Best 12 The Best American Potato Salad Recipes

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In the pantheon of American cookouts and summer gatherings, potato salad stands as a paragon of culinary excellence, a dish that effortlessly blends simplicity and flavor. Its humble origins belie its widespread appeal, a testament to the universal love for this creamy, tangy, and undeniably comforting dish. As diverse as the regions that claim it as their own, American potato salad takes on countless variations, each with its own unique flair and personality. From the classic mayonnaise-based salads of the Midwest to the vinegar-dressed versions of the South, and the tangy mustard-based salads of the East Coast, there's a potato salad out there to suit every palate. Whether you prefer your potatoes chunky or smooth, red or white, dressed simply or adorned with a multitude of mix-ins, this guide will lead you on a culinary adventure to discover the best American potato salad recipe that will delight your taste buds and leave your guests clamoring for more.

Here are our top 12 tried and tested recipes!

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

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.

AMERICAN-STYLE POTATO SALAD



American-Style Potato Salad image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 55m

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped
2 pounds medium waxy-style potatoes, quartered (6 to 8 potatoes)
Kosher salt
2 stalks celery (with leaves), chopped
2 large eggs
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons pickle relish
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
Juice from 1/2 a lemon
Freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Soak the onions in a small bowl of cold water for 15 minutes. Drain.
  • Put the potatoes in a medium saucepan with cold water to cover by about 2 inches and season generously with salt. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer until fork tender, about 8 minutes. Drain, transfer the potatoes to a large bowl, and mix with the onions and celery. Set aside to cool.
  • Place the eggs in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer and continue to cook for 7 minutes. Drain and transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water until cool, about 5 minutes. Peel and roughly chop the eggs.
  • Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, parsley, relish, mustard, lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon salt. Carefully mix the mayonnaise into the potatoes with a rubber spatula. Add the eggs, taking care not to break them up too much. Season the salad with pepper to taste. Serve.

WORLD'S BEST POTATO SALAD



World's Best Potato Salad image

This is the creamiest, richest potato salad you will ever try. The secret is in the homemade dressing. I get nothing but raves every time I make this.

Provided by Kaye Lynn

Categories     Salad     Potato Salad Recipes     Creamy Potato Salad Recipes

Time 1h15m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 14

6 medium potatoes
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
6 hard-cooked eggs, diced
2 eggs, beaten
½ cup white sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
salt to taste
½ cup vinegar
1 (5 ounce) can evaporated milk
1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard
¼ cup butter
1 cup mayonnaise

Steps:

  • Place the potatoes into a large pot, and fill with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook for about 20 minutes, or until easily pierced with a fork. Drain. Cool, peel and dice. Transfer to a large bowl, and toss with the onion, celery, 1 teaspoon of salt, and hard-cooked eggs.
  • While the potatoes are cooking, whisk together 2 eggs, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan. Stir in the vinegar, milk, and mustard. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in the butter. Refrigerate until cool, then stir in the mayonnaise.
  • Stir the dressing into the bowl of potato salad gently until evenly coated. Chill several hours or overnight before serving for best flavor.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 555.3 calories, Carbohydrate 26.7 g, Cholesterol 315 mg, Fat 45.6 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 11.3 g, SaturatedFat 12.5 g, Sodium 790.1 mg, Sugar 21.2 g

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 :

ALL-AMERICAN LOADED BAKED POTATO SALAD



All-American Loaded Baked Potato Salad image

This is a great twist on two all-American favorites--the potato salad and the loaded baked potato. Served cold, this has been a crowd-pleaser at our many family functions and is often requested. Even people who don't normally love potato salad seem to love this!

Provided by spicejenmom

Categories     Salad     Potato Salad Recipes     Creamy Potato Salad Recipes

Time 1h40m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

6 cups cubed russet potatoes
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup sour cream
1 cup creamy salad dressing (such as Miracle Whip®)
½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
½ cup chopped green onions
½ cup real bacon bits

Steps:

  • Place potatoes in a pot; fill with water until potatoes are covered. Add salt; bring to boil. Simmer until potatoes are just tender enough to be pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes. Drain and run under cold water until potatoes are slightly cool.
  • Mix sour cream, creamy salad dressing, and ground black pepper together in a large bowl. Stir in Cheddar cheese, green onion, and bacon bits; add potatoes. Cover and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 433.6 calories, Carbohydrate 35 g, Cholesterol 56.6 mg, Fat 27.1 g, Fiber 3.7 g, Protein 13.2 g, SaturatedFat 11 g, Sodium 1162.3 mg, Sugar 6.9 g

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

JULIA'S AMERICAN-STYLE POTATO SALAD



Julia's American-Style Potato Salad image

Potato salad is perfect picnic fare, but it is a good side dish any time of year, dressed and garnished in various styles to suit the season. Julia's American-style potato salad is garnished with hard-boiled eggs and crisp bacon bits, chopped pickles, onions and celery, all given a light coating of homemade mayonnaise. Make this at least an hour ahead of time so the flavors have time to ripen, and serve it cool or at room temperature.

Provided by Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 27m

Yield About 6 cups, serving 4 to 6

Number Of Ingredients 17

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 Tbs finely chopped pickle, sweet or dill
2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and sliced thin
3 Tbs 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
Crisp whole red-leaf or other lettuce leaves
Canned red pimiento, diced
Sliced hard-boiled eggs
Tomato quarters
Parsley sprigs

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 bowl. Stir the cider vinegar with 1/3 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 2/3 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.

