The Ultimate Creamy Potato Salad: Grandma's Secret (Almost!)

Learn how to make potato salad just like Grandma's! This old fashioned potato salad recipe, with crunchy dill pickles, is perfect for summer picnics. Less mayo, more flavour!

May 22, 2025
By Olivia.
Updated May 26, 2025

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Recipe Introduction

Ever find yourself craving that classic, comforting taste? let's dive into how to make potato salad , the ultimate side dish! this ain't your fancy restaurant potato salad.

It’s about that home-style flavor, that's always a crowd-pleaser.

Gramma's Potato Salad Secret

This recipe takes me back to my grandma's kitchen. Honestly, it's almost as good as hers, but I tweaked it. You know? Just a touch more zing.

Overview: From My Kitchen to Yours

Potato salad is a truly american dish. it can trace back centuries. this recipe is simple. it takes only an hour from start to finish, including chilling.

This recipe makes enough for 6-8 people.

Potato Salad: The Perfect Side Dish

This best potato salad recipe is a win-win. it's packed with energy. plus, it's perfect for summer picnics and backyard bbqs.

What's not to love?. making it is so easy even your kids can help!

This southern potato salad version has a secret weapon: crunchy dill pickles ! seriously. trust me on this. they add a salty, tangy crunch that just sends it over the top.

It also transforms it into more of an old fashioned potato salad .

Let's get this show on the road. Here are the goodies you'll need to round up:

Ingredients:

• Potatoes: 2 lbs (900g) Yukon Gold, cubed
• Mayonnaise: 1 cup (240ml)
• Sour Cream: 1/4 cup (60ml)
• Yellow Mustard: 2 tablespoons
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons
• Fresh Dill: 1 tablespoon, chopped
• Celery Seed: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
• Celery: 1/2 cup, chopped
• Red Onion: 1/4 cup, chopped
• Hard-Boiled Eggs: 2, chopped (optional)

Alright, now, let's learn how to make potato salad . It's way easier than you think! Get your apron and let's roll!

Alright, let's talk potato salad! it's the heart of summer picnics and bbqs, right? this isn't just any recipe. this is the recipe for best potato salad .

I'm gonna let you in on the secrets of how to make potato salad , and it's way easier than you think.

Forget complicated, we're going for delicious.

The Ultimate Creamy Potato Salad: Grandma's Secret (Almost!) Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:20 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900g) Yukon Gold potatoes, or other waxy potatoes, peeled or unpeeled, and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup (240ml) mayonnaise (full-fat or light)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard (American or Dijon)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon celery seed (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup (50g) finely chopped celery
• 1/4 cup (25g) finely chopped red onion
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped (optional)

Instructions:

• Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender (about 15-20 minutes). Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them cool slightly.
• While the potatoes are cooking, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream/yogurt, mustard, vinegar, dill, celery seed (if using), salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
• Gently fold the slightly cooled potatoes into the dressing, making sure they are evenly coated.
• Add the chopped celery, red onion, and hard-boiled eggs (if using) to the potato mixture. Gently stir to combine.
• Cover the potato salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or longer, for better flavor). Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:350 calories

Fat:25g

Fiber:2g

Recipe Info

Category:Side Dish

Cuisine:British

Ingredients & Equipment

This part's important. Quality in, quality out, you know?

Main Players: Potatoes & More

• You'll need 2 lbs (900g) of Yukon Gold potatoes.
• Why Yukon Gold? They're creamy and hold their shape.
• But, other waxy potatoes work, too. I have used red potatoes as well and they work great.
• Cut them into 1-inch cubes.
• For the dressing: 1 cup (240ml) of mayonnaise. Honestly? Full-fat's the way to go.
• But light works too if you're watching calories! Add 1/4 cup (60ml) of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
• This gives it a tang. 2 tablespoons of yellow mustard are key and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. These ingredients work great for Old Fashioned Potato Salad .

Seasoning is Everything

It is so important to have the right seasoning combinations for an Easy Potato Salad Recipe . The taste can be bland if this is omitted.

• Don't skimp on the flavor! 1 tablespoon of fresh dill, chopped is perfect.
• Or, use 1 teaspoon dried.
• 1 teaspoon of celery seed is optional. But, oh my gosh!, it adds so much.
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt, plus more to taste, is needed. A 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper is also needed. Freshly ground is best.

