If you’re craving a dish that brings comfort and nostalgia to your table, this Old Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a timeless classic that’s creamy, tangy, and bursting with simple, fresh ingredients that come together perfectly. Whether you’re headed to a picnic, a barbecue, or just want a satisfying side for dinner, this salad never fails to impress. The balance of tender potatoes, crisp celery, savory onions, and hearty hard-cooked eggs all coated with a luscious dressing makes it a beloved favorite that’s easy to whip up anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of straightforward ingredients, this Old Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe proves that simplicity shines in flavor. Every item plays a crucial role—potatoes provide the hearty base, mayo gives creamy richness, mustard and vinegar introduce bright tang, and fresh veggies add crunch and color.
- 6 medium potatoes, cut into bite-size chunks: Choose starchy or all-purpose potatoes for the perfect tender bite that holds up well in the salad.
- 1 ½ cups mayo: This creamy base ties everything together with smoothness and richness.
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar: Adds a gentle tang that balances the creaminess and lifts the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard: Provides a bit of subtle heat and depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, bringing harmony to every bite.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: Adds a mild spice element that complements the salad’s overall taste.
- 2 stalks celery, chopped (1 cup): Brings a refreshing crunch and a hint of green that brightens the salad visually and texturally.
- 1 medium onion, chopped (½ cup): Introduces a slight sharpness and savory bite that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- 4 hard-cooked eggs, chopped: Provides richness and a tender contrast that makes each spoonful satisfying.
How to Make Old Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook Potatoes
Start by placing your bite-sized potato chunks in a large pan and covering them with water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender but not falling apart. Properly cooked potatoes are the backbone of this salad, so be sure to test them with a fork before draining.
Step 2: Prepare Dressing
While the potatoes are cooking, mix together the mayo, white vinegar, yellow mustard, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This combination is the signature dressing that makes this Old Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe so irresistibly creamy and tangy. Whisk the ingredients well until smooth and harmonious in flavor.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Once your potatoes have drained and cooled slightly, gently add them to the dressing bowl. Next, toss in the chopped celery, onion, and hard-cooked eggs. Use a gentle hand to combine everything so the potatoes retain their shape and the dressing coats every piece beautifully.
Step 4: Chill
For the best flavor, cover the salad tightly and refrigerate for at least four hours. Chilling allows the ingredients to meld into a unified, deliciously tangy side that tastes even better the next day. The patience you invest here truly pays off with every forkful.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To give your potato salad that final touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top. These bright green garnishes not only add a pop of color but also a fresh herbal note that complements the creamy dressing perfectly. You can even add a dusting of paprika for a warm tone and subtle smokiness.
Side Dishes
This Old Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like barbecue chicken, juicy burgers, or smoky ribs. It also shines next to fried fish or roasted vegetables for a comforting and balanced meal. The rich creaminess of the salad offers a cooling contrast to spicy or bold mains.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your potato salad in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a rustic, crowd-pleasing presentation that encourages everyone to dig in. For gatherings, arrange scoops of the salad on individual lettuce leaves or endive for an elegant, easy-to-eat appetizer. Bright cherry tomatoes or crispy bacon bits on top can add extra layers of flavor and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Old Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy it as a quick side for several meals. Always give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
Freezing potato salad is generally not recommended, as the texture of the potatoes and dressing tends to change once thawed. The creamy dressing can separate, and the potatoes may become grainy or mushy. For best results, prepare and consume this salad fresh or refrigerated only.
Reheating
Because this salad is best served cold, reheating is not necessary or advised. If you prefer your potatoes warm, consider making a separate warm potato dish to accompany your meal, while keeping the Old Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe chilled and refreshing.
FAQs
Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While starchy potatoes like Russets are excellent for this salad, Yukon Golds or red potatoes also work well and provide a slightly different texture. Just be sure to cook them until tender but not mushy.
Is it necessary to chill the salad overnight?
Chilling for at least four hours is ideal to let the flavors fully meld, but if you’re short on time, even an hour in the fridge helps enhance the taste. Overnight chilling will give you the best results though.
Can I substitute mayonnaise with a healthier alternative?
Yes, you can try Greek yogurt or a blend of Greek yogurt and mayo for a lighter version. Keep in mind this will alter the flavor slightly, but it still makes a tasty and creamy dressing.
How do I prevent potatoes from becoming mushy?
Make sure to cut the potatoes into even-sized chunks and boil them just until fork-tender. Overcooking or stirring too vigorously when combining ingredients can cause mushiness. Gentle handling is key!
Can I add other ingredients to this potato salad?
Definitely! Feel free to add diced pickles, bacon bits, green onions, or fresh herbs like dill or chives to customize the salad to your liking. Just remember to keep the balance of creamy and tangy elements intact.
Final Thoughts
This Old Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe is a timeless treasure that delivers comfort and joy in every bite. Its simple ingredients and classic flavors make it a reliable go-to for any occasion. I encourage you to try making it yourself—it’s truly a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to love and even easier to share.
Print
Old Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes plus 4 hours chilling
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Old Fashioned Potato Salad is a creamy, tangy side dish perfect for picnics, barbecues, and family meals. Made with tender boiled potatoes, crunchy celery, sharp onions, chopped hard-cooked eggs, and a zesty dressing of mayo, vinegar, and mustard, it’s a timeless comfort food that’s easy to prepare and sure to please a crowd.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 6 medium potatoes, cut into bite-size chunks (about 2 pounds)
Dressing
- 1 ½ cups mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients
- 2 stalks celery, chopped (1 cup)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (½ cup)
- 4 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Potatoes: Place the cut potatoes in a large pan and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the water completely.
- Prepare Dressing: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, white vinegar, yellow mustard, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated into a smooth dressing.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked and cooled potatoes, chopped celery, chopped onion, and chopped hard-cooked eggs to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss all the ingredients together, ensuring the potatoes and vegetables are evenly coated without breaking the potato chunks.
- Chill: Cover the potato salad with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a creamy, flavorful salad ready to serve.
Notes
- For best texture, allow the potatoes to cool completely before mixing with dressing to prevent it from becoming watery.
- Use yellow or russet potatoes for a fluffy texture; red potatoes can also be used for a firmer bite.
- Adjust salt and mustard levels to taste for more tanginess.
- This salad is best served chilled and consumed within 3 days of preparation to ensure freshness.
