Published on May 25, 2022 Potato Salad – this is the BEST potato salad recipe. It is the perfect side dish for all of your summer BBQ’s, picnics, and potlucks! This classic potato salad is always a favorite! This potato salad is made with hearty potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, celery, pickles, green onion, and a creamy, rich, mayo-based dressing that gives the salad lots of flavor. This nostalgic, comforting potato salad is the perfect side dish for all of your summer gatherings! Make a big bowl for your next BBQ, picnic, or pool party. I am sure it will go fast. Everyone will want a big scoop on their plate.
Key Ingredients
Yukon Gold potatoes– washed, peeled, and cut in half. Cut the potatoes in equal size pieces so they cook evenly. Also, don’t cut them too small or they will cook too quickly and get mushy. Greek yogurt– I love using Greek yogurt for a boost of protein and I love the creamy texture. Mayonnaise– use your favorite brand. You can use light or full fat. Mustard– I use a mix of classic yellow mustard and whole grain mustard. Green onions– I love using green onions because they aren’t too strong, but add great flavor. Celery– finely chopped celery for a nice crunch! Dill pickles– finely chop the pickles for a salty, crunchy kick! Hard-boiled eggs– peeled and roughly chopped. The eggs make the salad super creamy! Dill– so fresh!Paprika– for color and a hint of sweetness!
The Best Potatoes to Use
For potato salad, we like to use Yukon gold potatoes because they have a thin skin and are less starchy than Russet potatoes. They are creamy, buttery, and hold their shape after cooking. They also absorb the dressing nicely. You can find Yukon gold potatoes at almost every grocery store. Russet potatoes are very starchy and will give you a more mushy potato salad. Red potatoes (new potatoes) are too firm and hold their shape a little too well. So go for the gold and use Yukon gold potatoes to make the best potato salad! Of course, if all you have is Russet potatoes, you can use them, but we do recommend Yukon gold:)
Cooking the Potatoes
I peel the potatoes before cooking, but if you want a heartier texture to your potato salad, you can leave the skins on. It is personal preference. Place the potatoes in a pot of cold water where they’re fully submerged. Then bring the water to a boil and reduce the potatoes to a simmer to finish cooking. Cook the potatoes until they are just tender when pierced with a fork. You don’t want the potatoes to be crunchy and you don’t want them to fall apart. The time will vary depending on the size of your potatoes. Check early to be safe. Drain the potatoes. Once the potatoes are cool enough to touch, cut them into chunks, about 1/2-inch pieces.
How to Make Potato Salad
Place the cooked potatoes in a large bowl and let them cool down while you make the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and mustards. Pour the mixture over the potatoes and gently stir with a rubber spatula until the potatoes are well coated.Add the onions, celery, pickles, eggs, dill, and paprika. Gently stir again. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste.Cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to eat. Pro tip, potato salad is better the second day so you can make this salad in advance. The salad flavors get even better the longer it sits!
How to Store
Store potato salad in an airtight container or tightly covered bowl in the fridge for up to 5 days. Do not let potato salad sit at room temperature for more than two hours, or even less on a hot day. You can technically freeze potato salad, but I don’t recommend it. The creamy dressing doesn’t freeze well and when the salad thaws the dressing is watery and the potatoes are a little soggy. Potato salad is best fresh!
Recipe Variations
You can use Miracle Whip instead of mayonnaise if that is what you prefer. If you don’t care for Greek yogurt, you can use all mayo or Miracle whip. Use diced red onion or sweet onions instead of green onion for a stronger onion flavor. Instead of chopped dill pickles, you can use sweet relish if you prefer sweet pickles. Add chopped, cooked bacon. My boys always love this addition! Stir in a small handful of capers. Add herbs. Fresh parsley, chives, thyme, and tarragon are all good options.
More Side Dish Recipes
Easy Pasta SaladDeviled EggsCobb SaladCucumber SaladCaprese Pasta SaladWatermelon Feta Salad
Potato Salad
Nutrition
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