Best 9 Classic American Style Potato Salad Recipes

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Potato salad, a quintessential American dish often served at summer potlucks, picnics, and barbecues, has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. Over time, regional variations have emerged, but the essence of the dish remains the same: tender potatoes tossed in a creamy, flavorful dressing. In this article, we'll delve into the world of classic American-style potato salad, exploring variations and providing a diverse selection of recipes that cater to different tastes and preferences. We'll guide you through the process of creating a classic potato salad from scratch, ensuring that every element, from the selection of potatoes to the choice of dressing, is carefully considered. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let's embark on a culinary journey to discover the best recipe for a classic American-style potato salad.

Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!

AMERICAN POTATO SALAD



American Potato Salad image

Just a good old fashioned, down home potato salad recipe that brings back memories of picnics in the park and family gatherings. Wonderful as it is or make it your own by adding additional ingredients of your choice.

Provided by JOSLYN

Categories     Salad     Potato Salad Recipes     Red Potato Salad Recipes

Time 3h

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 9

5 pounds red potatoes
6 eggs
2 cups mayonnaise
1 onion, diced
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 small green bell pepper, seeded and diced
3 stalks celery, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add potatoes, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until tender but still firm. Drain, cool and cut into cubes.
  • Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil and immediately remove from heat. Cover and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool, peel and chop.
  • In a large bowl, combine chopped potatoes and eggs. Mix together mayonnaise, chopped onion, green onion, green pepper, and celery. Season with salt and pepper, then mix well. Cover, and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 328.8 calories, Carbohydrate 41.4 g, Cholesterol 103.2 mg, Fat 15.9 g, Fiber 3.7 g, Protein 7.4 g, SaturatedFat 2.8 g, Sodium 721.4 mg, Sugar 5.3 g

CLASSIC AMERICAN-STYLE POTATO SALAD



Classic American-Style Potato Salad image

Most potato salads look and taste better when made with low-starch red boiling potatoes. For Classic American-Style Potato Salad, you can use any size of this variety, but the small new potatoes cook 10 to 15 minutes faster than the larger ones. Choose potatoes that are all roughly the same size, if possible, so they cook in the same time.

Provided by USA WEEKEND columnist Pam Anderson

Categories     Salad     Potato Salad Recipes     Dairy-Free Potato Salad Recipes

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 pounds red boiling potatoes, scrubbed
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 hard-cooked eggs
1 small celery stalk
¼ cup chopped sweet pickle (not relish)
3 scallions
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard

Steps:

  • Place potatoes in a pot with water to cover. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer, stirring to ensure even cooking, until a thin-bladed paring knife or a metal skewer inserted into a potato can be removed with no resistance, 25 to 30 minutes. Drain, rinse under cold water and drain again. Cool slightly.
  • Cut warm potatoes into 3/4-inch dice with a serrated knife. Layer them in a bowl, seasoning with vinegar, salt and pepper as you go. Cut eggs, celery and pickle in 1/4-inch dice and thinly slice scallions. Add to potatoes, along with parsley. Stir in mayonnaise and mustard until everything is combined. Chill, covered, before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 291.4 calories, Carbohydrate 28.8 g, Cholesterol 99.5 mg, Fat 17.3 g, Fiber 3.1 g, Protein 6.5 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 549.9 mg, Sugar 3.5 g

CLASSIC POTATO SALAD



Classic Potato Salad image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Number Of Ingredients 0

Steps:

  • Boil, peel and cube 2 pounds russet potatoes; toss with 2 tablespoons cider vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix 2 cups mayonnaise, 2 chopped scallions, 1 chopped celery stalk, 1 tablespoon each dijon mustard and vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, and salt. Toss with the potatoes.

ALL-AMERICAN POTATO SALAD



All-American Potato Salad image

Our recipe is a variation on classic American-style potato salad. Warm potatoes are sprinkled with vinegar, dressed in mayonnaise, and mixed with hard-boiled eggs, celery, cornichons, and scallions.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Salad Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 15

4 pounds russet potatoes (about 8 potatoes)
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
3 large eggs
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 stalks celery, cut into 1/4-inch dice (3/4 cup)
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch dice (1/2 cup)
1 medium onion, finely diced (1/2 cup)
10 cornichons, cut into 1/4-inch dice (1/4 cup)
3 scallions, thinly sliced (1/2 cup)
2 tablespoons freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 teaspoon paprika

Steps:

