If you’re on the hunt for a classic side dish that wins hearts at every picnic, barbecues, or family gathering, look no further. The Best Potato Salad Recipe brings together tender potatoes, creamy mayonnaise, a hint of tangy mustard, and perfectly seasoned boiled eggs for a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and downright irresistible. Each bite bursts with a balance of creamy, savory, and subtly sweet notes that’ll make this your go-to potato salad every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating The Best Potato Salad Recipe requires straightforward, everyday ingredients that work together like a dream. Each one plays an essential role—whether adding creamy texture, a touch of tang, or vibrant color, these simple elements will elevate your potato salad from ordinary to unforgettable.
- 5 pounds russet potatoes: These hearty potatoes hold their shape well while becoming tender and fluffy inside, making for the perfect base.
- 1 large onion: Adds sharpness and crunch that cuts through the creamy dressing beautifully.
- 1 & 1/2 cups full-fat mayonnaise: The creamy, rich binder that ties every ingredient together.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Just the right dose to balance the tangy mustard and salty notes.
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard: Provides a delicious tang that wakes up the entire dish.
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and spiciness without overpowering.
- 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: A tiny kick to deepen the flavor without making it spicy.
- 9 boiled eggs: Tender, bite-sized pieces add richness and texture.
- Fresh dill (optional): A fragrant herb garnish to lift the freshness and add a lovely green color.
How to Make The Best Potato Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes and Onion
Start by peeling your russet potatoes and roughly chopping them into 2-inch chunks. Chop the large onion into pieces—it’s going to soften and infuse the potatoes with a mild bite.
Step 2: Boil Potatoes and Onions Until Tender
Fill a large pot with water, add the chopped potatoes and onions, cover, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 20 to 30 minutes until the potatoes are so tender they break apart easily when you pierce them with a fork—it’s key for that luscious creamy texture.
Step 3: Drain and Cool
Carefully drain the potatoes and onions, making sure not to lose any of those flavorful boiled onions. Return the potatoes to the pot and let them cool just enough so they’re safe to handle.
Step 4: Boil or Steam Your Eggs
While your potatoes cool, boil or steam the eggs. Steaming can make peeling easier—12 minutes over boiling water works wonderfully, followed by plunging the eggs into an ice bath to stop the cooking. Boiling for about 8 minutes achieves similar results. Once cooled, peel and chop into bite-sized pieces.
Step 5: Mix the Dressing
In a large serving bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar, yellow mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Give it a taste and decide if you want to add more cayenne for a bit more depth—it’s there to enhance the flavors without adding real heat.
Step 6: Create the Perfect Potato Texture
When the potatoes have cooled enough, place a wire cooling rack over the bowl with your dressing. Use your hands to gently push the cooked potatoes through the rack, allowing them to fall into the bowl. This technique helps create a delightful creamy base as the soft potatoes mix with the dressing perfectly.
Step 7: Combine the Potatoes and Eggs
Remove the cooling rack and fold in the chopped boiled eggs. Give everything a gentle stir until evenly combined, ensuring every bite has a little bit of potato and egg wrapped in that rich dressing.
Step 8: Chill and Marinate the Flavors
Cover your bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and chill for at least 2 to 3 hours, but you can let it rest up to 24 hours. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Before serving, let the potato salad sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes—this step helps the flavors pop and the texture soften just right.
Step 9: Garnish and Enjoy
Just before serving, sprinkle fresh dill over the salad. The dill’s bright, herbaceous note adds a lovely finishing touch that brightens the dish and gives it that professional feel.
How to Serve The Best Potato Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh dill is always a winner, but you can also sprinkle some thin-sliced green onions or a dash of smoked paprika for extra color and flavor. These simple garnishes make your potato salad look as amazing as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This exceptional potato salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats like chicken, burgers, or sausages. It also complements seafood and can round out a summer picnic spread or a festive barbecue like few other sides can.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your potato salad in hollowed-out tomatoes or lettuce cups for individual portions. Or layer it in a glass trifle bowl with layers of bacon bits and chopped boiled eggs to create a stunning visual and flavor profile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining its creamy texture and flavor. Give it a gentle stir before serving again.
Freezing
Potato salad is best enjoyed fresh or chilled but not frozen. Freezing tends to affect the texture of potatoes and mayonnaise, making the dish watery and grainy upon thawing.
Reheating
This salad is served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If it’s come straight from the fridge, simply leave it out for 20 to 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors come alive.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
Russet potatoes are ideal for The Best Potato Salad Recipe because they become fluffy and absorb the dressing well. However, you can use Yukon Gold for a creamier texture or red potatoes for more bite—just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it okay to substitute the mayonnaise?
Full-fat mayonnaise is recommended for richness and flavor, but you can substitute with Greek yogurt or a lighter mayo if you prefer. Keep in mind the texture and taste will change slightly but still be delicious.
How spicy is the cayenne pepper in this recipe?
The cayenne pepper is added just to deepen the flavor profile and isn’t meant to make the salad spicy. You can easily adjust the amount based on your comfort with heat or omit it completely if desired.
Can I make The Best Potato Salad Recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the mayonnaise for a vegan mayo alternative and omit the boiled eggs or replace them with diced firm tofu or chickpeas for added protein and texture.
What’s the best way to peel boiled eggs easily?
Steaming eggs instead of boiling them can make peeling much easier. After steaming, plunge the eggs into an ice water bath immediately to stop cooking and loosen the shell for a smooth peel.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about The Best Potato Salad Recipe—the creamy texture, balanced seasonings, and satisfying bites of potato and egg all come together in a way that makes you want to keep coming back for more. Whether you’re serving it for a big family gathering or a casual weeknight dinner side, this recipe is destined to become a beloved classic in your kitchen. I encourage you to give it a try and see why it’s called The Best Potato Salad Recipe!
