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If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing, look no further than the Best Classic Potato Salad Recipe. This timeless favorite brings together tender Yukon Gold potatoes, creamy mayonnaise, tangy dill pickles, and a touch of zesty Dijon mustard to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Whether you’re planning a family picnic, a backyard barbecue, or just want a delicious side to brighten up your dinner plate, this recipe is guaranteed to become your go-to potato salad, delivering sunshine on a fork every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sometimes the simplest ingredients yield the most remarkable results, and this recipe is a perfect example. Each component plays a crucial role, from the buttery Yukon Gold potatoes to the fresh chives that add a pop of color and flavor.
- Yukon Gold potatoes: Their creamy texture and natural buttery flavor make them ideal for salad.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning both the cooking water and the salad itself to balance flavors.
- Small red onion: Adds a mild crunch and a hint of sweetness without overpowering the dish.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base that binds everything together with a luscious richness.
- Finely chopped dill pickles: Introduce the perfect tang and a little crunch that livens up the salad.
- Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle spicy note that brightens the overall taste.
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and cuts through the richness for balance.
- Paprika: A sprinkle gives a gentle smoky flavor and beautiful color.
- Hard-boiled eggs: Provide creaminess and a satisfying bite that’s classic in potato salad.
- Thinly sliced chives: Offer a mild oniony freshness and a vivid green contrast.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a punch of warmth and depth.
How to Make Best Classic Potato Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes to Perfection
Begin by covering your Yukon Gold potatoes with water in a large pot, seasoning it generously with kosher salt. Boil them until they are fork-tender, about 12 to 15 minutes. This salting step is key—it seasons the potatoes from within, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Once cooked, drain them well and let them cool slightly so they hold their shape when mixed later.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Dressing
While the potatoes are cooling, whip up the flavorful dressing by combining finely chopped red onion, mayonnaise, dill pickles, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, and paprika in a large bowl. This combination creates the tangy, rich base that defines the Best Classic Potato Salad Recipe. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly ensures each spoonful bursts with incredible flavor.
Step 3: Combine Everything Gently
Fold the slightly cooled potatoes into the dressing along with the chopped hard-boiled eggs and freshly sliced chives. Be gentle to keep the potato pieces intact for a beautiful texture. Finally, season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then pop it in the refrigerator to let the flavors marry and deepen before serving.
How to Serve Best Classic Potato Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh chives or a dash of paprika on top right before serving enhances the visual appeal and adds a final layer of flavor. You could also consider a few extra pickle slices or even a deviled egg half for a fun twist that will wow your guests.
Side Dishes
This potato salad shines as a side dish next to grilled meats like chicken or steak, or with classic barbecue fare such as ribs and burgers. It also pairs beautifully with green salads or fresh vegetable plates, balancing heavier dishes with its light acidity and creamy texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation up a notch by serving the potato salad in a hollowed-out bread bowl or in individual mason jars for a charming, rustic touch. For parties, consider layering it with crispy bacon bits or shredded cheddar cheese in a clear dish, creating inviting layers of flavor that guests will love discovering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Best Classic Potato Salad Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. Flavors actually improve after sitting overnight, giving you a tastier salad the next day. Just be sure to keep it chilled to maintain freshness and safety.
Freezing
Because of the mayonnaise and fresh ingredients, freezing is not recommended for this salad. Freezing can cause the texture to become watery and the flavors to dull, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh or within a few days.
Reheating
This potato salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. If you prefer it slightly warmer, simply let it sit out of the fridge for 20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as the creamy dressing can separate and lose its charm.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture, red potatoes or even fingerlings can also work well. Just be mindful that waxier potatoes hold their shape better and won’t become mushy.
How long does the Best Classic Potato Salad Recipe last in the fridge?
When properly stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh for about 3 days. Beyond that, the texture can start to deteriorate, and the flavors may fade.
Is there a way to make this potato salad healthier?
You can lighten it up by swapping half or all of the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt, which adds protein and tang without sacrificing creaminess. Also, adding extra fresh herbs or diced veggies can boost the nutritional value.
Can I make this salad vegan?
This classic recipe relies on mayonnaise and eggs, but you can substitute vegan mayonnaise and omit the eggs to make a delicious plant-based version. Adding diced celery or green onions helps add crunch and flavor.
What’s the secret to perfectly cooked potatoes?
Be sure to cut the potatoes into uniform pieces for even cooking and salt your boiling water generously. Test with a fork—potatoes should be tender but still hold their shape to avoid a mushy salad.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully satisfying about the Best Classic Potato Salad Recipe that keeps bringing friends and family back for more. It’s reliable, delicious, and effortlessly elevates any meal with its creamy texture and bright, balanced flavors. Give it a try at your next gathering and watch it become an instant favorite on your recipe list.
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Best Classic Potato Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Best Classic Potato Salad recipe features tender Yukon Gold potatoes mixed with a creamy, tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice. Enhanced with finely chopped red onion, dill pickles, hard-boiled eggs, and aromatic chives, it’s a refreshing and satisfying side dish perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a comforting accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 3 lb. Yukon Gold potatoes, unpeeled, cut into 1/2” pieces
- Kosher salt, for boiling and seasoning
Dressing
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup finely chopped dill pickles
- 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
Additional Ingredients
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced chives
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Potatoes: In a large pot, cover the cut potatoes with water and generously season the water with kosher salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat and cook the potatoes until they are easily pierced with a knife, about 12 to 15 minutes. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine finely chopped red onion, mayonnaise, finely chopped dill pickles, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, and paprika. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
- Assemble the Salad: Gently fold the slightly cooled potatoes, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and thinly sliced chives into the dressing mixture. Season the potato salad with additional kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the potato salad and refrigerate until chilled and flavors meld, ideally for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve cold as a classic, creamy side dish.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture and ability to hold shape well when cooked.
- Adjust mayonnaise quantity to your preferred creaminess level.
- For extra tang, add a splash of pickle juice or vinegar.
- The potato salad can be prepared a day ahead for enhanced flavor.
- For a different flavor profile, you can substitute fresh dill for chives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
