A classic potato salad recipe is an essential dish for any picnic, barbecue, or family gathering. This simple and delicious recipe features russet potatoes, mustard, mayonnaise, and a few other ingredients to create a flavorful, creamy potato salad that's sure to please any crowd.
Most of the ingredients in this classic potato salad recipe are likely already in your kitchen. However, if you don't typically keep relish or celery salt on hand, these are two items you may need to pick up from the supermarket. The sweet pickle relish adds a tangy sweetness that balances out the creaminess of the mayonnaise and the starchy potatoes, while the celery salt infuses a subtle, savory flavor.
Ingredients for the Classic Potato Salad Recipe
Russet potatoes: These are starchy potatoes that are perfect for potato salad because they maintain their shape when cooked and provide a hearty base.
Yellow onion: Adds a bit of crunch and a mild, sweet flavor to the salad.
Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the potato salad.
Celery salt: Gives the potato salad a hint of celery flavor without needing to add actual celery.
Ground mustard: Adds a bit of tanginess to balance the creaminess of the mayonnaise.
Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the salad.
Hard boiled eggs: Adds protein and richness to the potato salad.
Celery: Provides a fresh, crisp texture.
Sweet pickle relish: Gives the potato salad a tangy sweetness that balances out the other flavors.
One reader, Baryram Mares says:
This classic potato salad recipe is a winner! The blend of flavors is spot on, and the texture is just right. It's a hit at every gathering, and I always get asked for the recipe. It's a timeless favorite that never disappoints!
Key Techniques for Making Classic Potato Salad
How to boil potatoes: Boil the potatoes in a large pot of water until they are easily pierced by a fork but still firm.
How to make mayonnaise mixture: Combine the onion, salt, celery salt, ground mustard, and mayonnaise in a food processor or whisk together until well combined.
How to mix potato salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled potatoes with hard-boiled eggs, celery, sweet pickle relish, and the prepared mayonnaise mixture. Mix well before refrigerating for at least two hours.
How To Make Potato Salad
Nothing can go wrong with this savory potato salad recipe that is made with starchy Russet potatoes that adds creaminess and drizzled mustard dressing.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 5mediumrusset potatoes
- ½yellow onion,diced finely
- ½tspkosher salt
- ½tspcelery salt
- ½tspground mustard
- ¾cupmayonnaise,regular or light
- 3largehard boiled eggs,peeled and chopped
- 1stalk celery,diced finely
- ¼cupsweet pickle relish
Instructions
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Add potatoes to a large pot and fill with water until the potatoes are below the water level and bring to a boil on high heat.
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Reduce heat to medium-high and cook potatoes for 6 to 8 minutes until they are easily pierced by a fork but still firm.
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Drain the potatoes and let them cool in a large mixing bowl for 10 minutes.
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Add the onion, salt, celery salt, mustard, and mayonnaise to a food processor to combine or whisk together.
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In your large mixing bowl with the potatoes, add the eggs, celery, sweet relish and mayonnaise mixture mix well before refrigerating for at least two hours.
Nutrition
- Calories: 298.89kcal
- Fat: 18.88g
- Saturated Fat: 3.15g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.99g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 10.36g
- Carbohydrates: 27.92g
- Fiber: 2.05g
- Sugar: 3.67g
- Protein: 5.40g
- Cholesterol: 78.38mg
- Sodium: 338.90mg
- Calcium: 32.05mg
- Potassium: 606.66mg
- Iron: 1.51mg
- Vitamin A: 33.83µg
- Vitamin C: 8.42mg
Crucial Technique for Achieving the Ideal Potato Salad Texture
When boiling your potatoes, make sure to start with cold water. Adding potatoes to boiling water can cause the outside to cook faster than the inside, resulting in unevenly cooked potatoes. Starting with cold water ensures that the potatoes cook evenly throughout, giving your potato salad a perfect texture.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Potato Salad
Prep ahead: Chop and boil the potatoes a day in advance to save time on the day of making the potato salad.
