Potato Salad Recipe
Introduction
Potato salad is a classic, comforting side dish perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a simple family meal. This recipe combines tender potatoes with a creamy, tangy dressing and crunchy vegetables for a delicious balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients
- 6 medium potatoes (around 3 pounds)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 4 eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
- 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons pickle relish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 spring onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Step 1: Scrub, peel, and cut the potatoes into one-inch cubes.
- Step 2: Place the potato cubes into a large pot and cover with water.
- Step 3: Boil the potatoes over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, until they are firm-tender. Test doneness by inserting a fork into a potato cube.
- Step 4: Drain the cooked potatoes and set them aside to cool.
- Step 5: Place the cooled potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped onion and celery to the potatoes.
- Step 6: Hard-boil the eggs, then cool and peel them.
- Step 7: Chop the eggs and add them to the potato mixture.
- Step 8: In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, pickle relish, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Step 9: Fold the dressing gently into the potato mixture until everything is evenly coated.
- Step 10: Garnish the salad with paprika and sliced spring onions before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a tangier flavor, add an extra tablespoon of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Use red potatoes for a firmer texture and a splash of color.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley to brighten the salad.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise for a lighter version.
Storage
Store the potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving. For best flavor, let the salad come to room temperature or chill for a few hours before serving. Avoid freezing as it can change the texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make potato salad ahead of time?
Yes, potato salad actually tastes better after the flavors meld for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy?
Be careful not to overboil the potatoes; they should be firm-tender and hold their shape well when mixed with the dressing.
PrintPotato Salad Recipe
This classic Potato Salad Recipe combines tender boiled potatoes, crisp celery, and flavorful onions with a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, mustard, and pickle relish. Hard-boiled eggs add richness and texture, garnished with paprika and fresh spring onions for a delicious, crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for picnics, barbecues, or family dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Potatoes and Vegetables
- 6 medium potatoes (around 3 pounds)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 2 spring onions, sliced
Eggs
- 4 eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons pickle relish
- 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes: Scrub the potatoes thoroughly, peel them, and cut into one-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Boil the potatoes: Place the potato cubes into a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Boil for about 10 minutes until the potatoes are firm yet tender. Test doneness by inserting a fork; it should slide in easily without the potatoes falling apart.
- Drain and cool: Drain the cooked potatoes in a colander and set them aside to cool completely before mixing with other ingredients.
- Chop vegetables: While potatoes cool, chop the onion and celery. Add these to a large mixing bowl once potatoes are cooled.
- Prepare the eggs: Hard boil the eggs by boiling them for about 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, cool them under cold running water, peel, and either push them through a cooling rack over the mixing bowl or chop them finely before adding to the mixture.
- Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, pickle relish, white distilled vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine ingredients: Fold the dressing gently into the potato and vegetable mixture to evenly coat all ingredients without breaking the potatoes apart.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the top of the salad with paprika and sliced spring onions for a pop of color and extra flavor. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving for best taste.
Notes
- For best texture, avoid overcooking the potatoes to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Use white distilled vinegar for a mild tang; apple cider vinegar can be substituted for a different flavor.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to preference, especially if the pickle relish is salty.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days to allow flavors to meld.
- Optional add-ins include chopped pickles, fresh herbs like dill, or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
Keywords: potato salad, classic potato salad, picnic side dish, creamy potato salad, boiled potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, summer salad

