Creamy Potato Salad

Creamy Potato Salad is a nostalgic staple found at everything from backyard barbecues to holiday tables. With a dreamy combination of soft-boiled potatoes, chopped eggs, crunchy celery, and a velvety mayonnaise-mustard dressing, this salad checks every box for a satisfying side dish. The touch of sour cream adds tang and depth, while a hint of vinegar lifts the flavors for a refreshing bite.

This version is both traditional and elevated—an approachable recipe that keeps it classic while offering that homemade taste we all crave. It’s ideal for meal prep, as it actually tastes better after chilling and allows the flavors to meld. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or need a dependable potluck dish, this Creamy Potato Salad is guaranteed to be a hit.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds Yukon gold or red potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1/4 cup sour cream

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon celery seed

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

• 1/3 cup celery, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

• Optional garnish: smoked paprika or extra parsley

Directions:

1. Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain and let cool.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, vinegar, sour cream, garlic powder, celery seed, salt, and pepper until smooth.

3. Add the cooled potatoes to the bowl, along with the chopped eggs, celery, red onion, and parsley.

4. Gently fold everything together until the potatoes are well-coated in the dressing.

5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

6. Before serving, garnish with a light sprinkle of smoked paprika or extra chopped parsley if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chill time)
Kcal: 280 kcal per serving | Servings: 6

When it comes to comfort food, few side dishes capture hearts like a well-made creamy potato salad. This simple yet deeply satisfying dish is a staple across generations, picnics, barbecues, potlucks, and family dinners. The creamy texture, the tender bite of perfectly cooked potatoes, the mild crunch of celery and red onions, and the flavorful zing from mustard and vinegar create a harmony that’s both nostalgic and delicious.

But what makes this particular version the best creamy potato salad recipe? It’s the balanced combination of textures, a rich yet light dressing, and a few clever ingredient choices that elevate the classic recipe into something memorable. Let’s dive into what makes this creamy potato salad so special—and why it deserves a permanent place in your go-to recipe collection.

A Brief History of Potato Salad

Potato salad’s roots trace back to Europe—specifically Germany—where warm vinegar-based versions were served long before mayonnaise entered the mix. As the dish traveled across the Atlantic to America, it evolved. German immigrants brought their love of hearty, vinegary potato salads with them, and over time, the American version became colder, creamier, and more picnic-friendly with the rise of mayonnaise in the early 20th century.

Today, creamy potato salad has become an iconic American dish, especially in the South and Midwest. You’ll find variations that include sweet pickles, relish, bacon, or even relish, but this recipe keeps things classic—rich, tangy, and satisfying, while allowing plenty of room for customization.

What Makes This Potato Salad the Best?

This recipe excels for several reasons. First, it uses Yukon gold or red potatoes, which hold their shape beautifully after boiling and have a naturally buttery texture that plays well with the creamy dressing. Unlike russet potatoes, which can fall apart or become grainy, these waxy varieties offer the perfect bite every time.

The dressing is another standout. It combines mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, and a hint of garlic powder and celery seed for a rich yet sharp flavor that cuts through the starchiness of the potatoes. The balance between creamy and tangy is exactly what a great potato salad needs to keep each bite exciting.

Finally, add-ins like chopped hard-boiled eggs, crisp celery, and red onion bring in texture, protein, and an extra dimension of taste. A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the entire dish, while optional paprika on top adds a subtle smokiness and beautiful color contrast.

Health Benefits of the Ingredients

While creamy potato salad is often considered indulgent, it can actually offer surprising nutritional benefits—especially when made from scratch using wholesome ingredients:

• Potatoes are a great source of potassium, fiber, and vitamin C. They also contain resistant starch, which can support gut health when potatoes are cooled after cooking.
• Eggs add high-quality protein, vitamin D, choline, and other essential nutrients.
• Celery and red onions provide antioxidants and crunch with very few calories.
• Apple cider vinegar is known for supporting digestion and may help with blood sugar control.
• Parsley is rich in vitamin K and provides a dose of fresh, herbal flavor.

You can also opt to reduce the mayonnaise slightly or substitute part of it with Greek yogurt to boost the protein and lower the fat content if desired.

Perfect for Every Occasion

One of the best things about creamy potato salad is its versatility. It’s a dish that travels well, tastes better after a few hours of chilling, and complements nearly every protein—grilled meats, roasted chicken, fish, or veggie mains.

This makes it ideal for:

• Backyard BBQs – Pair it with burgers, grilled corn, and watermelon for a classic summer feast.
• Holiday meals – Serve alongside baked ham or roasted turkey for a balanced plate.
• Potlucks and parties – It holds up well at room temperature for a while and is universally liked.
• Make-ahead lunches – Prep it on a Sunday, and enjoy it chilled throughout the week with sandwiches or leafy greens.

Tips for Making the Best Creamy Potato Salad

Here are a few pro tips to ensure your potato salad turns out perfect every time:

1. Salt the water well when boiling potatoes—this is your chance to flavor the potatoes from the inside out.
2. Cool the potatoes completely before mixing with the dressing. This prevents them from falling apart and avoids the dressing becoming greasy.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning after chilling. Cold temperatures can mute flavors, so you might need to re-season before serving.
4. Cut potatoes into uniform sizes for even cooking. No one wants a bite of undercooked or mushy potatoes.
5. Customize to your liking – Add pickles, relish, dill, bacon bits, or even crumbled feta or blue cheese for extra flavor.

Common Variations You Can Try

• Southern Potato Salad – Add a touch of sweet pickle relish and a dash of sugar.
• Loaded Baked Potato Salad – Mix in crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, and green onions.
• Herbed Potato Salad – Use fresh dill, chives, or tarragon in place of parsley for a unique twist.
• German-Style Warm Potato Salad – Omit the mayo, and use a warm vinegar and mustard dressing with sautéed onions.

Why It’s a Crowd Favorite

This creamy potato salad recipe checks all the boxes for a comfort food side. It’s easy to prepare, made with pantry staples, and deeply satisfying. The balance between creamy, crunchy, and tangy is what sets it apart. It’s nostalgic yet refreshing, familiar yet versatile.

Whether you’re making it for a holiday table, a birthday party, or a simple weeknight meal, this potato salad will always be met with smiles. It’s one of those dishes that reminds people of home, family, and good times—and that’s what makes it the best.

Conclusion

Creamy Potato Salad isn’t just a side dish—it’s a culinary tradition that brings people together. With its simple ingredients, adaptable flavor profile, and satisfying texture, this recipe represents the best version of a beloved classic. Whether served at a summer picnic or holiday gathering, it brings comfort, flavor, and a sense of celebration to any meal.