Add-Ins for Texture and Tang

• This is where it gets fun.
• 1/2 cup (50g) of finely chopped celery gives it crunch.
• 1/4 cup (25g) of finely chopped red onion adds bite.
• And, maybe 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped? That's a classic touch to have a Southern Potato Salad . But that is your call.

Equipment: Keep It Simple

You don't need fancy gadgets here. Honestly, I've made this with just a pot, a bowl, and a knife.

• A large pot for boiling.
• A colander for draining.
• A large mixing bowl for, well, mixing.
• A cutting board and chef's knife are important.
• Measuring cups and spoons are needed as well.
• If you're missing something, don't sweat it.
• Use what you've got.
• I mean, how to make potato salad doesn't need to be stressful.

So, that's it for the gear and grub. now, you're ready to get cooking! this recipe is amazing for potato side dishes and you will have an amazing and best potato salad recipe .

Alright, buckle up buttercups! we're diving headfirst into the wonderful world of how to make potato salad . not just any potato salad, mind you.

We're talking best potato salad , the kind that makes you want to slap your mama (but don't actually do that!).

Forget boring, bland potato salad. this is old fashioned potato salad with a kick.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission

Essential mise en place? sounds fancy, right? it just means getting your ducks in a row! dice your celery, chop that red onion.

You know, be prepared. this is how to make potato salad easy, so grab those crunchy dill pickles . organisation is key to winning.

Time-saving tip? chop everything while the potatoes boil. efficiency, baby! safety reminder: watch those fingers when you're chopping. nobody wants a blood-flavoured potato salad.

Honestly!

Step-by-Step: From Spuds to Salad

1. Cook those potatoes! Put 2 lbs of diced Yukon Golds in cold water. Boil 'em till fork-tender, about 15- 20 minutes . Not mushy!
2. Whip up the dressing: In a bowl, mix 1 cup mayo, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons yellow mustard, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon dill, 1 teaspoon celery seed, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
3. Combine with care: Gently fold the potatoes into the dressing. Don't mash 'em!
4. Add the crunch: Mix in 1/2 cup chopped celery, 1/4 cup red onion, and 2 chopped hard-boiled eggs (optional).
5. Chill out: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes . Overnight is even better! It is one of the Best Potato Salad Recipe .

Visual cue? The potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork, but not falling apart. Don't overcook, ya hear? It will change the texture completely.

Pro Tips: Salad Secrets Revealed

Want to really nail that southern potato salad flavour? add a pinch of smoked paprika. trust me. a common mistake? overmixing! you want chunks, not mush.

Make-ahead? absolutely! potato salad is even better the next day. perfect for summer picnics .

See? that wasn't so bad. this potato salad recipe easy will have everyone begging for more! potato side dishes are always a hit, but this best potato salad recipe is something special.

So, go forth and make some magic! and don't forget the dill pickles .

Alright, let's talk potato salad!

Recipe Notes

Listen up! this ain't just another recipe. this is the recipe for the best potato salad . i swear, it's better than store-bought, even if i do say so myself.

You'll finally learn how to make potato salad .

Serving Suggestions

Think presentation! a simple bowl is fine. but how about a mason jar for those summer picnics ? garnish with fresh dill.

Serve with anything grilled. burgers? check. hot dogs? double check. this potato salad is the ultimate of potato side dishes .

Storage Tips

Honestly, leftovers are rare. but, if you have some: keep it cold! refrigerate in an airtight container. it's good for 3-4 days.

Freezing? nope, don't even think about it. it'll get weird and watery. just say no.

Variations

Want to mix it up? cool! try this potato salad recipe easy and switch it up to add your own twist.

Vegan? easy peasy. use vegan mayo! want southern potato salad ? add a dash of hot sauce. how about a dietary swap? use sweet potatoes instead of yukon gold.

Nutrition Basics

Okay, i'm no dietitian. but let's be real. potato salad isn't exactly health food. but, it's made with potatoes! so you get some potassium.

Plus, this recipe isn't swimming in mayo. so, it's a little better for you.

Look, learning how to make potato salad is a life skill. it's perfect to be with crunchy dill pickles . it's a best potato salad recipe and way tastier.

You'll nail it every time. so, give it a shot! even better, use dill pickles as the main taste. you're gonna love my old fashioned potato salad .