Name: Classic Potato Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds potatoes (Yukon gold or red potatoes work best); 1 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped; 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped; 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional); Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

A creamy, tangy, and comforting dish, Classic Potato Salad is a must-have for picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings. With tender potatoes, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing, it’s a dish that brings people together and pairs perfectly with almost any main course.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a true classic—simple, flavorful, and reliable. It’s made with a few ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen, and the creamy dressing balances perfectly with the fresh crunch of celery and onions. It’s an easy recipe to customize if you want to add other ingredients like pickles, mustard, or hard-boiled eggs.

Classic Potato Salad

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 pounds potatoes (Yukon gold or red potatoes work best)
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Cook the potatoes: Peel (or leave the skins on, if preferred) and cut the potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Place them in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and let them cool slightly.
Prepare the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth.
Combine potatoes and dressing: Once the potatoes are slightly cooled, add them to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold to coat the potatoes with the dressing.
Add vegetables: Stir in the chopped celery, red onion, and optional chopped eggs. Mix gently until everything is evenly incorporated.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

Add pickles: Chopped dill pickles or relish give the salad an extra tangy crunch.
Mustard kick: Use more mustard or swap Dijon for yellow mustard for a bolder flavor.
Creamy or tangy: Adjust the amount of mayonnaise and mustard to taste for a creamier or tangier salad.
Herb options: Try adding fresh dill or chives for more flavor.
Bacon: Crisp, crumbled bacon adds a delicious smoky crunch to the salad.
Vegan version: Use a vegan mayo or substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This potato salad is best served cold and does not require reheating.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use any waxy potato, such as red or fingerling potatoes. Russet potatoes tend to become too mushy for potato salad, so it’s best to stick with waxy varieties.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

That’s up to you! If you prefer a rustic texture, leave the skins on. If you want a smoother, creamier salad, peel the potatoes before cooking.

Can I make potato salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, the flavors tend to get even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.

Can I make it without mayonnaise?

Yes, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy option. You can also use a vinaigrette if you prefer a dairy-free version.

Can I add other ingredients?

Yes, feel free to get creative. Chopped pickles, olives, green onions, or shredded carrots are popular additions.

How can I make this salad spicier?

Add a bit of hot sauce, jalapeños, or cayenne pepper to the dressing for a spicy twist.

Conclusion

This Classic Potato Salad is the ultimate comfort food—simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue, a picnic, or as a side dish to any meal, it’s always a hit. With creamy potatoes, crunchy veggies, and a tangy dressing, it’s the kind of dish that people will ask you to make again and again!