This easy potato salad recipe is a classic side dish perfect for barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings. Made with Yukon Gold potatoes, a creamy dressing, and a blend of simple seasonings, this recipe is ideal for any occasion. It’s customizable, quick to prepare, and pairs perfectly with grilled meats, burgers, or sandwiches. Elevate your summer menu with this crowd-pleasing potato salad that’s sure to be a hit at any table.

Ingredients
Potato Salad:
- 8 medium Yukon Gold potatoes (about 3.75 lbs.)
- 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
- 5 hard-boiled eggs (see notes)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Potato Salad Dressing:
- ¼ cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 celery sticks, diced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1.5 tablespoons sweet relish
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
To Garnish:
- ½ teaspoon dried dill weed
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 3 green onions, diced
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Fill a large pot with cool water, ensuring it covers the potatoes by about 2 inches. Clean the potatoes but leave the skin on. Add the potatoes to the pot and stir in 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Cook the Potatoes: Bring the water to a gentle boil. Cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, about 20-25 minutes.
- Make the Dressing: While the potatoes are boiling, combine the yellow onion, celery, mayonnaise, mustard, sweet relish, and garlic salt in a small bowl. Place the mixture in the refrigerator to chill.
- Dice the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and let them cool until they’re safe to handle. Dice them into cubes. You can leave the skin on some or remove it entirely, depending on your preference.
- Add Vinegar: While the potatoes are still warm, drizzle them with white vinegar and gently stir to combine. Allow them to cool completely.
- Combine Ingredients: Toss the cooled potatoes with the mayo mixture until evenly coated. Gently fold in the diced hard-boiled eggs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Chill: Transfer the potato salad to a serving bowl. Garnish with dried dill weed, paprika, and green onions. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic and Comforting: This recipe delivers a traditional potato salad flavor that everyone loves.
- Customizable: You can adjust ingredients like relish or mustard to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Gatherings: It’s a crowd-pleaser and great for potlucks, BBQs, or family dinners.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: It tastes even better after chilling, making it ideal for preparing in advance.

Tips
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for their buttery texture, but red potatoes are also a great substitute.
- When boiling, avoid overcooking the potatoes to keep them from becoming mushy.
- Chill the salad for at least 4 hours to let the flavors meld together.
- For a smoother texture, mash a small portion of the potatoes before mixing.
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein Boost: Add crumbled bacon or diced ham for extra flavor.
- Low-Calorie Option: Substitute Greek yogurt or light mayonnaise for regular mayo.
- Extra Veggies: Add diced pickles, shredded carrots, or chopped bell peppers for added crunch.
- Herb Twist: Incorporate fresh parsley, chives, or tarragon for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this potato salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! In fact, it’s recommended to prepare it the day before serving to enhance the flavors.
Q: How long does potato salad last in the fridge?
A: Properly stored in an airtight container, it will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I use another type of potato?
A: Yes, red potatoes or Russets work well, but they may have slightly different textures.
Serving
Serve this potato salad chilled as a side dish with grilled meats, sandwiches, or burgers. It’s perfect for summer picnics and backyard barbecues.
Suggestions
- Pair with grilled chicken, ribs, or a juicy steak for a complete meal.
- For a vegetarian spread, serve alongside a fresh green salad and roasted vegetables.
- Add it to a buffet table with coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread for a classic barbecue lineup.
Easy Potato Salad Recipe
8
servings10
minutes25
minutesIngredients
Potato Salad:
8 medium Yukon Gold potatoes (about 3.75 lbs.)
2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
5 hard-boiled eggs (see notes)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Potato Salad Dressing:
¼ cup yellow onion, finely diced
2 celery sticks, diced
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
1.5 tablespoons sweet relish
½ teaspoon garlic salt
To Garnish:
½ teaspoon dried dill weed
¼ teaspoon paprika
3 green onions, diced
Directions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Fill a large pot with cool water, ensuring it covers the potatoes by about 2 inches. Clean the potatoes but leave the skin on. Add the potatoes to the pot and stir in 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Cook the Potatoes: Bring the water to a gentle boil. Cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, about 20-25 minutes.
- Make the Dressing: While the potatoes are boiling, combine the yellow onion, celery, mayonnaise, mustard, sweet relish, and garlic salt in a small bowl. Place the mixture in the refrigerator to chill.
- Dice the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and let them cool until they’re safe to handle. Dice them into cubes. You can leave the skin on some or remove it entirely, depending on your preference.
- Add Vinegar: While the potatoes are still warm, drizzle them with white vinegar and gently stir to combine. Allow them to cool completely.
- Combine Ingredients: Toss the cooled potatoes with the mayo mixture until evenly coated. Gently fold in the diced hard-boiled eggs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Chill: Transfer the potato salad to a serving bowl. Garnish with dried dill weed, paprika, and green onions. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.



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