Best Ever Potato Salad!
110 Comments
Updated: 10/14/23
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There’s nothing like a hot summer day and Potato Salad! This recipe is a basic recipe that you can build on and make your own. A creamy dressing, tender potatoes and chopped hard boiled eggs.
Fire up the grill and pair it with your favorite burgers, baked beans and more!
Who’s with me on the fact they love, love, love potato salad, but they are super picky about the texture and flavor? Well, this version is a delicious classic recipe with just the basics. You can add any of your favorite additions to customize it!
You don’t have to be intimidated to make this classic side dish. In fact, it’s easier than you think it is. And if you want an even easier way to make it, try our famous Instant Pot version. But before you know it, you’ll perfect this recipe with any of your customizations and have the best potato salad!
Why You’ll Love this Potato Salad
- It only takes about 30 minutes to make this easy potato salad. Great to whip up for any party, potluck, or evening dinner that needs a tasty side dish.
- You can easily make this dish ahead of time and store in the refrigerator until it is needed. Cold potato salad is much better than warm!
- This recipe is easily adaptable. People typically don’t like potato salad because it doesn’t fit their preference. But when you can add anything to it, you can make it how you like!
Ingredients for the Best Potato Salad
- Potatoes – The best potatoes are red potatoes or yellow potatoes. They tend to have better flavor and texture.
- Mayonnaise – Use a high quality for the best flavor. Cheap mayo can leave a funny aftertaste.
- Yellow mustard – The tang of yellow mustard gives that quintessential zing that is needed!
- Hard boiled eggs – I’ve got two great ways for you to make the best hard boiled eggs. You can make them in the Instant Pot and in the Crock Pot.
- White vinegar – It may sound a little weird to use white vinegar to balance out the flavors!
- Seasonings – This blend of seasonings flavors this cold salad so well.
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Onion powder
How to Make Potato Salad
- Clean your potatoes well, then peel and dice them into chunks. Place the potatoes into a large stock pot and then cover with water.
- Bring the diced potatoes to a rapid boil, then turn down to medium heat and boil for 5-7 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Drain the cooked potatoes and then allow them to cool.
- In a medium bowl, mix together mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder until well combined.
- Pour the condiment mixture over cooled potatoes and then peel and dice three hard boiled eggs. Add the eggs to the salad and gently mix until combined.
- Peel the last three hard boiled eggs and slice them to use as a garnish on top of the finished potato salad.
- Sprinkle with paprika and serve!
What to Serve with Potato Salad
It’s is a staple for any cook-out and barbecue you host. It’d be super tasty with crock pot BBQ chicken and air fryer BBQ chicken legs. But if you’re firing up the grill or smoker, make some burgers or brisket to go with homemade potato salad.
Smoked ribs and smoked chicken wings would make a great main dish too. And don’t forget, BBQ baked beans on the grill are a classic side dish to pair with cold potato salad!
How to Store Leftover Potato Salad
Place leftovers in a freezer safe zip top bag or an airtight container, and smush it out to one even layer.
FRIDGE: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The longer the salad sits, the more the texture will change.
FREEZER: Leftovers can be frozen as well. Store in a freezer bag or airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What can I add to homemade potato salad?
Like I previously mentioned, this is a classic, basic potato salad recipe. If you want to create different flavor profiles please feel free to add in the ingredients mentioned above to suite you taste buds. This is a great recipe to jump off from and make it your own!
Traditional potato salad usually uses mayonnaise, but you can use Miracle whip if you prefer! It will give it a slightly sweeter taste. Adding onion will also give your potato salad a different flavor.
If you want some more tang, add 1/2 cup of sweet pickle relish…dill relish is good too! Diced celery will add a lovely little crunch to this dish. You can also add some bacon for a savory crunch. To change things up a lot, roast your potatoes!
Pro Tips!
- Make sure to boil the potatoes until just tender. Over cooked potatoes will crumble and create a mush when you mix everything together.
- Planning to serve this potato salad at a party? Make it ahead of time and allow it to chill for the best flavors.
- Don’t dice your potatoes too small. Once inch chunks are the perfect size!
This perfect recipe is going to be a go-to for your cookouts and parties! Let us know what customizations you make, don’t be afraid to get creative!
More Salad Recipes You’ll Love
- Broccoli Salad is another classic side dish that you absolutely need a tried and true recipe for!
- This Crab Pasta Salad is super easy to make and great to pair with tons of different dishes.
- Lettuce Frito Salad is crunchy, salty, and oh so good.
- Tuna Pasta Salad is a fun twist on the classic favorite tuna salad. A great dish for a potluck!
- Warm, tangy German Potato Salad that’s a perfect side dish for summer parties!
- Creamy Grape Salad is a classic Midwestern recipe that everyone loves for a side dish.
- Light and Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe is a quick and easy chicken salad recipe is low-calorie, can be made ahead of time, and perfect on a sandwich or as an appetizer!
- Old fashioned classic Pea Salad is a favorite that is served cold and enjoyed all year long!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Potato Salad
Tender potatoes and hard boiled eggs make this traditional potato salad the BEST.
Video
Ingredients
- 5 pounds red potatoes
- 6 hard boiled eggs
- 2 cups Miracle Whip or Mayonnaise
- ¾ cup whipping cream
- 2 Tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ cup white vinegar
Instructions
- Peel and dice potatoes. Place in large stock pot and cover with water. Bring to rapid boil, turn down to medium heat and boil 5-7 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Drain potatoes and let cool.
- In a medium mixing bowl whisk whipping cream for 1 minute. Stir in Miracle Whip, mustard, sugar, salt, pepper and vinegar. Mix until combined.
- Pour mixture over cooled potatoes. Peel and dice three hard boiled eggs and add to potatoes. Mix until combined.
- Peel last three hard boiled eggs and slice and place on top of salad.
- Refrigerate until thoroughly cooled.
Tips
- Traditional potato salad usually uses Mayonnaise instead of Miracle Whip. The Miracle Whip will give it a slightly sweeter taste. You can totally substitute Mayonnaise for the Miracle Whip if you prefer that.
- If you’d like onion, add in 1/2 c. sweet onion finely diced.
- Another great addition if you like pickle relish is adding in 1/2 c. sweet pickle relish.
- Many people like to add in 1 Tbsp celery seeds or 1 tsp celery salt. You can even finely dice a few stalks of celery if you want that crunch!
- I’ve also seen fresh chopped dill added to create another flavor profile.
- Another option is to roast your potatoes like we do in this recipe.
- Or, you could add bacon and ranch to it like we do in this one!
- Make sure you boil your potatoes until just tender, over tender potatoes will crumble when you mix everything together.
- We prefer using Yukon Gold potatoes, but red potatoes will work too. Just make sure your potatoes are starchy!
- Make it ahead of time! Did you know it tastes better then next day after it’s been chilled because the flavors come together? Perfect for party planning!
Nutrition Information
Calories: 494kcal (25%), Carbohydrates: 35g (12%), Protein: 8g (16%), Fat: 36g (55%), Saturated Fat: 9g (56%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g, Monounsaturated Fat: 9g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 126mg (42%), Sodium: 382mg (17%), Potassium: 917mg (26%), Fiber: 3g (13%), Sugar: 8g (9%), Vitamin A: 388IU (8%), Vitamin C: 16mg (19%), Calcium: 46mg (5%), Iron: 2mg (11%)
Deanna Polakowski says
Sorry, my mother and grandmother always used Hellmann’s mayo and that’s what I use. I couldn’t even begin to make potato salad with Miracle Whip. Yuck! However, I did learn a new trick from you. We always boil the potatoes whole, cool and then cut them up. Next time I make potato salad I will peel and cut up the potatoes to boil.
Julie Evink says
Which is just fine! That’s why it’s fun… we can all learn something from each other 🙂
Sara Welch says
LOL, I needed this today! I use my grandma’s recipe, and I love it. The only difference is I use Hellman’s real mayo, not the miracle whip and whipping cream. I think I will try the change just to see the difference.
Julie Evink says
Glad I could provide some laughs 😉 Mayo is the typical ingredients I just grew up on the Miracle Whip and Whipping cream combo and got used to it!
Nonnie says
my potato salad is just like yours except I use sweet pickle juice instead of vinegar and add green onions Old family recipe. So, I think yours is great!!!
Julie Evink says
Great additions! I think yours is great too 😉
Dianne says
I once went to a party and was asked to bring a salad. Every family (4 in total) brought potato salad and everyone was different. We laughed, heaped our plates and enjoyed every delicious mouthful and we all learned a new recipe!
Julie Evink says
And what a great attitude to have! Breath of fresh air. Now I want a potato salad party 😉
Nancy E says
I have made many of your recipes, some as written, some changed to reflect my familys likes. Always great. If we didn’t have recipes to try (and personalize), we would all still be eating burnt meat from over a firepit. Keep doing what you do, sad that some people just want to complain.
P.S. Will be adding some whipping cream to my potato salad this weekend and I am sure it will be great. Thanks Happy Cooking!
Julie Evink says
Exactly! Recipes are just a guidance right? That’s my thoughts! Have a wonderful holiday weekend 🙂
Becky says
Part of the fun is looking up new recipes, trying them, and changing them to suit you own taste or your family’s. I always enjoy your recipes. There are lot’s out there that use all kinds of ingredients that aren’t to my taste, and if I responded to each one and put them dowm, I would be on there forever!! Keep up the good work. 🙂
Julie Evink says
Exactly! Thanks for the positive attitude! 🙂
LaFawne says
Tater Salad Drama! Nothing surprises me any more but this did make me smile and chuckle.
I have my own tiny little blog (honestly it is just an online cookbook so I wont lose my recipes-lol) and I title some things “Best Whatever”. Because it IS the best as far as I am concerned. There is no ONE best anything, it is all a matter of taste. What I think is best today, might easily be replaced tomorrow. I like your
recipes- I always try to make something my own, so I add and take away freely. You are a great blogger, as I am sure you know but it never hurts to hear praise when due.
And I dont think ANY of your recipes are “interesting” 😛 (credit to sande’s rude comment)
Julie Evink says
Right… at first (this started a long time ago) I was bit hurt, but now I just laugh. Thicker skin with the experience in blogging seems to happen! Thank you for your sweet words!
dezi says
Julie, Julie, Julie,
This is hilarious!
Who knew?
I love your blog and look forward to reading every post!
Keep on trucking and I’ll keep reading.
Thank you.
dezi
Julie Evink says
Right??? Like it’s POTATO SALAD peeps! Never ever imagined this when I hit publish! Thanks for your sweet words!
Dianna says
One hint a 90 year old grandmother gave me was to save and use your sweet pickle juice in place of the vinegar! (also works in spinach salad dressing)
Julie Evink says
That is an awesome option if you like pickles Diana!
Linda says
I am going to try this one. I have always just throwed whatever I could find in the fridge in mine. But so tired of fixing it that away and my taste for it has decreased. This way sounds so delicious.
Julie Evink says
Hope you enjoy it Linda!
Jessie says
Julie, Thank you for the opportunity to step out and make my first attempt to comment on a blog. Yes, I have also cooked for over 40 years, and your recipe is exactly like my grandmother’s. I alter mine and use white potatoes as I don’t like red. My sister also makes potato salad, and hers is different than mine. She does not like mine. Oh well, each to their own. It would be a very dull world if we all did things the exact same way. Folks, enjoy the diversity, and freedom of choice.
Julie Evink says
So glad you stopped by Jessie!!! Your potato salad sounds excellent. In my opinion… there’s room for everyone’s potato salad in life! That’s what makes it fun 🙂
Mary says
I have to say this is the first time I have ever seen such nasty comments on a food blog. It’s a recipe, for Heaven’s sake. If you don’t like to try new recipes, then unsubscribe and continue to make your own recipes so that the rest of us who like to try new recipes can do so without reading all your vile comments.
