There’s something about a creamy potato salad that just screams summer, isn’t there? Picture this: tender potatoes swimming in a velvety, tangy dressing, garnished with crunchy celery and zesty onions. Your taste buds are practically doing the happy dance, and your nose is delighted by the aroma. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to grab a fork and dig in right away. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Creamy Potato Salad</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use other types of potatoes?
- How do I make this recipe vegan?
- What can I serve with creamy potato salad?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Now, let me take you back to my childhood barbecue days. My grandma would whip up her famous creamy potato salad as the centerpiece of our family picnics. It was always gone before you could say “pass the ketchup.” Every bite was a glorious explosion of flavors, and it brought everyone together around the picnic table. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or just craving comfort food, this creamy potato salad is sure to impress. For more inspiration, check out this lunch ideas recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This creamy potato salad is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings
- Its rich flavor profile balances savory and tangy notes
- The bright colors from the fresh veggies make it visually stunning on any table
- Enjoy it as a side dish or even as a hearty main course for lunch or dinner
One memorable moment was when my best friend declared it “the best thing ever” at our annual picnic. Little did I know that I’d end up sharing my recipe with half the neighborhood!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Potatoes: Use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for their creamy texture and flavor; they hold up well in salads.
Mayonnaise: Choose a high-quality mayonnaise for a rich and creamy base; homemade mayo adds an extraordinary touch.
Dijon Mustard: A splash of Dijon gives the dressing a tangy kick; feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences.
Celery: Chopped celery adds delightful crunch; opt for fresh stalks for the best texture.
Red Onion: Finely diced red onion provides sharpness; soak them in cold water briefly to mellow out their flavor if desired.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: These add richness and protein; make sure they’re fully cooked but not overdone for the best texture.
Fresh Herbs (like dill or parsley): Fresh herbs brighten the dish and add extra flavor; don’t skimp on this step!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Creamy Potato Salad
Prepare the Potatoes: Start by washing and peeling about 2 pounds of potatoes. Cut them into uniform cubes for even cooking. Place them in a large pot filled with salted water and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
Cook Until Tender: Boil the potatoes for about 10-15 minutes until they are fork-tender but not mushy. Drain them carefully and let cool slightly while you prep other ingredients.
Create the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine one cup of mayonnaise with two tablespoons of Dijon mustard. Whisk until smooth, adding salt and pepper to taste.
Add Veggies and Eggs: Gently fold in one cup of chopped celery, half a cup of finely diced red onion, and four chopped hard-boiled eggs into the dressing mixture.
Toss in Potatoes: Carefully add the cooled potatoes into the bowl, folding everything together gently so you don’t mash those beautiful spuds! You want each piece coated without turning them into mashed potatoes.
Chill Before Serving: Cover your creamy potato salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. This allows flavors to meld beautifully—trust me, patience pays off here!
Enjoy this delightful creamy potato salad at your next gathering or as a comforting weeknight treat!
You Must Know
- Creamy potato salad is a summer staple, perfect for picnics and barbecues
- The blend of creamy dressing and tender potatoes creates a delightful dish
- You can easily make it ahead of time, allowing flavors to meld beautifully
- A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a burst of color and flavor
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the potatoes until fork-tender, then drain and let them cool before mixing with the dressing. This prevents a mushy texture and ensures every bite is delicious.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your creamy potato salad with ingredients like bacon bits, diced pickles, or fresh dill. These add-ins can elevate the flavor profile to suit your taste buds.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover creamy potato salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Avoid reheating as it’s best served cold or at room temperature.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect potatoes, choose waxy varieties like red or fingerling for creaminess
- Let them cool before mixing to prevent sogginess
- Always taste before serving to adjust seasoning as needed for maximum flavor impact
I still remember the first time I brought creamy potato salad to a family picnic; everyone raved about it! Their smiles made all the chopping worth it.
FAQ
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Absolutely! Yukon Golds or red potatoes work wonderfully for a creamy texture.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
Simply substitute mayo with vegan mayo or Greek yogurt for a plant-based version.
What can I serve with creamy potato salad?
This dish pairs perfectly with grilled meats, sandwiches, or even as part of a buffet spread.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Creamy Potato Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Creamy potato salad is the ultimate summer side dish that perfectly combines tender potatoes with a rich, tangy dressing. With crunchy celery and zesty onions adding freshness and flavor, this dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly easy to make. Whether it’s for a family barbecue or a casual picnic, this creamy potato salad will impress your guests and evoke nostalgic memories of warm summer days spent outdoors.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold or red potatoes
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 cup chopped celery
- ½ cup finely diced red onion
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- Fresh herbs (dill or parsley), to taste
Instructions
- Wash and peel the potatoes, then cut into uniform cubes.
- Boil the potatoes in salted water for 10-15 minutes until fork-tender; drain and cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Gently fold in celery, red onion, and hard-boiled eggs.
- Add cooled potatoes and mix carefully without mashing them.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg