Best Potato Salad
A classic potato salad combining tender potatoes, chopped eggs, crunchy pickles, and fresh herbs, perfect for picnics, gatherings, or a comforting side dish.
Ingredients
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled ⓘ
- 3 eggs, boiled, peeled and chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dill pickles, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup pimentos, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons parsley ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/2 cup celery, minced ⓘ
Instructions
- Peel potatoes and cover with water in a saucepan; cook until tender when pricked with a fork.
- Place potatoes, whole, in a bowl and refrigerate until cool.
- Dice potatoes into 1-inch cubes.
- Add chopped eggs, onion, dill pickles, pimentos, parsley, salt, black pepper, mustard, mayonnaise, and minced celery (if using).
- Mix all ingredients well.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, adjust the mayonnaise to your taste; you can start with 1/2 cup and gradually add more if desired. For a twist, consider adding crumbled bacon or swapping out dill pickles for sweet pickles. Fresh herbs like dill or chives can also enhance the flavor. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this potato salad as a side dish at barbecues or picnics, as it pairs beautifully with grilled meats and sandwiches. It also makes a great addition to a potluck spread alongside dishes like Cherry Coffee Cake Squares or Mary'S No Bake Chocolate Cookies. Garnish with extra parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together as it sits, making it even tastier. To reheat, if desired, gently warm in the microwave, but it's best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Avoid leaving it out for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Potato Salad contains roughly 502 calories, with 10g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (40% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 998mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this potato salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this potato salad a day in advance. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the ingredients. This allows the flavors to develop fully, making it even more delicious.
What types of potatoes are best for potato salad?
Waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes are ideal for potato salad because they hold their shape well after boiling. Starchy potatoes can become mushy, so avoid using them. For a colorful twist, try using a mix of different potato varieties.
Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your potato salad by adding ingredients like diced bell peppers, carrots, or green onions for extra crunch and flavor. Just remember to keep the balance of wet ingredients to ensure the salad remains creamy and delicious.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).