Easy All-American Potato Salad

↓ Jump to Recipe

Here’s my homemade potato salad recipe that’s perfect for summer barbecues and family picnics. I use russet potatoes with fresh ingredients and classic pantry staples to make this tasty side dish.

potato salad recipe perfect for summer barbecues and picnics
Table of Contents
  1. Potato selection
  2. Spud preparation and cooking
  3. Vinegar enhances the flavor
  4. Classic mix-ins
  5. Customize the recipe
  6. Make it ahead of time
  7. Serve this with
  8. All-American Potato Salad Recipe

Grilled burgers and main course items are not complete without a side of creamy potato salad. To maximize the taste of the spuds, I boil them first then marinate them in vinegar. It’s a simple step that seasons them throughout, not just on the surface.

Russet potatoes yield a flaky and creamy texture, which makes them an ideal base for the recipe. A mix of hard-boiled eggs, crunchy vegetables, and simple, bold pantry seasonings elevate the flavor. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to make. Plus, you can prepare it in advance to save time on the day of serving.

potato salad recipe ingredients on a marble table

Potato selection

Russet potatoes are the root vegetables of choice because they have a mealy texture due to the higher starch level. When they cook, you can sense a more crumbly and flaky texture that adds to the potato salad’s creaminess, just like mashed potatoes

For a heartier and denser consistency, use waxy potatoes, like Yukon golds with a more buttery taste, or red potatoes. They have a higher sugar level, allowing them to hold their shape better when mixed, but will be less creamy.

Spud preparation and cooking

Learning how to make potato salad is easy, but the cooking step is critical to the final texture. Peel and cut the potatoes into large pieces, ¾-inch dice. This size retains nice chunks when stirred and later eating. Cook the potatoes in salted, cold water. Bring water to a boil, and reduce to a simmer. 

This process allows the flavor of the salt to be absorbed and gives an evenly cooked texture. However, don’t overcook! They should be fork-tender but still hold together when pierced, so they don’t fall apart entirely when mixed. I like to check every few minutes. It takes about 15 minutes to cook the potatoes. 

Vinegar enhances the flavor

When the potatoes are warm, they are better at absorbing flavor. Toss in two tablespoons of distilled white vinegar right after cooking, stir and allow to sit for 20 minutes. The vinegar infuses into each piece, giving some acidity to the mild potatoes and balances the rich dressing’s creaminess. If desired, you can substitute apple cider vinegar for a milder taste.

Classic mix-ins

The classic ingredients for potato salad are hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, yellow mustard (or Dijon mustard), dill pickle relish, chopped red onion, and celery. I usually skip the miracle whip and make homemade mayonnaise. I also use salt, pepper, and onion powder for seasoning. These elements create a balance of creaminess, tangy, and crunchy textures.

Customize the recipe

Feel free to sprinkle in some whole celery seeds or a few teaspoons of pickle juice. I also like sweet pickle relish or honey for a sweeter flavor. For a Hawaiian-inspired potato salad, add in chopped ham, pineapple, and Fuji apples.

I use this recipe as a base to make a healthier version with yogurt, or sour cream works well too. Don’t be afraid to play around to find your favorite combination!

chopped onions, celery and pieces of potatoes and eggs in a white bowl

Make it ahead of time

You can prepare and store this dish in an airtight container placed in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Otherwise, you can freeze portions in a resealable plastic bag for up to 1 month. To do so, spread in a thin layer and remove all of the air, then seal. Defrost in the refrigerator a day before using. I like to chop some fresh onions and parsley to garnish on the top right before serving.

Serve this with

Large chunks of potato salad with sliced egg in a white bowl

The benefit of starting with cold water

Start the potatoes in cold water, then gradually increase the temperature for even cooking. This process prevents the outsides from cooking too fast. If not done correctly, the spuds can break down too much, which might be okay for mashed potatoes, but not when you want to retain chunks for the salad.

