Classic Potato Salad – A Quick & Easy Recipe

Every family has that potato salad recipe. The one that shows up at every BBQ, every picnic, and somehow always disappears by the end of the meal. Well, this is that recipe.

Creamy, tangy, and just the right balance of crunch and tenderness, this classic potato salad is the side dish that turns a good barbecue into a legendary one. Whether you’re team “leave the skin on” or “peel it off,” this recipe delivers on flavor, texture, and nostalgia.

And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make ahead, perfect for potlucks, summer gatherings, or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this creamy, crowd-pleasing potato salad to life:

For the Salad:

• 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
• 4 hard-boiled eggs
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2 dill pickles, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup buttermilk (or milk + lemon juice as a sub)
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard (or half Dijon for a twist)
• Splash of pickle juice
• Egg yolks from the hard-boiled eggs

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 tsp paprika (for a little kick and color)
• Chopped fresh herbs (like dill or parsley)

Key Ingredients That Set This Potato Salad Apart

Potato salad may seem simple, but every ingredient plays an important role in nailing that irresistible flavor and texture. Here’s what makes this version a classic—and why you’ll keep coming back to it.

Yukon Gold Potatoes

Creamy, buttery, and naturally golden, Yukon Golds are hands-down the best choice for potato salad. They hold their shape beautifully after boiling, yet they’re tender enough to soak up all that flavorful dressing.

Hard-Boiled Eggs

The egg yolks go straight into the dressing for a velvety richness, while the chopped whites add a nice texture. It’s that old-school potato salad magic.

Dill Pickles & Pickle Juice

Don’t skip this! Pickles add just the right bite of tang, and the splash of pickle juice in the dressing adds complexity without overpowering.

Red Onion & Celery

Crisp, crunchy, and full of flavor, these add-ins break up the creaminess with a fresh snap that balances every bite.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Classic Potato Salad

This recipe is easy enough for beginners but customizable enough for seasoned home cooks. Let’s walk through it together:

1. Boil the Potatoes

Place your whole, unpeeled Yukon Golds in a large pot of cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 10–15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when you can easily pierce them with a fork but they don’t fall apart.

Drain the water completely, then cover the pot with a lid to let the potatoes steam for an extra 5–10 minutes. This makes them ultra-tender and flavorful.

Peel if desired (the skins slide right off!) and chop into ½-inch to 1-inch chunks.

2. Make the Dressing

Peel your hard-boiled eggs and separate the yolks from the whites. Place the yolks in a bowl and mash them with a fork.

To the mashed yolks, add:

• Mayonnaise
• Buttermilk
• Mustard
• Pickle juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Mix until smooth and creamy. This base is what gives your salad that signature flavor and silky texture.

3. Assemble the Salad

Place your warm potato chunks in a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the potatoes and stir gently to coat. Warm potatoes absorb flavor better—this is key!

Next, chop the egg whites and stir them in along with the celery, red onion, and chopped pickles.

Taste and adjust with additional salt, pepper, or pickle juice if needed.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though overnight is even better.

Ways to Enjoy Classic Potato Salad

Sure, potato salad is a classic BBQ side—but it’s so much more than that! Here are some fun and flavorful ways to enjoy it:

At Your Next Cookout

Serve it alongside grilled burgers, marinated hot dogs, or smoked ribs. The creamy coolness balances smoky, charred meats perfectly.

In Sandwiches & Wraps

Add a scoop to a turkey sandwich or wrap it in a tortilla with some shredded lettuce and grilled chicken.

Picnic Favorite

Pack it in a chilled container for a picnic or road trip lunch. It’s filling, fresh, and always a hit.

As a Meal Prep Side

It pairs well with roasted veggies, grilled salmon, or rotisserie chicken for easy weekday lunches.

Must-Have Tools for Potato Salad Perfection

Want to make prepping even easier? These tools will help streamline the process—and they’re kitchen staples you’ll use again and again.

Product	Why It’s Handy
Large Mixing Bowls	You’ll need a spacious bowl for mixing without making a mess.
Potato Peeler	For smooth, quick peeling (if you prefer skinless chunks).
Egg Slicer	Makes quick work of slicing hard-boiled eggs evenly.
Salad Spinner	Great for drying chopped celery or herbs.
Mandolin Slicer	Perfect for evenly slicing onion or celery without tears.
Reusable Storage Containers	For making ahead, storing leftovers, or taking to a potluck.

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Tips & FAQs

Storage Tips

• Fridge: Store potato salad in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Make-Ahead: It’s actually better the next day! Make it 1–2 days in advance for deeper flavor.
• Freezing: Not recommended—mayo doesn’t freeze well and the texture will suffer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why This Classic Potato Salad Belongs at Every Gathering

There’s a reason this recipe never goes out of style. It’s creamy without being heavy, tangy but not overpowering, and has just the right mix of textures to keep every bite exciting.

Whether you’re bringing a side dish to your family reunion, prepping for 4th of July, or just craving something nostalgic, this classic potato salad hits every note. It’s a recipe that feels like home—every single time.

Ready to wow your guests with something simple but unforgettable?
Bookmark this recipe, pin it for your next party, and tag @AdultingLikeAGrownUp when you make it!

Happy hosting, friend. Now go get your potato salad on.

More Classic Cookout Combo Recipes:

• The Best Hamburger Patty Recipe (Thick or Thin!)
• The BEST Grilled Hot Dogs You’ll Ever Make
• S’mores: The Ultimate Guide
• Homemade Lemonade: A Simple Recipe
• Spiked Strawberry Lemonade: Your New Favorite Recipe

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