Multitask: While the potatoes are boiling, you can simultaneously prepare the mayonnaise mixture and chop the eggs and celery to save time.
Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly and evenly mix the mayonnaise, onion, and seasonings for the salad dressing.
Chill simultaneously: While the potato salad is chilling in the refrigerator, use that time to clean up and prepare other dishes for your meal.
Organize ingredients: Before starting, gather and organize all the ingredients and utensils needed for the recipe to streamline the cooking process.
Substitute Ingredients For Potato Salad Recipe
russet potatoes - Substitute with Yukon Gold potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes have a similar texture and flavor to russet potatoes, making them a great substitute for potato salad.
yellow onion - Substitute with red onion: Red onions have a slightly milder flavor and add a pop of color to the potato salad.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt in the same quantity, providing a similar level of saltiness.
celery salt - Substitute with celery seed and salt: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of celery seed with 1/2 teaspoon of salt to substitute for celery salt in the recipe.
ground mustard - Substitute with Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard has a similar tangy flavor and can be used as a substitute for ground mustard in the potato salad.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise, providing a creamy texture and tangy flavor.
hard boiled eggs - Substitute with tofu: Silken tofu can be used as a vegan substitute for hard-boiled eggs, providing a similar texture and protein content.
celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a similar crunchy texture and a hint of licorice flavor, making it a great substitute for celery in potato salad.
sweet pickle relish - Substitute with diced dill pickles: Diced dill pickles can be used as a substitute for sweet pickle relish, providing a tangy and crunchy addition to the potato salad.
How to Beautifully Present Your Potato Salad
Elevate the plating: When presenting the classic potato salad, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use a large, white, or neutral-colored plate to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the dish. Arrange the potato salad in a neat and organized manner, ensuring each ingredient is visible and inviting.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of sophistication to the dish by garnishing with fresh chives or parsley. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a burst of fresh flavor to the potato salad.
Incorporate texture: Introduce a textural element to the presentation by serving the potato salad alongside a crisp and lightly toasted baguette. The contrast in textures will elevate the overall dining experience.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Opt for high-quality, minimalist serving ware such as ceramic or porcelain bowls to present the potato salad. The simplicity of the serving ware will allow the vibrant colors of the dish to take center stage.
Emphasize symmetry and balance: Arrange the potato salad in a symmetrical and balanced manner on the plate, paying attention to the placement of each component. This meticulous approach will showcase attention to detail and precision in the presentation.
Essential Tools for Making the Perfect Potato Salad
- Large pot: A large, sturdy pot is essential for boiling the potatoes.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is used for combining the ingredients and mixing the potato salad.
- Food processor: A food processor can be used to quickly and evenly combine the onion, salt, celery salt, mustard, and mayonnaise.
- Fork: A fork is used to test the doneness of the potatoes by piercing them.
- Knife: A knife is needed for chopping the celery and dicing the hard-boiled eggs.
- Colander: A colander is used to drain the cooked potatoes.
- Potato masher: A potato masher can be used to lightly mash the potatoes for a creamier texture, if desired.
- Spatula: A spatula is helpful for gently folding the ingredients together without mashing the potatoes.
Storing and Freezing Your Homemade Potato Salad
Once the potato salad has chilled for at least two hours, transfer it to an airtight container or cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
If you have leftovers or want to make the potato salad ahead of time, you can freeze it for longer storage. However, keep in mind that the texture of the potatoes and other ingredients may change slightly after freezing and thawing.
To freeze, transfer the cooled potato salad to a freezer-safe container, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top for expansion. Cover the container with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap, then aluminum foil for extra protection against freezer burn.
Label the container with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 1 month for best quality.
To thaw frozen potato salad, transfer the container from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Give the salad a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.
If the thawed potato salad appears watery or the texture is not as creamy as desired, you can drain off any excess liquid and add a little extra mayonnaise to improve the consistency.
How To Reheat Leftover Potato Salad
The best way to reheat leftover classic potato salad is to let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the mayonnaise to soften, resulting in a more delicious and creamy texture.
