Best potato salad recipe — those words bring back warm memories of summer BBQs, family picnics, and big bowls of creamy, tangy potatoes on the table. When I was little, this was the dish everyone hovered over first — grandma’s signature salad, sprinkled with paprika and smelling like sunshine and dill.
It’s more than just a side; it’s comfort food, connection, and a bit of nostalgia all in one bowl. Over the years, I’ve learned the secret is balancing creamy dressing, perfectly cooked potatoes, and fresh herbs for brightness.
If you’re ready to wow your guests this summer, this is the best potato salad recipe to serve. And if you love creamy summer dishes, don’t miss our refreshing Orange Creamsicle Salad too!
Table of Contents
Why This is the Best Potato Salad Recipe
Creamy, Tangy & Fresh
What makes this the best potato salad recipe? It starts with Yukon Gold potatoes, which are creamy yet hold their shape. The dressing combines mayo, mustard, sweet pickle relish, and apple cider vinegar — perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness and a pop of acid.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This dish works just as well at a backyard BBQ as it does at a holiday table. It’s a make-ahead winner, and it only gets better as it sits overnight. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a cozy dinner for two, it’s a guaranteed hit.
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Best Potato Salad Recipe — How to Make the Perfect Creamy Classic (2025)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This best potato salad recipe combines creamy dressing, tender Yukon Gold potatoes, and fresh herbs to create the ultimate summer side dish. Perfect for BBQs, picnics, and family gatherings — and even better the next day!
Ingredients
- 5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, quartered
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- 1 cup sweet pickle relish (with juice)
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard (or 1 tbsp yellow + 1 tbsp Dijon)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon celery seeds
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 4–5 hard-boiled eggs, peeled & chopped
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- ½ cup sweet onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook Potatoes: Place quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, add salt, and cook for 13–15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain, cool slightly, peel if desired, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
2️⃣ Make Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, relish, mustard, vinegar, celery seeds, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3️⃣ Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently fold the warm potatoes with the dressing until coated. Add eggs, celery, onion, and dill. Mix gently to keep potato pieces intact.
4️⃣ Chill & Serve: Sprinkle extra dill and paprika on top. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better). Serve cold.
Notes
🥔 If Yukon Golds aren’t available, russet potatoes work fine — just peel them.
❄️ This salad tastes even better the next day, so it’s a great make-ahead option
🧂 Be generous with salt in the boiling water — it helps season the potatoes from the inside.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boil + Chill
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 317 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 58 mg
Ingredients for the Best Potato Salad Recipe
The beauty of this best potato salad recipe is how simple yet flavorful the ingredients are. Using fresh, quality components makes all the difference.
What You’ll Need:
Here’s everything you’ll need to make a big bowl of creamy potato salad that everyone will love:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yukon Gold potatoes | 5 pounds | Or Klondike Goldust for creaminess |
| Mayonnaise | 2 cups | Use a high-quality brand |
| Sweet pickle relish (with juice) | 1 cup | Adds sweetness & texture |
| Yellow mustard | 2 tablespoons | Or 1 tbsp yellow + 1 tbsp Dijon |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 tablespoon | Adds brightness |
| Celery seeds | 1 tablespoon | Optional but adds subtle flavor |
| Paprika | ½ teaspoon | For garnish |
| Hard-boiled eggs | 4–5, peeled & chopped | Adds richness |
| Celery stalks | 3, diced | For crunch |
| Sweet onion | ½ cup, diced | Optional, for a gentle bite |
| Fresh dill | 1 tablespoon, chopped | For freshness |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | Essential |
If you want to round out your meal with a bold main dish, try our Bang Bang Chicken. Its vibrant spices and crispy texture make a great contrast to the creamy richness of this potato salad.
Tools & Prep Tips Before You Start
Before you dive into making this best potato salad recipe, it helps to have the right tools and a few smart prep tips to make everything smoother.
Essential Kitchen Tools
You don’t need anything fancy — just a few basics will make this recipe even easier:
- Large stockpot – to boil the potatoes evenly.
- Strainer or colander – for draining the potatoes.
- Sharp knife & cutting board – for chopping vegetables and eggs.
- Large mixing bowl – big enough to toss all ingredients together.
- Medium mixing bowl & whisk – for the dressing.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – to gently mix without mashing the potatoes.
Pro Prep Tips
✅ Start with cold water when boiling potatoes so they cook evenly.
✅ Don’t overcook — fork tender is perfect, but not falling apart.
