If you’re on the hunt for the Best Classic Potato Salad Recipe, you’re in the right place! This recipe blends creamy mayonnaise, tangy pickles, fresh herbs, and perfectly cooked potatoes into a nostalgic side dish that never disappoints. Whether you’re planning a backyard cookout or simply craving a bowlful of comfort food, this potato salad brings together everything you love about homemade classics—bright, balanced flavors, satisfying texture, and the kind of dish that vanishes fast at any potluck!

Best Classic Potato Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in the Best Classic Potato Salad Recipe has a job to do—bringing either flavor, creaminess, tang, or crunch. Here’s what you’ll need, with a little tip for every item to help your salad shine.

Red potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes (2 pounds): These waxy potatoes hold their shape perfectly and soak up the dressing without turning mushy.
Kosher salt (2 1/2 teaspoons, divided): Essential for seasoning the potatoes as they cook and boosting flavor in every bite.
Hard-boiled large eggs (3, optional): Adding these gives classic richness and a subtle creamy texture—totally delicious but optional.
Dill pickle spears (2) or sweet pickle relish (1/4 cup): Pick your style—dill for zesty brightness or sweet relish for a classic, Southern twist.
Celery (2 medium stalks): Fresh crunch to balance the creaminess.
Shallot (1 large): Milder than onion, shallot brings a gentle, savory bite.
Scallions (2 medium, optional): For a pop of color and extra oniony zip.
Fresh parsley, dill, or a combination (1/4 small bunch): Chopped herbs add grassy freshness—use your favorite mix.
Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The creamy backbone of the dressing—use full-fat for the richest flavor!
Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Lends a subtle, tangy warmth to the dressing.
Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar (2 tablespoons, divided): Brightens the salad and lifts all the flavors.
Freshly ground black pepper: A must for a little bite right at the end—taste as you go and adjust to your liking.

How to Make Best Classic Potato Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

Start with your potatoes—cut them into hearty, three-quarter–inch chunks for just the right bite. Place them in a large pot together with two teaspoons of kosher salt and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then simmer until tender but not falling apart. This method seasons the potatoes from the inside out, which sets your Best Classic Potato Salad Recipe apart from the rest. Drain the potatoes and get ready for the next step!

Step 2: Prep the Mix-Ins

While your potatoes are simmering, gather the eggs (if you’re using them), chopped pickles or relish, diced celery, minced shallots, sliced scallions, and chopped fresh herbs. Each gets prepped and goes into a mixing bowl, ready for the creamy dressing. The variety makes every bite a lovely surprise of crunch, tang, and freshness—these classic mix-ins are the heart of the Best Classic Potato Salad Recipe.

Step 3: Create the Dressing

In the same bowl as your mix-ins, add the remaining half teaspoon of salt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and half the vinegar. Stir it up until the dressing looks smooth and everything’s nicely combined. Don’t rush—this is where all the flavors start becoming friends.

Step 4: Cool and Season the Potatoes

Once your potatoes have drained, spread them out on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with the rest of the vinegar while they’re still warm—this lets the potatoes absorb the zingy flavor. Leave them to cool to room temperature (about 15 minutes); this helps keep your salad from getting watery.

Step 5: Combine and Chill

Fold your cooled potatoes gently into the bowl of dressing and mix-ins. Give it a taste—add more salt or a grind of pepper if it needs a little punch. Once satisfied, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least an hour, or even overnight if you like. Chilling melds the flavors and gives you that creamy-dreamy texture we love in the Best Classic Potato Salad Recipe.

How to Serve Best Classic Potato Salad Recipe

Garnishes

For a beautiful finish, sprinkle a little extra chopped fresh dill or parsley over the top before serving. Slices of hard-boiled egg or a dusting of paprika add color and a hint of nostalgia—perfect for that picnic-table wow factor.

Side Dishes

The Best Classic Potato Salad Recipe shines alongside barbecue classics like grilled burgers, fried chicken, or smoky ribs. It also pairs well with lighter mains, such as grilled fish or veggie kebabs. A crisp green salad or freshly sliced watermelon makes a wonderful refreshing partner on warm days.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your potato salad in a chilled glass bowl for a retro vibe, or scoop it into lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held twist. If you want to get extra-festive, use small mason jars for picnic-style individual servings—no more fighting over the last scoop!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Potato salad can safely be stored for up to 3 days, but honestly, the flavors get even better overnight. Just give it a quick stir before serving again for best texture.

Freezing

Unfortunately, the Best Classic Potato Salad Recipe doesn’t freeze well. The creamy dressing and potatoes can separate and turn watery once thawed, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh—or within a few days of making it.

Reheating

This dish is designed to be served chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you prefer it a little less cold straight from the fridge, just let it sit out on the counter for about 20–30 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use another kind of potato for this recipe?

Absolutely! Waxy potatoes like red or Yukon Gold are preferred for the Best Classic Potato Salad Recipe because they hold their shape, but feel free to try fingerling or even small white potatoes. Just steer clear of russets, which can get too soft.

Do I have to peel the potatoes?

It’s completely up to your texture preference. Both red and Yukon Gold potatoes have thin, tender skins that lend a rustic look and extra nutrients, but you can peel them if you want a super-smooth salad.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! The Best Classic Potato Salad Recipe is even better when made a day in advance, as the flavors deepen. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise?

If you’re avoiding mayo, Greek yogurt or sour cream mixed with a little olive oil makes a tangy, creamy substitute. You might also try vegan mayo, which works beautifully in this recipe.

How do I keep my potato salad from getting watery?

Let the potatoes cool completely after draining, which helps them hold onto less water. Spreading them out and seasoning while warm (with vinegar) also prevents sogginess—a key step in the Best Classic Potato Salad Recipe!

Final Thoughts

This Best Classic Potato Salad Recipe is comfort food in every forkful, and it never goes out of style. Whether for a big gathering or a weeknight dinner, give it a try and watch it disappear—because there’s just something special about sharing this timeless dish with those you love.