When it comes to classic comfort food, a good old-fashioned potato salad is a dish that never disappoints. Itโ€™s the perfect side for backyard barbecues, summer picnics, or even just a simple family dinner. My classic potato salad recipe with eggs is the last potato salad recipe you’ll ever need. It’s just that yummy!

Classic Potato Salad Recipe | Easy Potato Salad | Potato Salad with Egg Recipe | Best Potato Salad

Why This Recipe Works

This classic potato salad recipe uses hard-boiled eggs and waxy potatoes, specifically Yukon gold potatoes, but you could also use red potatoes, which hold their shape well and have a creamy texture when cooked.

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The addition of yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, and celery seed creates a tangy dressing that complements the starchy potatoes beautifully. This recipe is a potato salad lover’s dream, offering the perfect balance of flavors and textures. What’s better than a creamy potato salad paired with your favorite cookout fare? In my book, nada!

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How to Make Classic Potato Salad Recipe

Making this homemade potato salad is very easy. Youโ€™ll need a large pot for boiling the potatoes and a large bowl for mixing. The cooking process involves boiling the potatoes in salted water until they are tender. Once cooled to room temperature, they are combined with a creamy dressing in a large bowl.

Classic Potato Salad Recipe | Easy Potato Salad | Potato Salad with Egg Recipe | Best Potato Salad

Ingredients

  • 8 medium Yukon gold potatoes, cooked, peeled and diced
  •  1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
  •  2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  •  1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  •  1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  •  1 teaspoon salt
  •  1 teaspoon celery seed
  •  1/2 teaspoon pepper
  •  2 crunchy celery ribs, diced
  •  1/4 cup onion, diced
  •  5 hard-boiled eggs diced or sliced
  •  optional, paprika for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15 to 20 minutes or until tender. Drain and let them cool.
  2. Once the potatoes have reached room temperature, peel potatoes and cut into chunks.
  3. In a separate large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, and seasonings until smooth.
  4. Add the potatoes, diced celery, and onions to the dressing. Mix gently until well coated.
  5. Carefully fold in the diced hard-boiled eggs.
  6. If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of paprika for color. I also like to top with freshly cracked black pepper.

Variations and Substitutions

  • For a healthier potato salad option, substitute mayonnaise with sour cream or Greek yogurt.
  • Add green onions or red onion for a sharper taste.
  • Sweet pickle relish or diced sweet pickles can be used for an extra pop of sweetness.
  • For those who prefer a kick, add diced dill pickles or a dash of pickle juice.
best potato salad with yukon gold

How to Store Classic Potato Salad

To store leftover potato salad, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. Potato salad, when stored properly, can last in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Make sure itโ€™s not left out at room temperature for more than two hours to prevent spoilage. Pay special attention if you’re serving it outside that you don’t let it get too warm.

Tips and Tricks

  • Start with cold water: Place the potatoes in a pot and cover them with cold water before heating. This ensures they cook evenly.
  • Cut potatoes in uniform size: This helps them to cook evenly and makes the salad easier to eat.
  • Dress warm potatoes: They absorb the dressing better, enhancing the flavor of your potato salad.

Common Questions

Can I use russet potatoes? 
Yes, but keep in mind they are starchy potatoes and may not hold their shape as well as waxy potatoes.

How can I make my potato salad creamier? 
Add more mayonnaise or a dollop of sour cream to achieve a creamier texture.

Is it better to peel the potatoes before or after boiling? 
Itโ€™s a personal preference, but peeling them after boiling often results in a better texture.

Can I use Miracle Whip instead of mayonnaise?
The old Miracle Whip (salad dressing) vs. mayo debate! Yes, you can certainly use Miracle Whip if you prefer its zip and flavor to mayonnaise. It’s all about what you and your family like. For me, I’ll stick with real mayonnaise.

creamy recipe in a bowl

What to Serve with Classic Potato Salad

My classic potato salad recipe is the perfect side dish, especially when it comes to rounding out your favorite summer classic meals. Its creamy texture and savory flavors make it an easy recipe that complements a variety of main dishes. Here’s what to serve with classic American potato salad.

  1. Hot Dogs: Thereโ€™s nothing more traditionally American than hot dogs served with a side of classic potato salad. This combo is a summer classic that is both easy to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
  2. Pasta Salad: For a larger spread, offer both pasta salad and potato salad. This allows guests to enjoy a variety of good food and favorite ingredients, mixing and matching to their preference.
  3. Grilled Chicken: A southern potato salad alongside marinated, grilled chicken thighs or breasts is a satisfying meal. The sweet onion in the potato salad provides a subtle, pleasant contrast to the smoky flavors of the chicken.
  4. Barbecue Pork: Pulled pork or ribs, with their rich and smoky flavors, are balanced beautifully by the cool, creamy potato salad, making for an ultimate summer feast.
  5. Burgers: A juicy burger with all the fixings and a scoop of potato salad is an easy recipe for happiness. It’s a classic pairing that never goes out of style.

This is truly a classic potato salad recipe. For me, the addition of hard-boiled eggs is essential, and the creamy-mix of flavors in this old-fashioned dish can’t be beat. What do you add to your potato salad recipe to make it special? I’d love to hear your tips and tricks!

More Classic Salads

4.64 from 196 ratings

Classic Potato Salad

Author: Crissy Page
Servings: 8 servings
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Additional Time 1 hour
Total: 1 hour 35 minutes
This creamy classic potato salad is easy and delicious. Whip some up for your family cookout!

Ingredients

  • 8 medium Yukon gold potatoes cooked, peeled and diced
  • 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 celery ribs diced
  • 1/4 cup onion diced
  • 5 hard-boiled eggs diced or sliced
  • optional paprika for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Boil potatoes in salted water 15 to 20 minutes or until done. Cool to room temperature and peel.
  • Dice potatoes and put into a bowl.
  • In another bowl mix together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, celery seed, and pepper until well blended. Add the diced potatoes, celery and onions to the mixture and stir until everything is coated.
  • Stir in the eggs.
  • Sprinkle with paprika, optional.
  • Refrigerate until chilled.
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Nutrition

Calories: 357kcal
Nutrition values are estimates, sourced from an online nutrition calculator. This information should never be considered a substitute for medical advice. Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American

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4.64 from 196 votes (173 ratings without comment)

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140 Comments

  1. I add fine diced onion & sweet relish, always.

  2. I say it’s just a matter of opinion… if you like eggs in your potato salad then put some it… or if you don’t like eggs in it then leave them out.

  3. Also, instead of regular onion I used the same amount of green onion.ย 

  4. I made this and it was amazing. I did change two things. Instead of vinegar, I used the same amount of pickle juice and I added some tiny diced up pickles to it. It was so good!ย 

  5. I guess I’ve lead a sheltered life. I didn’t know anyone ever made potato salad without hard boiled eggs? Do you know of anyone that makes their potato salad with “tater tots”? I’m an 82 yr old, recently widowed fella that is just learning to cook. I will eat most anything so taking risks isn’t hard. I will eat it no matter what. I’ve had one near miss, when I put Chic-fil-a sauce on my breakfast oat meal. I love the sauce and the oat meal but never together again! thanks for all the hints I’ve seen today. I’ll see what I can do with them. grumpyb, 82, retired and waiting to expire in Iowa

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