Pin this recipe to save for later

Pin This

All-American Potato Salad

Homemade potato salad recipe that's perfect for summer barbecues and family picnics. This tasty side dish will be the talk of the party.
4.54 from 295 votes
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings 10 servings
Course Side
Cuisine American

Ingredients 
 

  • 2 pounds russet potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt, for cooking potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar, or apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup celery, ⅛-inch dice
  • ¼ cup dill pickle relish, or sweet pickle relish
  • 2 tablespoons red onions, ⅛-inch dice
  • 2 tablespoons minced parsley
  • 1 ½ teaspoons yellow mustard, or Dijon
  • ¾ teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 hard boiled eggs, diced into ¼-inch cubes

Instructions 

  • Peel the skin off the potatoes and cut them into ¾-inch cubes. Immediately place them in a large saucepan. Add enough cold water to cover them by 1-inch.
  • Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once it starts to bubble, add 1 tablespoon salt and stir to dissolve. Reduce to a simmer over medium heat, adjusting as needed. Stir occasionally and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender but not falling apart, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Drain the potatoes in a colander and transfer them back to the warm pot. Add the vinegar and use a rubber spatula to combine. Let it sit and marinate for 20 minutes. The potatoes will still be warm.
  • In a large bowl, gently stir together the potatoes, mayonnaise, celery, relish, onion, parsley, mustard, ¾ teaspoon salt, black pepper, onion powder, and chopped eggs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour before serving. Garnish with more parsley, celery, and onion if desired.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Recipe Yield: About 5 cups
  • Serving Size: ½ cup
  • Storing: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Freezing: Store in a resealable plastic bag for up to 1 month. Press into a flat layer, remove all of the air, and seal. Defrost in the refrigerator a day before serving.
Nutrition Facts
All-American Potato Salad
Amount per Serving
Calories
193
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
11
g
17
%
Saturated Fat
 
2
g
10
%
Trans Fat
 
1
g
Cholesterol
 
42
mg
14
%
Sodium
 
347
mg
14
%
Potassium
 
486
mg
14
%
Carbohydrates
 
21
g
7
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
1
g
1
%
Protein
 
4
g
8
%
Vitamin A
 
142
IU
3
%
Vitamin C
 
7
mg
8
%
Calcium
 
118
mg
12
%
Iron
 
4
mg
22
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Tried this recipe?

Tag me on Instagram. I'd love to see how it turns out!

Tag @jessica_gavin

Filed under:

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Jessica Gavin

I'm a culinary school graduate, cookbook author, and a mom who loves croissants! My passion is creating recipes and sharing the science behind cooking to help you gain confidence in the kitchen.

Jessica's Secrets: Cooking Made Easy!
Get my essential cooking techniques that I learned in culinary school.
Jessica Gavin standing in the kitchen

You May Also Like

Reader Interactions

85 Comments Leave a comment or review

  1. Ann says

    Hello, I have made this recipe once already and it was a great success. I am going to make it again today and I am wondering if I can use pickle juice instead of vinegar on the potatoes. Thank you for creating this new family favorite!

  2. Patti says

    WOW, Jessica! This was hands down the BEST potato salad that I’ve ever made! I followed the recipe to the “T” with the only exception was adding tiny cubes of sharp cheddar cheese (because cheese makes everything better in my book)! Again, fantastic recipe!

  3. Wendy says

    I am using organic russet potatoes. Is it ok to leave skin on the potatoes…I think it might increase nutritional value?

  4. Mrs Charli says

    So glad I stumbled across this recipe! It truly is an All American potato salad, so perfect. I follow WW lifestyle & it’s so point friendly! I’ve made this the last few weeks in my food prep & will continue. Thank you!

  5. Kim says

    Jessica, for step 2 – returning to the warm pot. You mention letting it marinade. Is it just the potatoes and vinegar? Do I need to add water to cover the potatoes for the marinade part? Thank-you, Kim

    • Janet says

      Yes, it’s just the potatoes and vinegar at this point. Drain the potatoes, then sprinkle on the vinegar and let them marinate.

  6. Sierra says

    This is an amazing potato salad! I have made it several times now- and everyone loves it. I think the vinegar added to the warm potatoes really gives it a good zing. Not too much- just right. I will forever use this recipe! 🙂

  7. Christian Dalbavie says

    I made this recipe for our block party. Skipped the pickle relish and added crispy bacon. It was a hit! Neighbors asked for the recipe!

  8. Rita says

    Excellent! Made it for the first time today had to substitute chives for the parsley because I didn’t have parsley and I added a bit of extra dill pickle juice & relish. Used the suggested Dijon. This is so delicious and I will definitely make it again!!

  9. Maria T. says

    Made this today for tomorrow’s grilled chicken thigh dinner because it’s going to be really HOT. Already tastes great so it’ll be even better tomorrow. Used your boiling technique for the hard boiled eggs. Love creamy, bright yellow yolks without the sulfur ring, which is so unappetizing.

See More Comments

Leave A Reply

Recipe Rating