If you’re craving a comforting, classic side dish that instantly brings back warm memories of family gatherings and picnics, this Old Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe is just what you need. It’s packed with tender potatoes, creamy mayo, tangy mustard, crisp celery, and just the right amount of onion and eggs to make every bite delightfully satisfying. Simple, timeless, and utterly delicious, this potato salad truly celebrates the joy of comfort food done right.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Old Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe plays a crucial role, contributing to its wholesome texture, vibrant flavor, and classic appeal. The simplicity of these staples is what makes the salad so special and approachable, making your preparation both enjoyable and straightforward.
- 6 medium potatoes, cut into bite-size chunks (about 2 pounds): The hearty base providing the perfect tender yet firm bite.
- 1 ½ cups mayo: Adds creamy richness that ties all the flavors together with smoothness.
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar: Gives a bright tang that balances the mayo’s creaminess perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard: Brings a subtle zest and an iconic sharpness to the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors in the salad.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: Adds a whisper of warmth and mild spice for depth.
- 2 stalks celery, chopped (1 cup): Provides a wonderful crunch and fresh contrast in texture.
- 1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup): Injects a mild sweetness and a slight bite that perks up the salad.
- 4 hard-cooked eggs, chopped: Creamy bits of protein that make the salad hearty and comforting.
How to Make Old Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook Potatoes
Start by placing your bite-sized potato chunks into a large pan, cover them with water and bring it to a boil. After about 10 minutes, test for tenderness by piercing the potatoes with a fork—they should be soft but not falling apart. Once tender, drain the potatoes thoroughly and set them aside to cool slightly. This step ensures your potatoes hold their shape while soaking up all the flavors later.
Step 2: Prepare Dressing
In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the mayo, white vinegar, yellow mustard, salt, and pepper until you achieve a luscious, smooth dressing. This blend is what brings the distinctive Old Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe taste, perfectly balancing creaminess with a mild tang and just a hint of spice.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now, it’s time to unite all your ingredients. Gently fold the warm potatoes into the dressing, followed by the crisp celery, chopped onion, and the chunks of hard-cooked eggs. Take care to toss the mixture delicately to avoid mashing the potatoes, allowing each bite to retain lovely texture and flavor bursts throughout.
Step 4: Chill
Cover your bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. This resting period is key—it lets all the flavors mingle, develop depth, and marry beautifully so your Old Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe tastes even better the next day.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate this classic dish without overshadowing its nostalgic charm. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and subtle herbal freshness. A light dusting of paprika can add a warm hue and a hint of earthy spice, creating an inviting presentation that whets the appetite.
Side Dishes
This potato salad is a versatile companion to many meals. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats like burgers and hot dogs, perfectly balancing smoky flavors. It also complements barbeques, fried chicken, or even a light green salad, making it a crowd-pleaser whether at a picnic or casual family dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress with a fun twist? Serve the salad in hollowed-out tomato bowls or atop crisp lettuce leaves for individual portions that look as good as they taste. You can also try layering the salad in a clear trifle dish for a charming, rustic effect that lets the colors shine through — perfect for potlucks and gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Old Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe keeps wonderfully well when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Make sure to keep it chilled, ideally consumed within 3 to 4 days to enjoy the freshest flavors and textures. Stir gently before serving leftovers to redistribute the dressing and seasoning.
Freezing
While freezing potato salad is generally not recommended because the potatoes can turn mushy and watery, if you must freeze, do so without the mayonnaise-based dressing. Freeze only the boiled potatoes separately and add the dressing fresh after thawing to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not needed. If your salad feels too chilled, simply let it sit out on the counter for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to enjoy its full aroma and taste without warming it.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?
Absolutely! While waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best because they hold their shape well, you can use Russets for a creamier texture, just be mindful they might break down a little more.
Is it okay to add other vegetables?
Definitely! Some people love adding diced pickles or bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor, but this Old Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe shines when it keeps to the classic ingredients.
How long should I boil the potatoes?
About 10 minutes usually does the trick, but it’s best to check periodically. Pierce with a fork to ensure they are tender but still firm enough to hold their shape in the salad.
Can I make this salad vegan-friendly?
You can! Substitute the mayo with a plant-based alternative and skip the eggs or replace them with diced tofu or chickpeas to maintain protein and texture.
What’s the best way to hard-cook eggs for this recipe?
Place eggs in a pot, cover with cold water, bring to a boil, then turn off the heat and cover for about 10 minutes. This method yields perfectly hard-cooked eggs without that green ring around the yolk.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the cozy, familiar comfort of this Old Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe. It’s a true treasure for any season or occasion, offering the kind of simple pleasure that brings people together around the table. So go ahead, give this classic a try—your taste buds will thank you, and your loved ones will be asking for seconds before you know it!
Print
Old Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Old Fashioned Potato Salad is a creamy and tangy side dish perfect for picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings. Made with tender potatoes, crunchy celery, chopped onions, and hard-cooked eggs, all tossed in a flavorful mayo-based dressing with vinegar and mustard, this recipe offers a perfect balance of texture and taste. Easy to prepare and served chilled, it’s a timeless favorite that brings comfort and nostalgia to the table.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 6 medium potatoes, cut into bite-size chunks (about 2 pounds)
Dressing
- 1 ½ cups mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Mix-ins
- 2 stalks celery, chopped (1 cup)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (½ cup)
- 4 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pan and cover them with water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 10 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the water completely.
- Prepare Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, white vinegar, yellow mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the dressing is smooth and evenly mixed.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked potatoes, chopped celery, chopped onion, and chopped hard-cooked eggs to the dressing bowl. Gently toss everything together to ensure the potatoes are well coated without breaking them apart.
- Chill: Cover the potato salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to fully meld and the salad to firm up for the best taste.
Notes
- Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a creamier texture that holds shape well.
- Make sure potatoes are cooled before mixing with dressing to prevent it from becoming runny.
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of paprika or chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley before serving.
- The salad can be made a day ahead for convenience and improved flavor.
- If preferred, substitute mayonnaise with a lighter sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangier twist.