  • Place potatoes in a large pot with enough water to cover by several inches. Bring to a boil over high heat, add 1 tablespoon salt, and lower to a gentle boil. Cook until potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife, about 25 minutes. Drain into a colander. Using paper towels or gloves to protect your hands, peel potatoes, and cut into 1-inch dice while still hot. Drizzle with vinegar; set aside.
  • Place eggs in a small pan with enough water to cover by 1 inch, and place over medium-high heat. When water comes to a boil, turn off heat, cover, and let stand for 13 minutes. Drain, and place in a bowl with cold water to cover. When cold, peel eggs. Chop 2 into 1/4-inch dice. Slice the third egg into 1/4-inch-thick rounds, and set aside for garnish.
  • Combine diced eggs, mayonnaise, celery seed, mustard, 2 teaspoons salt, and black pepper in a large bowl, and whisk to combine. Add reserved potatoes to mayonnaise mixture. Add celery, red pepper, onion, cornichons, scallions, and chopped parsley. Stir to combine. Chill for 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with paprika and reserved hard-boiled egg rounds.

CONTEST-WINNING OLD-FASHIONED POTATO SALAD



Contest-Winning Old-Fashioned Potato Salad image

We live at the edge of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, where there are lots of small farms. Country markets are plentiful here, so potatoes are a staple.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 35m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 cups cubed peeled potatoes
3 hard-boiled large eggs, chopped
2 celery ribs, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Place potatoes in a saucepan and cover with water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until tender; drain. Place in a large bowl; add eggs, celery and onions. , In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Pour over potato mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts :

THE BEST AMERICAN POTATO SALAD



The Best American Potato Salad image

Our favorite potato salad kicks up the traditional mayonnaise base with not only chopped dill pickles, but also uses the pickle brine for extra tang. Scallions, celery and parsley add freshness and a little crunch, while hard-boiled eggs practically make it a meal.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     side-dish

Time 2h30m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
3 large eggs
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1/3 cup chopped dill pickles, plus 2 tablespoons brine
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
1/2 teaspoon sugar
3 stalks celery, chopped
4 scallions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Paprika, for topping

Steps:

  • Put the potatoes in a large saucepan; cover with cold water and season with 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a simmer and cook until tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Add the vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon salt; toss. Let cool slightly, about 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, put the eggs in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then remove from the heat and let sit, covered, 10 minutes. Drain the eggs and cover with ice water to cool; peel, chop and set aside.
  • Whisk the mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle brine, mustard and sugar in a small bowl. Stir in the pickles, celery, scallions and parsley. Spoon the mayonnaise mixture over the potatoes and mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Add the hard-boiled eggs and gently stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight. Sprinkle with paprika just before serving.

AMERICAN CLASSIC POTATO SALAD



American Classic Potato Salad image

Bring this American Classic Potato Salad to your next cookout. Follow this recipe for a rich, creamy potato salad which never goes out of style.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Recipes

Time 1h30m

Yield 10 servings, 1/2 cup each

Number Of Ingredients 5

6 cups quartered unpeeled small red potatoes
3/4 cup KRAFT Real Mayo
1 Tbsp. GREY POUPON Dijon Mustard
8 slices OSCAR MAYER Bacon, cooked, crumbled
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

Steps:

  • Cook potatoes in boiling water in saucepan 15 min. or until tender; drain.
  • Mix mayo and mustard in large bowl. Add potatoes, bacon and chives; mix lightly.
  • Refrigerate at least 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 220, Fat 15 g, SaturatedFat 2.5 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 10 mg, Sodium 240 mg, Carbohydrate 0 g, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 0 g, Protein 4 g

CLASSIC POTATO SALAD RECIPE BY TASTY



Classic Potato Salad Recipe by Tasty image

This simple summer side dish staple is easy to master with this recipe! Gold potatoes are tossed in a creamy-tangy mixture of mayo, pickle relish, and mustard, with diced red onion and hard-boiled eggs for extra texture. Pro tip: add the dressing to the potatoes in thirds, allowing 5 minutes between each addition, for the creamiest texture.

