Go Back
+ servings
Classic Potato Salad served in a large white bowl, garnished with paprika and fresh chives, surrounded by a wooden picnic table setting

Classic Potato Salad

No ratings yet
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 340 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Saucepan
  • Ice bath bowl

Ingredients
  

For the Potato Salad

  • 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cut into 3/4-inch chunks
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt for the boiling water
  • 5 large eggs hard-boiled and peeled
  • 3 celery stalks finely diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion finely minced
  • 1/3 cup dill pickles finely chopped, or 3 tbsp dill pickle relish
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives thinly sliced, for garnish
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika for garnish

For the Dressing

  • 1 cup full-fat mayonnaise such as Hellmann's or Duke's
  • 2 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Instructions
 

Cook the Potatoes

  • Place the cubed Yukon Gold potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by at least 2 inches. Add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a steady simmer and cook for 12–15 minutes, until the potatoes are just fork-tender but not falling apart. Test a few pieces — they should yield easily to a fork but still hold their shape.
  • Drain the potatoes in a colander and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. While still warm, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the apple cider vinegar and a pinch of salt. Toss gently and let cool for 10–15 minutes. Do not fully cool before adding dressing — warm potatoes absorb flavor much better.

Hard-Boil the Eggs

  • While the potatoes cook, place eggs in a small saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a full boil, then remove from heat, cover, and let sit for exactly 11 minutes. Transfer eggs to an ice bath and cool for 5 minutes. Peel and coarsely chop — you want distinct, chunky pieces.

Make the Dressing

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and fully combined. Taste and adjust — it should be tangy, creamy, and slightly sweet with a sharp mustard bite.

Assemble the Potato Salad

  • Add the diced celery, red onion, and chopped pickles to the bowl of warm potatoes. Pour the dressing over the top and fold gently with a spatula until everything is evenly coated. Fold in the chopped hard-boiled eggs last, being careful not to break them up too much — you want visible chunks throughout.
  • Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2–4 hours or overnight. The salad will thicken and the flavors will deepen significantly as it chills.

Serve

  • Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. If it looks a little dry after chilling, stir in a tablespoon or two of extra mayo and a small splash of vinegar. Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with smoked paprika and fresh chives, and serve cold.

Notes

Make-Ahead: This potato salad is best made 12–24 hours in advance. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
For Food Safety: Never leave potato salad at room temperature for more than 2 hours. At outdoor events, place the serving bowl over a larger bowl filled with ice.
Texture Tip: The warm potato trick is essential — don't skip it. Tossing warm potatoes with vinegar and salt before adding the dressing ensures every bite is fully seasoned from the inside out.
Variation: Add 4–6 strips of crumbled crispy bacon for a smoky, indulgent upgrade that makes this salad absolutely next-level.

Nutrition

Calories: 340kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 7gFat: 21gSodium: 620mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3g
No ratings yet