Potatoes

Classic American Potato Salad

Name: Classic American Potato Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs (900g) Russet or Idaho potatoes, peeled and diced; 1/2 cup (120g) mayonnaise; 2 tbsp (30g) Dijon mustard; 1 tsp (5g) prepared horseradish; 1 tsp (5g) chopped fresh dill; 1 tsp (5g) chopped fresh parsley; 1 tsp (5g) salt; 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper; 2 tbsp (30g) chopped fresh chives; 2 hard-boiled eggs, diced; 1/4 cup (30g) diced celery; 1/4 cup (30g) diced red onion; 2 tbsp (30g) chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

By Priya Nair · June 18, 2026 · Potatoes

Prep20 min

Cook15 min

Total45 min

Serves8

I still remember the first time I made a classic American potato salad from scratch. It was a game-changer for my summer gatherings and picnics. The combination of tender potatoes, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy dressing is a winner every time. This recipe is a staple in my kitchen, and I'm excited to share it with you.

What makes this recipe special is the attention to detail in each step, from selecting the right potatoes to adding the dressing at the right time. It's a recipe that's easy to follow and requires minimal special equipment, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels.

As a cook who loves bright, seasonal salads and sides, I appreciate how this potato salad can be made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. It's a dish that's perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or simply as a side for a weeknight dinner.

One of the things I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it as a side dish, add it to a picnic basket, or even use it as a topping for a salad or sandwich. It's a recipe that's sure to become a staple in your kitchen, just like it has in mine.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through each step, from preparing the potatoes to adding the final touches of flavor and texture. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal special equipment.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal special equipment
The salad is perfect for summer gatherings and picnics
The combination of tender potatoes, crunchy vegetables, and creamy dressing is a winner every time
The recipe is versatile and can be served as a side dish, added to a picnic basket, or used as a topping for a salad or sandwich
The salad can be made ahead of time and chilled in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours
The recipe is budget-friendly and uses ingredients that are easily found in most supermarkets
The salad is a great way to use up leftover potatoes and vegetables

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great potato salad is in the balance of flavors and textures. The potatoes need to be cooked just right, so they're tender but still hold their shape. The dressing needs to be creamy and tangy, with a balance of mayonnaise, mustard, and herbs.

The technique of salting the potatoes before cooking them is crucial, as it helps to remove excess moisture and ensures they cook evenly. The addition of diced vegetables, such as celery and onion, adds a nice crunch and freshness to the salad.

The dressing is made with a combination of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley and dill. The acidity in the mustard helps to balance the richness of the mayonnaise, while the herbs add a bright, fresh flavor.

Finally, the salad is chilled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, which allows the flavors to meld together and the potatoes to absorb the dressing. This step is essential, as it helps to create a cohesive and delicious salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this classic American potato salad, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including potatoes, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and chopped fresh herbs. The key is to use high-quality ingredients and to pay attention to the details in each step.

When shopping for potatoes, look for ones that are high in starch, such as Russet or Idaho. These will yield a lighter, fluffier potato salad. For the mayonnaise, use a high-quality brand that contains no added sugars or artificial ingredients.

2 lbs (900g) Russet or Idaho potatoes, peeled and dicedLook for potatoes that are high in starch, as they will yield a lighter, fluffier potato salad. Russet or Idaho potatoes work well for this recipe.
1/2 cup (120g) mayonnaiseUse a high-quality brand that contains no added sugars or artificial ingredients. Duke's or Hellmann's are good options.
2 tbsp (30g) Dijon mustardDijon mustard adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to the salad. Look for a brand that contains no added sugars or artificial ingredients.
1 tsp (5g) prepared horseradishPrepared horseradish adds a pungent, slightly spicy flavor to the salad. Look for a brand that contains no added sugars or artificial ingredients.
1 tsp (5g) chopped fresh dillFresh dill adds a bright, fresh flavor to the salad. Look for fresh dill in the produce section of your supermarket.
1 tsp (5g) chopped fresh parsleyFresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor to the salad. Look for fresh parsley in the produce section of your supermarket.
1 tsp (5g) saltSalt enhances the flavor of the potatoes and helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
1/2 tsp (2g) black pepperBlack pepper adds a subtle, slightly spicy flavor to the salad.
2 tbsp (30g) chopped fresh chivesFresh chives add a bright, oniony flavor to the salad. Look for fresh chives in the produce section of your supermarket.
2 hard-boiled eggs, dicedHard-boiled eggs add protein and texture to the salad. Look for eggs that are fresh and of good quality.
1/4 cup (30g) diced celeryDiced celery adds a nice crunch and freshness to the salad. Look for celery that is fresh and of good quality.
1/4 cup (30g) diced red onionDiced red onion adds a sweet, slightly pungent flavor to the salad. Look for red onion that is fresh and of good quality.
2 tbsp (30g) chopped fresh parsley, for garnishFresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor to the salad and makes a nice garnish. Look for fresh parsley in the produce section of your supermarket.

