There’s something magical about the aroma of Old Fashioned Potato Salad wafting through the air, isn’t there? That creamy, tangy dressing hugging perfectly cooked potatoes while crisp celery and sweet pickles create a delightful crunch. perfect pairing with potato salad Each bite bursts with nostalgia, making you feel like you’re at a sunny picnic or a family reunion where laughter is as abundant as the food.
I remember my grandmother’s legendary potato salad like it was yesterday. She would whip up a giant bowl every Fourth of July, and it was always the first dish to disappear. The secret? A pinch of love and maybe a bit too much mayonnaise—nobody ever complained! This Old Fashioned Potato Salad is perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or simply when you want to indulge in comfort food that feels like home. For more inspiration, check out this Hamburger Potato Casserole recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Old Fashioned Potato Salad is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to for any gathering
- You can tweak the ingredient ratios to suit your taste buds perfectly
- Its vibrant colors and creamy texture are sure to impress your guests
- Perfect for summer picnics or cozy family dinners—this dish shines on any occasion
I’ll never forget the time my cousin tried my potato salad and declared it “life-changing.” We all laughed so hard we almost spilled our drinks!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Potatoes: Yukon Golds are my favorite for their buttery flavor and creamy texture; use about 2 pounds.
Mayonnaise: Go for the good stuff—real mayonnaise adds that rich creaminess we adore.
Dijon Mustard: Just a tablespoon adds a zing that elevates the flavors beautifully.
Celery: Freshly chopped celery provides a satisfying crunch; about ½ cup works wonders.
Sweet Pickles: Diced sweet pickles add bursts of sweetness; adjust according to your taste preference.
Red Onion: Small diced red onion gives a mild bite; stick to about ¼ cup for balance.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste after mixing everything together.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: Two eggs add richness and extra protein; chop them finely before mixing in.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Potatoes: Start by washing and peeling your Yukon Gold potatoes. Cut them into uniform chunks so they cook evenly. Place them in a large pot of salted water over high heat.
Cook Until Tender: Bring the water to a boil and let those potatoes simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until they are fork-tender but not mushy. Drain them well and let them cool slightly.
Create the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and diced red onion. Stir until smooth; this dressing should be creamy yet zesty.
Add Vegetables and Eggs: Gently fold in your chopped celery, sweet pickles, and hard-boiled eggs into the dressing mixture. Be careful not to mash up those ingredients too much!
Toss It All Together: Now comes the fun part! Add your cooled potatoes into the bowl with the dressing mixture. Use a spatula to gently combine everything until well coated.
Chill Before Serving!: Cover your potato salad with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. This allows all those flavors to meld beautifully together—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Enjoy every creamy bite of this Old Fashioned Potato Salad at your next shindig or just because you deserve some comfort food today! a flavorful soup to serve.
You Must Know
- Old Fashioned Potato Salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a nostalgic staple at summer barbecues
- The creamy texture and tangy flavor make it irresistible, and customizing it can create delightful variations
- Pair it with grilled meats or enjoy it as a satisfying snack
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the potatoes until fork-tender, then cool them before mixing with other ingredients. This ensures the salad remains creamy and not mushy.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different herbs, like dill or chives, or add crispy bacon for extra flavor. This allows you to personalize your potato salad just the way you like it.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Old Fashioned Potato Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently if desired, but it’s best served cold.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the best texture, avoid overcooking your potatoes as they can become mushy
- Use fresh herbs for vibrant flavor, and don’t forget to let the salad chill before serving for optimal taste
I remember my first attempt at making Old Fashioned Potato Salad; my friends declared it the best they’d ever had! They even wanted the recipe to take home. quick chicken fajitas recipe Southern-style chicken spaghetti.

FAQ
What type of potatoes are best for Old Fashioned Potato Salad?
For more inspiration, check out this Crispy Roasted Potatoes Recipe recipe.
Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold hold their shape well and provide a creamy texture.
Can I make Old Fashioned Potato Salad ahead of time?
Yes, it’s perfect for making ahead; flavors develop beautifully when chilled overnight.
How do I prevent my potato salad from being too dry?
Ensure you use enough dressing; a mix of mayo and mustard keeps it creamy and flavorful.

Old Fashioned Potato Salad
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Old Fashioned Potato Salad is a classic dish that combines creamy, tangy dressing with perfectly cooked potatoes, crunchy celery, and sweet pickles. This nostalgic recipe brings back memories of sunny picnics and family gatherings where laughter and great food are in abundance. Easy to prepare and customizable, it’s the ultimate side dish for summer barbecues or cozy family dinners. Enjoy each flavorful bite!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ cup chopped celery
- ½ cup diced sweet pickles
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 hard-boiled eggs
Instructions
- Wash and peel the Yukon Gold potatoes. Cut into uniform chunks.
- Place potatoes in a large pot of salted water over high heat. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and diced red onion; stir until smooth.
- Gently fold in chopped celery, sweet pickles, and finely chopped hard-boiled eggs.
- Add cooled potatoes to the dressing mixture and gently combine until well coated.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Customize your salad by adding fresh herbs like dill or chives for added flavor. For extra crunch, consider adding crispy bacon bits.
