdown of why you’ll be obsessed:

  • Flavor that Pops: What isWhat is a perfect potato salad with creamy and tangy dressing? Just ties everything together. Every bite is a party in your mouth! And the fresh dill!
  • EffortlessIs this recipe foolproof? If I can make it after a long day wrangling kids, you can definitely make. Is it faster than ordering takeout?
  • Budget friendlyWhat are the best cheap potato and egg recipes? What is a good old-fashioned potato salad? What is important to me, because some ingredients are just so expensive these days?
  • Is Versatility the Key?What is a good potato salad? What is the best way to serve it at a barbecue, or bring it to your potluck? What are some of the best ways to add tang to a recipe? Add a splash of vinegar! Want more sweetness? Add sugar! The possibilities are endless

What is the most requested dish at family gatherings? My family is very picky about their potato salad. What are some of the best books that get rave reviews?

How do you make an Old Fashioned Potato Salad?

Quick Overview

How do I make Old-Fashioned Potato Salad? First, you’ll boil the potatoes and eggs until they’re perfectly cooked. Then, you’ll chop up some celery and onion for that classic crunch. What are some good ways to make a creamy, tangy dressing, and let it chill in the fridge? What are some ways to let the flavors meld in the fridge? What is the best way to cook a salad at room temperature and not overcook it? Is the wait worth it?

Ingredients

What is the recipe for potato salad?

  • 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed. I like Yukon gold because they’re creamy and hold their shape well when cooked.
  • 6 large eggs
  • I swear by Duke’s, but use your favorite! 1 cup mayonnaise.
  • What is the best yellow mustard recipe?
  • 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish. This adds a touch of sweetness and tang.
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped celery. For that essential crunch!
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion. What are some good ways to use yellow onion for a bite?
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar. For a little tang.
  • What is the correct amount of sugar to add to a recipe?
  • 1 teaspoon salt. Adjust to taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Freshly ground is always best!
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill. This is optional, but I highly recommend it! It adds a lovely fresh flavor.

Old-Fashioned Potato Salad ingredients organized and measured on kitchen counter

How do I get the

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes and Eggs

Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add the eggs to the pot as well. Bring to a boil and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the eggs are cooked through. If you overcook potatoes, be careful not to burn them!

Step 2: Cool and Chop

Drain the potatoes and eggs and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Peel the eggs and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Place the potatoes in a large bowl.

Step 3: Add the Celery and Onion

Add the celery and red onion to the bowl with the potatoes. Is there a flavor to these?

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, apple cider, and lemon juice. Set aside. How do you mix vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 5: Combine Everything

What is the dressing for potatoes, eggs, celery, onions? Gently stir to combine, being careful not to mash the potatoes. You want to coat everything evenly with dressing.

Step 6: Add the Dill

What is the best way to serve fresh dill in a salad?

Step 7: Chill

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably longer, to allow air circulation. What are the flavors that meld? I often make it the night before I plan to serve it. This is crucial for the best flavor!

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Before serving, give the **Old-Fashioned Potato Salad** a gentle stir. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve chilled and enjoy!

What is the best way to serve it?

What is the best old-fashioned potato salad? What are some of my favorite ways to serve it: a few different ways.

  • At a Barbecue:What is the perfect side dish for grilled burgers, hot dogs, ribs or chicken?
  • At a Picnic:What are some good picnic spreads to serve in a cooler?
  • For Lunch:What is a good side of potato salad with crackers?
  • As a Side Dish: Serve it alongside fried chicken, pulled pork, or even a grilled steak.
  • With Sandwiches: It’s delicious as a side for a BLT, a turkey sandwich, or a veggie sandwich.

Growing up, we always had potato salad with fried chicken on Sundays. That’s still one of my favorite combinations!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Old-Fashioned Potato Salad

Want to take your **Old-Fashioned Potato Salad** to the next level? Here are a few of my top tips:

  • Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: This is the most important tip! Overcooked potatoes will be mushy and the salad will be a mess. Cook them until they’re tender but still hold their shape.
  • Use Good Quality Mayonnaise: The mayonnaise is a key ingredient in the dressing, so use a good quality brand that you enjoy the taste of. I personally love Duke’s, but use whatever you prefer.
  • Don’t Be Afraid to Adjust the Seasonings: Taste the dressing before you add it to the potatoes and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, sugar, or vinegar to suit your taste.
  • Let It Chill: This is another crucial step. Chilling the salad for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld and develop. The longer it chills, the better it will taste!
  • Add Some Crunch: Celery and onion are essential for adding crunch to the salad. You can also add chopped pickles, bell peppers, or even some crumbled bacon for extra flavor and texture.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh dill is my favorite herb to add to potato salad, but you can also use parsley, chives, or even tarragon. Fresh herbs add a bright, fresh flavor that really elevates the salad.
  • Experiment with Different Potatoes: While I prefer Yukon Gold potatoes, you can also use red potatoes, russet potatoes, or even a mix of different types. Each type of potato will give the salad a slightly different flavor and texture.

One time, I accidentally used red wine vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar, and it actually turned out really delicious! So don’t be afraid to experiment and see what you like best.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This **Old-Fashioned Potato Salad** is best served cold, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Here are a few tips for storing it properly:

  • Store it in an airtight container: This will help to prevent the salad from drying out and absorbing odors from the refrigerator.
  • Don’t leave it at room temperature for too long: Potato salad should be refrigerated within 2 hours of being made.
  • If you’re bringing it to a picnic or barbecue, keep it in a cooler with ice packs: This will help to keep it cold and prevent it from spoiling.

You can’t really reheat potato salad, but it’s delicious straight from the fridge! The most important thing is to make sure it stays cold to prevent bacterial growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend it. Making it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I use a different type of potato?
You definitely can. Yukon Golds are my favorite because of their creamy texture, but red potatoes or even russet potatoes will work. The texture will just be slightly different.
I don’t like relish. Can I leave it out?
Of course! If you’re not a fan of relish, you can definitely leave it out. You might want to add a little extra sugar to compensate for the sweetness.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayonnaise and omit the eggs. It will still be delicious.
How long will this last in the refrigerator?
Properly stored, this potato salad will last for 3-5 days in the refrigerator. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

Old-Fashioned Potato Salad slice on plate showing perfect texture and swirl pattern

So there you have it – my go-to recipe for **Old-Fashioned Potato Salad**. It’s a classic for a reason, and I truly believe that this recipe captures the essence of what makes it so special: simplicity, flavor, and that unmistakable feeling of comfort. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing side dish that’s easy to make and always a hit, look no further. This potato salad is it! And if you love this one, you might also enjoy my recipe for Classic Coleslaw – another perfect side dish for summer barbecues. Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Leave a comment below and let me know if you tried it, and what variations you came up with!

I’m Maria, a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, personal trainer, author, and podcaster. I love helping people improve their physical and mental health through easy-to-understand wellness advice and delicious recipes made with nourishing ingredients. Pull up a seat—you’re welcome at this table!

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