Ingredients for Classic American Potato Salad

Equipment You’ll Need

Large pot with a heavy bottom, for boiling the potatoesColander, for draining the potatoesCutting board, for chopping the vegetables and herbsSharp knife, for chopping the vegetables and herbsMeasuring cups and spoons, for measuring the ingredientsWhisk, for mixing the dressingLarge bowl, for combining the salad ingredients

How to Make Classic American Potato Salad

1
Place the diced potatoes in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover them. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
2
Drain the potatoes and let them cool to room temperature. This step is crucial, as it helps to stop the cooking process and prevents the potatoes from becoming mushy.
3
While the potatoes are cooling, hard-boil the eggs by placing them in a saucepan and covering them with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked through. Drain the eggs and let them cool to room temperature.
4
Once the potatoes and eggs have cooled, peel the eggs and dice them. Add the diced eggs to the cooled potatoes.
5
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, prepared horseradish, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
6
Add the chopped fresh dill, parsley, and chives to the bowl with the dressing and whisk until combined.
7
Add the diced celery and red onion to the bowl with the dressing and whisk until combined.
8
Add the cooled potatoes and eggs to the bowl with the dressing and toss until the salad is well coated.
9
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
10
Just before serving, garnish the salad with chopped fresh parsley and serve chilled.
11
To serve, place the salad on a bed of lettuce or on a platter and garnish with additional chopped fresh herbs, if desired.
12
To make ahead, prepare the salad up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Give the salad a good stir before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh herbs and real mayonnaise, to make the best potato salad.
Don't overcook the potatoes, as they can become mushy and unappetizing.
Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Add the dressing to the salad just before serving, as it can make the salad soggy if added too far in advance.
Use a variety of textures, such as crunchy celery and red onion, to add interest to the salad.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients, such as diced bell peppers or chopped fresh herbs, to make the salad your own.
To make the salad more substantial, add some diced ham or cooked bacon.
To make the salad more flavorful, add some grated cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the potatoes, which can make them mushy and unappetizing.
Not letting the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, which can prevent the flavors from melding together.
Adding the dressing to the salad too far in advance, which can make the salad soggy.
Not using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh herbs and real mayonnaise, which can affect the flavor and texture of the salad.
Not experimenting with different ingredients, such as diced bell peppers or chopped fresh herbs, which can add interest and variety to the salad.
Not adding enough seasoning, such as salt and black pepper, which can make the salad taste bland.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced ham or cooked bacon to make the salad more substantial.
Add some grated cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, to make the salad more flavorful.
Use different types of potatoes, such as Yukon gold or red potatoes, to change the flavor and texture of the salad.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, to make the salad more flavorful.
Use different types of dressing, such as a vinaigrette or a creamy dressing, to change the flavor of the salad.
Add some diced bell peppers or chopped fresh herbs to add interest and variety to the salad.
Use different types of protein, such as cooked chicken or tuna, to make the salad more substantial.

What to Serve With Classic American Potato Salad

This classic American potato salad is perfect for serving at summer gatherings and picnics. It's also a great side dish for barbecues and outdoor parties. You can serve it on its own or as part of a larger salad or sandwich. Some other ideas for serving this salad include:

As a side dish for grilled meats, such as burgers or hot dogs.

As a topping for a salad or sandwich.

As a snack or appetizer for a party or gathering.

As a side dish for a picnic or outdoor meal.

Serve the salad on its own as a side dishUse the salad as a topping for a salad or sandwichServe the salad as a snack or appetizer for a party or gatheringUse the salad as a side dish for grilled meats, such as burgers or hot dogsServe the salad at a picnic or outdoor mealUse the salad as a topping for a baked potato or as a filling for a potato skin

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To store, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Give the salad a good stir before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.

To freeze, place the salad in an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, place the salad in the refrigerator overnight and give it a good stir before serving.

To reheat, place the salad in the microwave or oven and heat until warmed through. You can also serve the salad chilled, straight from the refrigerator.

Some tips for storing and reheating this salad include:

Always store the salad in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent it from becoming soggy or developing off flavors.

Give the salad a good stir before serving to ensure that the ingredients are well combined and the flavors are balanced.

Adjust the seasoning as needed before serving, as the flavors may have mellowed out during storage or reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of potatoes should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, you'll want to use high-starch potatoes, such as Russet or Idaho. These will yield a lighter, fluffier potato salad.

How long can I store this salad in the refrigerator?

You can store this salad in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Give the salad a good stir before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Can I freeze this salad?

Yes, you can freeze this salad. Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, place the salad in the refrigerator overnight and give it a good stir before serving.

How do I reheat this salad?

You can reheat this salad in the microwave or oven. Place it in the microwave and heat for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through. Alternatively, place it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. Prepare the salad up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Give the salad a good stir before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.

What can I serve this salad with?

This salad is perfect for serving at summer gatherings and picnics. You can serve it on its own or as part of a larger salad or sandwich. Some other ideas for serving this salad include as a side dish for grilled meats, as a topping for a salad or sandwich, or as a snack or appetizer for a party or gathering.

Can I customize this recipe to suit my tastes?

Yes, you can customize this recipe to suit your tastes. Some ideas for customization include adding diced ham or cooked bacon, using different types of potatoes, or adding chopped fresh herbs.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this salad is gluten-free. However, if you're using a store-bought mayonnaise or mustard, be sure to check the ingredients list to ensure that they don't contain gluten.

The Full Recipe

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