✅ Peel the potatoes after boiling — the skins come off easily when warm.
✅ Make the dressing while the potatoes cook to save time.
✅ Chill the salad for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better).
If you like smart prep tips, you might enjoy our Stuffed Peppers Recipe — another delicious make-ahead dish perfect for gatherings.
How to Make the Best Potato Salad Recipe — Step by Step
Don’t let this dish intimidate you — crafting the best potato salad recipe is simple and satisfying when you follow these easy steps. You’ll end up with a creamy, flavorful side dish that everyone will remember.
🥔 Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Begin by cutting your Yukon Gold potatoes into quarters so they cook evenly. Place them in a large pot, then add enough cold water to cover them completely.
Set the pot on the stove over medium-high heat, bringing the water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, sprinkle in a good pinch of salt to season the potatoes as they cook.
Let them simmer for about 13–15 minutes, testing with a fork for doneness — they should be tender but still hold together. Drain them well, set aside to cool slightly, and peel if you prefer. Then chop them into small, bite-sized pieces.
🥣 Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
While the potatoes are cooling, grab a medium bowl to prepare the dressing.
Combine mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish (along with a bit of its juice), mustard, apple cider vinegar, celery seeds, paprika, and some salt and pepper.
Stir everything together until it’s creamy and smooth. This tangy dressing is what makes the salad shine.
🥗 Step 3: Bring It All Together
In a large mixing bowl, add the warm potato chunks and gently spoon the dressing over them.
Use a spatula to fold the potatoes and dressing together, making sure each piece gets coated without breaking them up too much.
Next, add the chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced celery, sweet onion, and fresh dill. Mix carefully so all the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
❄️ Step 4: Chill and Serve
Finish the salad by sprinkling more fresh dill and a little extra paprika over the top for color and flavor.
Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least four hours to let the flavors blend — overnight is even better if you have time.
When it’s time to serve, give it a light stir and enjoy it cold alongside your favorite summer dishes.
If you’re looking for another chilled recipe to add to your menu, try our Summer Strawberry Apple Punch. It’s just as refreshing and festive!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best potato salad recipe can go wrong if you don’t watch out for a few simple pitfalls. Here are some common mistakes — and how to avoid them — so your salad comes out perfect every time.
🥔 Boiling Potatoes Too Long
If you overcook the potatoes, they’ll turn mushy and break apart when you mix them. On the other hand, if they’re undercooked, they’ll taste firm and underwhelming. Aim for that sweet spot — tender enough to pierce easily with a fork but still holding their shape.
❌ Mixing While Too Hot
Pouring the dressing over steaming hot potatoes can cause the mayonnaise to lose its creamy texture and turn greasy. Let the potatoes cool down just a little before mixing. They should still be warm enough to absorb the flavors but not hot enough to ruin the dressing.
🧂 Underseasoning
Potatoes love salt, and they can taste bland without enough of it. Add salt to the boiling water, season the dressing, and always taste your salad before chilling it to make sure the flavors pop.
🕒 Skipping Chill Time
If you don’t give the salad time to rest in the fridge, the flavors won’t have a chance to come together. A few hours of chilling — or better yet, overnight — makes a noticeable difference.
🔄 Overmixing
It’s tempting to keep stirring, but too much mixing can crush the potatoes and turn your salad into a mash. Use a gentle hand when folding in the dressing and add-ins to keep everything looking appetizing.
For more kitchen tips and tricks, take a look at our Watermelon Sorbet Recipe. It’s a light, refreshing complement to this creamy potato salad.
Tips to Make the Best Potato Salad Recipe Even Better
You already have the foundation for the best potato salad recipe, but with a few thoughtful tweaks, you can take it to the next level. These tips will help you customize your salad to fit your taste and impress your guests.
🌿 Play With the Herbs
Fresh dill is a classic in the best potato salad recipe, but don’t stop there. Chives, parsley, or even a little fresh tarragon can add a unique flavor and beautiful color to your dish.
🥓 Add Some Crunch and Smokiness
If you want to elevate your potato salad, try sprinkling crispy bacon over the top just before serving. The smoky, salty crunch pairs beautifully with the creamy dressing and tender potatoes.
🍋 Brighten It Up
Sometimes, a little acid makes all the difference. Along with apple cider vinegar, you can squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the salad just before serving. It makes the flavors pop and balances the richness.
🧄 Add Depth of Flavor
For a more savory twist, stir in a spoonful of roasted garlic or finely minced shallots. This subtle touch transforms the best potato salad recipe into something unforgettable.