BEST CLASSIC POTATO SALAD



Best Classic Potato Salad image

Creamy, tangy, and crunchy, with a hint of spice and sweetness from pickles, this reminds me of my grandmother's potato salad served every Easter or any time we had barbecue. She always dotted it with olives for a finishing touch and a perfect briny addition. This is the best classic version of good old-fashioned, Southern-style potato salad. Not too mayonaissey with just the right amount of tang! Serve with grilled or smoked meats as the perfect side dish.

Provided by NicoleMcmom

Time 2h40m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 13

5 pounds russet potatoes, peeled
4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided, or to taste
4 large eggs
1 cup mayonnaise
⅓ cup sour cream
3 tablespoons yellow mustard
5 stalks green onions, sliced (white and green parts)
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
½ cup chopped spicy sweet dill pickles (such as Wickles™), plus 2 teaspoons pickle juice
¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon ground paprika
¼ cup sliced green olives with pimientos

Steps:

  • Cut potatoes into 1 1/2-inch pieces. Place in a large pot and add water to cover by 2 inches. Add 3 teaspoons salt and eggs; bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  • Reduce heat and simmer 9 minutes. Remove eggs to an ice bath. Drain potatoes when fork-tender; they may need another minute or so.
  • Peel and chop eggs and set aside.
  • Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, onions, celery, dill, pickles, juice and pepper in a large bowl; stir to combine. Stir in potatoes and eggs until well blended, mashing potatoes very slightly. Check for seasoning and add up to 1 teaspoon salt if desired.
  • Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with paprika, and garnish with olives. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 329.9 calories, Carbohydrate 36.5 g, Cholesterol 71.8 mg, Fat 18.3 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 6.9 g, SaturatedFat 3.6 g, Sodium 947 mg, Sugar 1.9 g

AMERICA'S BEST POTATO SALAD



America's Best Potato Salad image

This recipe won our BBQ team over $7,000 and eventually the title "America's Best Potato Salad".

Provided by Kobe Roux

Categories     Potato

Time 40m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

6 russet potatoes
10 small new potatoes
3 green onions
1 tablespoon dill weed
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 1/2 tablespoons coarse black pepper
1/2 large diced red onion
2 1/2 cups duke's mayonnaise
oil, for frying potato
10 slices bacon (thick slices)

Steps:

  • Partially cook new potatoes just until barely tender. Then smash them to about 1/2 thick.
  • Partially cook russet potatoes, then slice three lengthwise and scrape out the center to form a "boat." Reserve contents for later.
  • Roughly chop other three russets.
  • Heat oil to 350 degrees and fry the russets to golden brown.
  • Fry the smashed new potatoes then break them into small pieces.
  • Cook bacon on a sheet pan in 350 degree oven. Then crumble into bits.
  • Dice: red and green onions.
  • Combine: dill, mayo, bacon, red onion, green onion, salt and pepper in a large bowl, mix thoroughly.
  • All potatoes to cool to room temperature then combine new potatoes and contents from three russets to mayo mixture.
  • Spoon contents in russet boats and then garnish with green onion and bacon bits.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 227.5, Fat 3.3, SaturatedFat 1.1, Cholesterol 4.5, Sodium 652.8, Carbohydrate 44.8, Fiber 5.9, Sugar 2.3, Protein 6

GREAT AMERICAN POTATO SALAD



Great American Potato Salad image

Make and share this Great American Potato Salad recipe from Food.com.

Provided by ambercollins1986

Categories     Potato

Time 40m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup Miracle Whip
1 teaspoon mustard
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
4 cups potatoes
2 hard-boiled eggs
1/2 cup onion
1/2 cup celery
1/2 cup sweet pickle relish

Steps:

  • Cube and boil potatoes. Chop eggs and onion. Slice Celery.Combine salad dressing, mustard, celery seed, salt, and pepper; mix well.
  • Add potatoes, eggs, onion, celery, and pickle; mix lightly. Chill.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 235.9, Fat 10, SaturatedFat 1.8, Cholesterol 73.3, Sodium 753.3, Carbohydrate 32.6, Fiber 2.9, Sugar 11.9, Protein 4.7

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:

  • Use a variety of potatoes: Combining waxy and starchy potatoes, such as Yukon Golds and russets, gives the salad a great texture.
  • Cook the potatoes until they are tender but still hold their shape: Overcooked potatoes will become mushy in the salad.
  • Cool the potatoes completely before assembling the salad: Warm potatoes will make the mayonnaise dressing runny.
  • Use a good quality mayonnaise: Homemade mayonnaise is always best, but if you are using store-bought, choose a brand that you like the taste of.
  • Add-ins are optional: Feel free to add other ingredients to your potato salad, such as chopped celery, onion, hard-boiled eggs, or bacon.
  • Serve the potato salad chilled: Potato salad is best served cold, so make sure to chill it for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Conclusion:

The perfect American potato salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any time of year. With its creamy mayonnaise dressing, tender potatoes, and variety of add-ins, it's a dish that everyone will love. So next time you're looking for a summer side dish or a potluck dish, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!

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