Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prepare the Potatoes
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Add chopped fresh chives to the bowl and set aside. Pro tip: Reserve some chives for garnishing the finished salad
Make the Dressing
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