🍽️ Customize the Texture
Some people like their potato salad super creamy, while others prefer it chunky with lots of texture. Adjust the ratio of dressing to potatoes and how much you mash or mix to suit your preference.
If you enjoy creative spins on classic dishes, don’t miss this Dragon Fruit Smoothie. It’s another vibrant and delicious recipe that’s perfect for summer.
How Does Gordon Ramsay Make Potato Salad?
If you’re curious how the pros put their own spin on the best potato salad recipe, Gordon Ramsay’s approach is a little different — and just as delicious. His take is lighter and more herb-forward, perfect if you want a fresher, more European-style salad.
🌱 Gordon’s Ingredients
Instead of the traditional mayonnaise-heavy dressing, Gordon often combines:
- Steamed or boiled fingerling potatoes
- A light vinaigrette made with olive oil and mustard
- Lots of fresh herbs like chives, parsley, and tarragon
- Capers and sometimes thinly sliced radishes for a peppery crunch
🥗 What Makes It Unique?
The lack of mayo keeps his version vibrant and tangy rather than creamy, which can be a welcome change for summer menus. The herbs and vinaigrette really let the flavor of the potatoes shine through, and the capers add a nice salty pop.
Even though his recipe is different from this best potato salad recipe, it’s a great option when you want something lighter but still full of flavor. You can even try combining elements of both — creamy base with fresh herbs — to make it your own.
If you’re a fan of recipes with a chef’s twist, check out our Stuffed Peppers Recipe — a colorful, hearty dish that’s just as impressive.
How Do You Make Paula Deen’s Potato Salad?
If you’re a fan of southern-style cooking, you might be wondering how Paula Deen approaches the best potato salad recipe. Her version is a true southern classic — rich, comforting, and perfect for big family gatherings.
🧈 Paula’s Signature Touch
Paula keeps it simple and traditional, which is what makes her salad so approachable. She typically uses:
- Russet potatoes instead of Yukon Golds
- Plenty of mayonnaise
- Sweet pickle relish for tang and sweetness
- A good amount of yellow mustard for color and zip
- Chopped pimentos for a pop of color
🍳 What Makes It Different?
Compared to the recipe you’re making here, Paula’s style leans heavier on mayonnaise and doesn’t include fresh dill or celery seeds. It’s a little more indulgent, with a creamy texture that coats the potatoes thoroughly. The addition of pimentos also gives her salad a charming southern flair.
Both versions have their strengths, and you can even borrow ideas from each to create your own twist on the best potato salad recipe — like blending Yukon Golds with a hint of pimento for something unique.
If you love comfort food with personality, you’ll also enjoy our Orange Creamsicle Salad — another crowd-pleasing classic for your summer table.
Make This Best Potato Salad Recipe Your Signature Dish
For summer cookouts or casual family dinners, this really is the best potato salad recipe to bring to the table. Creamy, flavorful, and full of texture, it’s the kind of side dish that disappears fast and earns you compliments every time.
The beauty of this recipe is how flexible it is — you can keep it traditional, borrow ideas from chef-inspired versions, or create your own twist with unique add-ins. However you choose to make it, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing classic you can be proud of.
Chill it overnight, sprinkle on some fresh herbs, and serve it cold — and if you’re looking for more potato salad inspiration, check out these creative variations from Bon Appétit to spark even more ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions — Best Potato Salad Recipe
What not to do when making potato salad?
It’s easy to make mistakes that can ruin even the best potato salad recipe. Avoid overcooking the potatoes, which makes them fall apart. Don’t skip seasoning — potatoes need plenty of salt, both in the boiling water and the dressing. Also, avoid mixing the dressing with hot potatoes; let them cool slightly first to keep the dressing creamy.
How does Gordon Ramsay make potato salad?
Gordon Ramsay creates a lighter, fresher take compared to the traditional best potato salad recipe. He skips mayonnaise and uses a tangy mustard vinaigrette with olive oil, plenty of fresh herbs, and extras like capers and radishes for crunch.
What to add to potato salad to make it taste better?
To elevate the flavors of your best potato salad recipe, try adding fresh herbs like dill or chives, a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness, or crispy bacon for smokiness. A pinch of smoked paprika on top also adds depth and color.
How do you make Paula Deen’s potato salad?
Paula Deen’s version of the best potato salad recipe is a southern classic, made with russet potatoes, plenty of mayo, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, and pimentos for a colorful, creamy finish.