Provided by Tikeyah Whittle

Categories     Appetizers

Time 45m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 lb gold potato, scrubbed, cut into 1/2 in (1.24 cm)
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided, plus more for boiling potatoes
3 hard-boiled eggs, roughly chopped
¾ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sweet relish
yellow mustard
1 ½ cups red onion, finely diced
3 large stalks celery
½ teaspoon McCormick® Garlic Powder
½ teaspoon McCormick® Paprika
⅛ teaspoon McCormick® cayenne
3 tablespoons white vinegar
1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Steps:

  • Add the potatoes to a large pot and cover with cool water. Generously season the water with salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, 12-15 minutes. Drain and transfer the potatoes to a large bowl.
  • Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix together the hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, relish, mustard, red onion, celery, garlic powder, cayenne, paprika, and ½ teaspoon salt until well combined.
  • In a small bowl, stir together the white vinegar, remaining teaspoon of salt, and the sugar until the sugar and salt have dissolved.
  • While the potatoes are still hot, pour the vinegar mixture over and toss to coat. Let the potatoes sit for 5 minutes to cool slightly.
  • Add ⅓ of the egg mixture to the potatoes, tossing to coat completely. Let sit for another 5 minutes, then toss with another ⅓ of the egg mixture. Just before serving, toss with the remaining egg mixture.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 316 calories, Carbohydrate 31 grams, Fat 19 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 5 grams, Sugar 6 grams

JULIA'S AMERICAN-STYLE POTATO SALAD



Julia's American-Style Potato Salad image

Provided by Julia Child

Categories     Salad     Egg     Onion     Potato     Side     Fourth of July     Picnic     Kid-Friendly     Backyard BBQ     Lunch     Mayonnaise     Vinegar     Bacon     Family Reunion     Lettuce     Sugar Conscious     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Small Plates

Yield About 6 cups, serving 4 to 6

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 pounds large Yukon Gold potatoes, or other waxy, boiling potatoes
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1/3 cup chicken stock or potato-cooking water
2/3 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
3 or 4 slices crisply cooked bacon, chopped or crumbled
2 to 3 tablespoons finely chopped pickle, sweet or dill
2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and sliced thin
3 tablespoons or so finely chopped fresh chives or scallions, including a bit of their tender green
Salt and freshly ground white pepper
1 cup or so mayonnaise, homemade if possible
Sour cream (optional)
For garnishing
Crisp whole red-leaf or other lettuce leaves
Canned red pimiento, diced; sliced hard-boiled eggs; tomato quarters; parsley sprigs (optional)

Steps:

  • Peel the potatoes and slice each one lengthwise in half, or in quarters if very large; then cut crosswise into half-round or quarter-round slices, about 1/2 inch thick.
  • Put the slices in a saucepan with water just to cover and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt per quart of water. Heat to a simmer, and cook the potatoes for 5 to 6 minutes, or until just cooked through. It is essential that they be just cooked through. Bite into a slice or two to be very sure. Immediately remove from the heat and drain the potatoes into a colander, but save a cup of the cooking liquid for dressing the potatoes. Transfer the potatoes to a large bowl. Stir the cider vinegar with ⅓ cup of the potato water or chicken stock and drizzle this over the potato pieces, turning them gently to distribute it evenly. Let sit 10 minutes to absorb the liquid.
  • Add the prepared onion, celery, bacon, pickle, hard-boiled eggs, and chives, and season carefully to taste. Top with ⅔ cup of mayonnaise (or a mix of mayonnaise and a bit of sour cream) and, with a large rubber spatula, gently fold everything together until well blended. Taste the salad and add more salt, pepper, or mayonnaise as needed.
  • Cover the salad and set aside in the refrigerator for at least an hour or so before serving. If it is refrigerated longer, let it come back to room temperature before serving. Taste and adjust the seasoning again.
  • To serve, line a bowl or a platter with red-leaf lettuce or other greens, and mound the salad on top. Decorate at the last moment, if you wish, with any or all of the optional garnishes.

Tips:

  • Boil Potatoes Correctly: Ensure potatoes are fully submerged in salted water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid overcooking, as this can make them mushy.
  • Cool Potatoes Quickly: Drain the potatoes and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming overcooked.
  • Use Mayonnaise and Mustard: The combination of mayonnaise and mustard is a classic for potato salad. Adjust the ratio to your preference for a creamier or tangier flavor.
  • Add Vegetables for Crunch: Celery, carrots, and red onion are common additions that provide a nice crunch and freshness to the salad.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley, dill, or chives add a pop of color and herbaceous flavor to the salad.
  • Season Generously: Don't be shy with salt and pepper. Taste the salad and adjust seasonings as needed.
  • Chill Before Serving: Allow the potato salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and enhances the texture.

Conclusion:

Classic American-style potato salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side or main course. With its creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor, it's a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for picnics, potlucks, and backyard barbecues. Experiment with different variations, such as adding different vegetables, herbs, or even proteins like bacon or hard-boiled eggs, to create your own unique version of this classic dish.

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