Classic American Potato Salad

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Potato salad has always been one of those dishes that brings a wave of nostalgia rushing back. I remember summer barbecues in my backyard, the smoky scent of grilled burgers in the air, and this creamy, tangy salad right in the center of the table. It’s more than just a side dish — it’s a piece of tradition passed down through potlucks, family reunions, and lazy weekend picnics.

What I love most about this classic American potato salad is how comforting and satisfying it is, with tender chunks of potato, the crunch of red onions and celery, a smooth mayonnaise-based dressing, and just the right hint of tang from mustard and vinegar. Whether it’s for a holiday spread or a quick lunch side, this version always hits the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Classic American Potato Salad

This recipe combines simple ingredients to create a dish that’s both rich in flavor and texture. The creamy dressing hugs every bite of potato perfectly, while the addition of hard-boiled eggs and fresh herbs gives it more depth. It’s easy to make ahead, customizable, and always a crowd favorite — perfect for any gathering or even meal prepping.

What Kind of Potatoes Should I Use?

Waxy potatoes like red or Yukon Gold are your best bet for this salad. They hold their shape well after boiling, creating that ideal balance between softness and bite. Russets can turn too mushy and fall apart in the mix — still tasty, but not as structured.

Options for Substitutions

• Greek Yogurt: Replace half the mayo with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter version.
• Dijon Mustard: If you’re not a fan of yellow mustard, Dijon adds a more refined, mellow tang.
• Red Onion Alternatives: Shallots or green onions can be swapped in for a milder flavor.
• No Eggs?: You can easily skip the hard-boiled eggs to make it egg-free — or use tofu for a vegan-friendly twist.
• Herb Switch: Dill is classic, but parsley, chives, or even a touch of tarragon work beautifully too.

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Ingredients for This Classic American Potato Salad

• Red or Yukon Gold Potatoes – These hold their shape well after boiling and have a creamy, buttery flavor that’s ideal for salad.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs – Adds richness and a classic touch that’s expected in American-style potato salad.
• Mayonnaise – The base of the creamy dressing, providing a smooth, rich texture.
• Yellow Mustard – Gives the salad its signature tang and subtle sharpness.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Cuts through the richness with a hint of acidity and brightness.
• Red Onion – Adds crunch and a bit of sharp bite to balance the creamy elements.
• Celery – Offers a fresh, crisp texture and subtle earthy flavor.
• Fresh Dill – Bright and slightly citrusy, dill brings classic herbal freshness to every bite.
• Chives or Green Onions – For mild onion flavor and added color.
• Salt and Pepper – Essential for balancing all the flavors.
• Paprika – Sprinkled on top for a hint of smokiness and vibrant color.

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Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Start by washing and cutting the potatoes into bite-sized chunks. Place them in a pot of cold, salted water and bring it to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until fork-tender, about 10–15 minutes. Drain and let them cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a bit of sugar if you prefer a slightly sweeter salad.

Step 3: Mix in the Veggies and Herbs

Add finely chopped red onions, diced celery, fresh dill, and chives into the dressing. Stir gently so everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Add Potatoes and Eggs

Once the potatoes are cooled, gently fold them into the bowl with the dressing. Add chopped hard-boiled eggs at this stage, reserving a few slices for garnish. Mix until everything is evenly combined but avoid over-mixing to keep the potatoes intact.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Cover the bowl and let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This allows the flavors to meld and develop beautifully.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, garnish with the reserved egg slices, a sprinkle of paprika, extra chopped chives, and a few sprigs of dill. Serve cold and enjoy!

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How Long to Prepare the Classic American Potato Salad

Making this salad doesn’t take much time, but planning ahead helps with flavor. The hands-on prep time is around 25–30 minutes, including chopping and mixing. If you already have boiled eggs on hand, that saves even more time.

The potatoes need about 10–15 minutes to cook, and cooling them takes another 20 minutes minimum (you can chill them faster in the fridge). After everything is mixed, chilling the whole salad for at least 1 hour before serving really enhances the flavor.

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Tips for Perfect Potato Salad

• Start potatoes in cold water – This helps them cook evenly without falling apart.
• Salt the boiling water well – Just like pasta, potatoes need seasoning from the start.
• Let potatoes cool before mixing – Warm potatoes can cause the dressing to break and turn oily.
• Chill before serving – This gives time for the flavors to marry and makes the salad more refreshing.
• Use fresh herbs – Fresh dill and chives make a big difference in flavor and aroma.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the potatoes – They’ll fall apart and create a mushy texture.
• Mixing while hot – This leads to greasy dressing and broken-down potatoes.
• Using too much mayo – The salad can become overly rich and heavy.
• Skipping the seasoning – Under-seasoned potato salad tastes flat; taste as you go!
• Skipping the chill time – It might seem ready, but the flavor improves dramatically after resting.

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What to Serve With Classic American Potato Salad?

1. BBQ Ribs

Smoky, saucy ribs are the ultimate main dish to serve with potato salad, making it a perfect summer meal.

2. Grilled Burgers

A juicy burger with a scoop of creamy potato salad on the side is a backyard classic.

3. Fried Chicken

Crispy fried chicken contrasts beautifully with the cool, creamy texture of this salad.

4. Pulled Pork Sandwiches

The tangy-sweet flavors of pulled pork pair incredibly well with this potato salad.

5. Veggie Skewers

For a lighter pairing, go with grilled veggie kabobs — smoky vegetables add a great touch.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator:

Keep the potato salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for 3–4 days. In fact, it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to blend.

Freezer:

Freezing is not recommended. The mayonnaise-based dressing will separate and the potatoes will turn grainy after thawing. It’s best to make a fresh batch.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 8 servings total):

• Calories: ~280 kcal
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Sugar: 2g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Cholesterol: 90mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make this potato salad?

You can make it up to 2 days ahead. It actually tastes better the next day, so preparing in advance is encouraged.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead?

You can, but it will have a sweeter flavor profile. Be sure to reduce or adjust the sugar and mustard to balance it out.

What if I don’t like mayonnaise?

Try using Greek yogurt or a combination of yogurt and sour cream for a lighter, tangier option.

How do I know when the potatoes are done?

They should be fork-tender — soft enough to pierce easily, but still holding their shape.

Can I add pickles or relish?

Absolutely! Dill pickles or sweet relish add a nice punch of flavor and crunch.

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Conclusion

Classic American Potato Salad is more than just a side — it’s a comforting, flavorful staple that fits nearly any occasion. With the right balance of creaminess, tang, and crunch, this dish is both nostalgic and timeless. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, packing a picnic, or meal prepping for the week, this potato salad will always be a winning addition.

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