If you prefer your potato salad slightly warm, you can microwave it for a short time. Place the desired amount of salad in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring gently between each interval, until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the mayonnaise to separate and become oily.
Another option is to reheat the potato salad in a double boiler. Fill a pot with a few inches of water and bring it to a simmer. Place the potato salad in a heat-safe bowl that fits snugly over the pot, ensuring that the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water. Stir the salad occasionally until it's warmed through, being careful not to let it get too hot, which can cause the mayonnaise to break down.
If you have a large amount of leftover potato salad, you can reheat it in the oven. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C), transfer the salad to an oven-safe dish, and cover it with foil. Heat the salad for 15-20 minutes, or until it's warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to taste the potato salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may find that the flavors have mellowed during storage, so a sprinkle of salt, pepper, or a dash of mustard can help revive the taste.
Interesting Trivia About Potato Salad
Potato salad is a popular dish in many countries and is often served as a side dish at barbecues, picnics, and potlucks. It is believed that the potato salad originated in Germany and was brought to the United States by European immigrants. The classic potato salad recipe has evolved over time and has many regional variations, with some including additional ingredients such as bacon, mustard, or vinegar. It is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences.
Is Making Potato Salad at Home Cost-Effective?
This classic potato salad recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as potatoes, onion, eggs, and mayonnaise, are generally affordable and widely available. The recipe yields a substantial amount, making it suitable for a family of four. The approximate cost for this recipe is around $10, making it a budget-friendly option. Overall Verdict: 8/10
Is Classic Potato Salad Healthy or Unhealthy?
The classic potato salad recipe, while undeniably delicious, may not be the healthiest choice due to several factors:
- High in calories: The combination of potatoes, mayonnaise, and eggs can lead to a calorie-dense dish, especially if consumed in large portions.
- Saturated fat: Mayonnaise, a key ingredient in this recipe, is high in saturated fat, which can contribute to heart disease and other health issues when consumed in excess.
- Sodium content: The addition of salt and celery salt can increase the sodium content of the dish, which may be a concern for those with high blood pressure or other sodium-related health concerns.
- Limited nutritional variety: While potatoes do provide some nutrients, such as vitamin C and potassium, the recipe lacks a diverse range of vegetables that could offer a wider array of vitamins and minerals.
To make this classic potato salad recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of mayonnaise used and replace some of it with plain Greek yogurt, which is lower in fat and higher in protein.
- Include a variety of colorful vegetables, such as diced bell peppers, carrots, or cherry tomatoes, to increase the nutrient density of the dish.
- Use less salt and celery salt, and instead, opt for fresh herbs like dill or parsley to add flavor without the added sodium.
- Replace some of the potatoes with cauliflower or turnips for a lower-carb alternative that still provides a similar texture.
- Serve the potato salad alongside lean proteins, such as grilled chicken or fish, and a mixed green salad to create a more balanced meal.
Editor's Opinion on This Classic Potato Salad Recipe
The classic potato salad recipe you provided is a timeless favorite. The combination of tender potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and a creamy mayonnaise dressing with a hint of sweetness from the relish creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The addition of celery and onion adds a refreshing crunch and depth of flavor. The recipe's simplicity and traditional ingredients make it a versatile and satisfying side dish for any occasion. However, consider adjusting the seasoning to taste and adding a touch of fresh herbs for a modern twist. Overall, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser and a staple for gatherings.
Enhance Your Potato Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Classic Potato Salad
Why trust this Potato Salad Recipe:
This recipe uses russet potatoes as the base, ensuring a fluffy and creamy texture. The addition of hard boiled eggs and sweet pickle relish provides a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The use of mayonnaise and a blend of spices such as celery salt and ground mustard enhances the overall taste. The method of boiling the potatoes to perfection and allowing them to cool ensures the ideal consistency. The combination of these elements creates a classic potato salad that is both delicious and trustworthy.
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