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Classic American Potato Salad

Classic American Potato Salad

Classic American Potato Salad is a creamy, tangy, and nostalgic side dish that combines tender waxy potatoes with crunchy celery, sharp onions, hard-boiled eggs, and a perfectly balanced dressing of mayonnaise, mustard, and vinegar. Ideal for summer BBQs, picnics, and family gatherings, this versatile salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats and sandwiches, and can be easily customized to suit dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

  • 2 pounds waxy potatoes (red or Yukon gold), washed and cut into chunks

Dressing

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Mix-Ins

  • 3 stalks celery, finely diced
  • ½ cup finely chopped red or white onion
  • 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
  • ½ cup pickle relish or finely chopped dill pickles

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and cut the potatoes into evenly sized chunks for even cooking. Boil them in salted water for 10-15 minutes until tender but firm. Drain and let cool slightly.
  2. Cook and Chop the Eggs: Place eggs in boiling water and cook for 10 minutes. Cool them in ice water, peel, and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Chop the Vegetables: Finely dice celery and onions so they blend well but still provide texture.
  4. Mix the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, yellow mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Combine All Ingredients: Gently fold the potatoes, eggs, celery, onions, and relish into the dressing. Mix carefully to coat everything evenly without breaking up the potatoes too much.
  6. Chill Before Serving: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld and chill properly before serving.

Notes

  • Avoid overcooking potatoes to keep them firm but tender, preventing mushiness.
  • Allow potatoes to cool completely before mixing with mayonnaise to avoid a watery salad.
  • Season gradually with salt and pepper, tasting as you go to avoid over-seasoning.
  • Chilling the salad for several hours or overnight enhances the flavor depth.
  • Use fresh celery and eggs for optimal crunch and richness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Classic potato salad, American potato salad, summer side dish, BBQ side dish, creamy potato salad, picnic dish