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Classic potato salad recipe with creamy dressing, hard-boiled eggs and fresh herbs in white bowl

Classic Potato Salad Recipe

This classic potato salad recipe features tender Yukon Gold potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and a creamy tangy dressing. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, and summer gatherings, it's a traditional side dish that gets better as it chills.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup mayonnaise best quality
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 3 stalks celery finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
For Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives chopped
  • 1 teaspoon paprika for dusting
Optional Add-ins
  • sweet pickle relish 2 tablespoons for extra tang
  • fresh dill 1 tablespoon chopped for herb variation
  • celery seed 1/2 teaspoon for enhanced flavor

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot for boiling potatoes
  • 1 Large mixing bowl for combining ingredients
  • 1 Medium saucepan for hard-boiling eggs
  • 1 Sharp Knife for chopping vegetables
  • 1 Cutting Board large size preferred

Method
 

Prepare the Potatoes
  1. Place cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by 2 inches. Add 1 tablespoon salt to the water. Pro tip: Starting with cold water ensures even cooking throughout the potato
  2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium and cook for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender but not mushy. Pro tip: Test doneness by piercing with a fork - it should go through easily but the potato should hold its shape
Cook the Eggs
  1. While potatoes cook, place eggs in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and cover for 12 minutes. Pro tip: This method prevents that green ring around the yolk and ensures perfectly cooked eggs
  2. Transfer eggs to an ice bath immediately, then peel once cooled. Chop into bite-sized pieces. Pro tip: Older eggs (7-10 days old) are easier to peel than very fresh ones
Prepare the Vegetables
  1. Finely dice the yellow onion and chop celery into small pieces. Place in a large mixing bowl. Pro tip: Keep vegetable pieces small and uniform for the best texture in each bite
  2. Add chopped fresh chives to the bowl and set aside. Pro tip: Reserve some chives for garnishing the finished salad
Make the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Pro tip: Taste and adjust seasoning - the dressing should be slightly more seasoned than you want the final salad
  2. Let the dressing sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. Pro tip: This resting time helps the vinegar mellow and ingredients marry
Assemble the Salad
  1. Drain the cooked potatoes well and let them cool for 5 minutes until just warm to the touch. Pro tip: Slightly warm potatoes absorb the dressing better than completely cooled ones
  2. Add warm potatoes and chopped eggs to the bowl with vegetables. Pour dressing over everything and gently fold together until evenly coated. Pro tip: Use a large spoon or spatula and fold gently to avoid breaking up the potatoes
Chill and Serve
  1. Cover the potato salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to develop. Pro tip: The salad tastes best after 4-24 hours as the flavors have time to meld
  2. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with remaining chives and a light dusting of paprika. Pro tip: You may need to add a bit more salt and pepper after chilling as flavors can mellow

Notes

  • Potatoes should be fork-tender but still hold their shape - don't overcook them or the salad will be mushy
  • The salad tastes best after chilling overnight as the flavors have time to meld together
  • Always keep refrigerated and don't leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours for food safety