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–+ servings
Classic Potato Salad served in a large white ceramic bowl garnished with paprika and fresh dill on a rustic wooden picnic table

Classic Potato Salad

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
  • 5 large eggs hard-boiled, peeled and chopped
  • 3 stalks celery finely diced
  • 1/2 medium red onion finely diced
  • 3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, plus more for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for garnish
  • 3/4 cup real mayonnaise such as Hellmann's or Duke's
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more for cooking water
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions
 

  • Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by at least 1 inch. Add a generous amount of kosher salt to the water (it should taste pleasantly salty like light broth). Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a steady simmer.
  • Cook potatoes for 12 to 15 minutes, until fork-tender but not falling apart. A paring knife should slide in easily with slight resistance. Drain in a colander and let steam-dry for 5 minutes.
  • While the potatoes cook, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  • While the potatoes are still warm, transfer them to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to coat — warm potatoes absorb the dressing more effectively than cold ones, which builds flavor from the inside out.
  • Add the chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced celery, red onion, sweet pickle relish, and chopped parsley. Fold everything together gently with a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix — you want distinct potato chunks, not a mash.
  • Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. The flavor improves significantly as it chills.
  • Before serving, give it a gentle stir and taste for seasoning — add a pinch more salt or a splash more vinegar if needed. Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with smoked paprika and fresh parsley, and serve cold.

Notes

Make-Ahead: This potato salad is best made 8 to 24 hours in advance. The flavors meld beautifully overnight. Storage: Store tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If it looks dry after sitting, stir in 1 extra tablespoon of mayo and a small splash of vinegar to refresh. Tip: To prevent watery salad, make sure drained potatoes are fully steam-dried before dressing, and pat celery dry if it seems very wet. Variation: Swap half the mayo for full-fat plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing with added protein.
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