Julie Evink says
I agree Mary 🙂
Laura says
What type of vinegar did you use? White vinegar, red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar? Definitely want to make this – haven’t found the “perfect” one yet. Thank you for all your postings, Julie! I’m new to your postings, but can’t wait to try so many of them!
Kara says
Sande,
This is the second comment section I have found your negativity toward other bloggers recipes. I’m pretty sure you are the same “Sande” from a Great Grandmothers Italian spaghetti sauce recipe I came across the other day. You seem to have a knack for creating drama on blogs with all of your cooking experience and amazing recipes. Funny, they say that bullies put down others just to lift themselves up. But here is a thought. If you have amazing recipes that would win over all others, then please start your own food blog. Use the time you seem to devote to casting away others’ recipes and share your recipes. If that doesn’t appeal to you, then please unsubscribe from food blogs that you seem to think will never measure up to your stuff. Find a new hobby. Thank you from someone that actually appreciates the time and effort it takes to make and share these recipes. Keep it up Julie. 🙂
Becky says
well said!
Sheila says
I am about to be turning 70 in a few months. I am a Grandmother & a Great Grandmother. I have made many a Potato Salad over the years. Very similar to JUlies Recipe with the exception of adding finely diced onions. However I have not heard of adding cream but I think it will only enhance my recipe, so will definitely try it. You negative Ladies ” Please remember Change is good. “Negativity is not.”
Sande says
Just finished reading your recipe and the comments. Its a strange thing about food bloggers…they can’t accept any input or criticism and that’s why I stay away from them. But your Grandma’s Potato Salad caught my eye on Pinterest and here I landed.
I’ll zip my mouth on commenting on :your: potato salad, as their are as many different kinds of “Grandma’s Potato Salad” as there are opinions. And my grandmother always told me if you can’t say something nice, just say it’s interesting. Yours is interesting. But in a taste test between my grandmother’s, which I have been making for 56 years and yours I’m sure mine would win hands down. Sorry.
And my comment is not intended to be nasty…so no snarky remarks are needed. Every is entitled to their personal opinion and some people just have the balls to state it. Does this mean your potato salad is not good, no. It just doesn’t appeal to everyone and you shouldn’t be so insecure in how people voice their opinion.
Danielle says
I’m curious Sandy what exactly “caught your eye” about this recipe? Did it have a particular appeal that spoke to you? Or did you just see an outlet to spend your time and energy trying to bring someone else down?
Perhaps you should actually give the recipe a try before judging it so harshly and leaving negative comments. Your grandmother’s advice is good, but I’m sure it was intended for those actually seeking your input. Not a random recipe on the internet that you felt like putting down and telling the author how yours is surely better while calling her insecure.
Ann says
Bravo!
Julie Evink says
🙂
Laverne says
She is so rude, Julie, that you simply just ignore her. I’ll bet ALL her recipes are “better ‘n yours” – whatcha think??? I’m sure she, and most of the cooks, don’t even follow a recipe the exact way it’s written, I know I don’t as I don’t always have all the ingredients so have to substitute. That’s what makes cooking so fun. Mean, nasty, rude…. Not a nice cook….
Laverne says
I’m “replying” to myself: I am going to a family picnic this weekend and will take YOUR salad as written, EXCEPT I will add some chopped sweet onion – I like the crunch it adds. I have all the ingredients except for Miracle Whip which I never use, only Best Foods Mayonnaise, but I intend to buy a pint of Miracle Whip and make your salad!! I’m 86, pushing 87 very hard, do not understand people who are so petty. It’s so easy to be NICE!!!
Julie Evink says
Oh you are to sweet Laverne! I hope you have a fabulous picnic and that crunch is good. I just have a really plain taste budded husband 😉
Gayla says
Love the recipe. That is what it is people…a recipe.
Haven’t tried whipped cream in mine…going to do that the next time!
Julie Evink says
Yes! A recipe, meant for guidance 😉 Thanks 🙂