Potato salad is a quintessential side dish that graces tables during barbecues, picnics, holidays, and family gatherings. It’s one of those timeless recipes that everyone seems to have their own version of, each with unique touches that make it “the best.” But what if we told you there’s a potato salad that stands out as the ultimate version, with creamy, flavorful, and well-balanced elements that will have everyone asking for the recipe?
Welcome to the best potato salad you’ll ever make. Whether you’re a lifelong lover of this classic dish or someone looking to elevate your potato salad game, this recipe will become your go-to. With perfectly cooked potatoes, a tangy dressing, fresh herbs, a pop of crunch, and just the right balance of creaminess, it checks every box. Let’s dive into why this potato salad is a standout, its key ingredients, and how to make it at home. Prepare to be blown away by the flavor and texture that will forever change your view of potato salad.
What Makes This Potato Salad the Best?
When it comes to potato salad, several key elements can make or break the dish. From the type of potatoes you use to the balance of flavors in the dressing, each detail matters. Here’s why this potato salad recipe stands above the rest:
1. Perfectly Cooked Potatoes
The potatoes are the star of any good potato salad. This recipe calls for Yukon Gold potatoes, which have the perfect texture for potato salad. They hold their shape well and have a creamy, buttery flavor that’s not too waxy or too starchy. Yukon Golds are ideal because they absorb the dressing beautifully while staying tender but not falling apart.
2. The Creamy Dressing
This potato salad features a blend of mayo, sour cream, and a touch of Dijon mustard, making it creamy with a tangy kick. The mayo adds richness, while the sour cream contributes a lightness and depth of flavor. The Dijon mustard gives the dressing a subtle bite that elevates the dish without overpowering the potatoes.
3. Balanced Flavor
One of the keys to the best potato salad is balance. This recipe carefully combines the creaminess of the dressing with the sharpness of pickles, the fresh pop of herbs, and a hint of sweetness. The result is a salad that tastes fresh and satisfying without being too heavy or too tart.
4. A Touch of Sweetness
Many great potato salads include a little sweetness to balance out the richness of the creamy dressing. This version includes a small amount of sweet pickle relish, which adds just the right hint of sweetness, complementing the tangy mustard and vinegar.
5. The Perfect Crunch
Potato salad doesn’t have to be just soft and creamy—it’s the crunch that adds texture and keeps each bite exciting. This recipe uses celery and onion, which not only bring crunch but also fresh flavor. The onions add a mild bite, while the celery gives a refreshing crispness that contrasts beautifully with the smooth potatoes.
6. Herbs and Seasoning
The freshness of fresh dill and chives brings a burst of color and a fragrant, herby flavor that elevates this potato salad from basic to extraordinary. A touch of garlic powder, salt, and pepper ensures the flavors are well-rounded, with just the right amount of seasoning.
The Key Ingredients: A Closer Look
To make this the best potato salad you’ve ever had, you’ll need the following ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures:
For the Potato Salad:
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: These are the ideal choice because of their buttery flavor and creamy texture. They’re soft enough to absorb the dressing but firm enough to hold their shape.
- Celery: Fresh celery adds the right amount of crunch and freshness to balance the creaminess of the potatoes.
- Red Onion: A mild onion flavor and a pop of color, red onions bring a slight sharpness that complements the creamy dressing.
- Fresh Dill: Dill adds a fragrant, herbal touch that ties the entire dish together. Fresh dill works best, but dried dill can be substituted in a pinch.
- Chives: Chopped fresh chives add color, subtle onion flavor, and freshness to the potato salad.
- Sweet Pickle Relish: Just a little relish adds a perfect hint of sweetness that balances the tang of the mustard and vinegar.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: These are optional, but they add richness and texture that make the potato salad more substantial and satisfying.
For the Dressing:
- Mayonnaise: The base of the dressing. Use a high-quality mayo for the best flavor.
- Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps lighten the overall richness of the mayo.
- Dijon Mustard: For a subtle mustard flavor that adds depth and a slight bite to the dressing.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A little acidity helps balance the creaminess of the mayo and sour cream.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Garlic Powder: A dash of garlic powder adds a savory depth to the dressing.
- Sugar: Just a teaspoon helps balance the tartness and adds a hint of sweetness.
How to Make the Best Potato Salad
Now that we’ve covered the key ingredients, it’s time to walk you through the process of making this potato salad. Follow these simple steps to create a dish that will have everyone raving.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (about 6 medium-sized potatoes)
- 2-3 ribs of celery, chopped
- 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 4 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped (optional)
- Fresh dill, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
- Fresh chives, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
- Begin by peeling and dicing the Yukon Gold potatoes into evenly sized chunks (about 1-inch pieces).
- Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water to help season the potatoes as they cook.
- Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat and cook the potatoes for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are tender but not mushy. To test, poke a fork into a piece—if it slides in easily, they’re done.
- Drain the potatoes well and set them aside to cool slightly. If you’re making the potato salad ahead of time, you can refrigerate the potatoes until you’re ready to assemble the salad.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and sugar. Stir until smooth.
- Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference. If you like a bit more tang, you can add an extra splash of vinegar or Dijon mustard.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and slightly cooled potatoes, chopped celery, red onion, sweet pickle relish, and chopped hard-boiled eggs (if using).
- Pour the dressing over the potato mixture and gently fold everything together. Be careful not to break up the potatoes too much—you want them to remain chunky and intact.
- Stir in the fresh dill and chives, and mix until everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Cover the potato salad and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
- Before serving, give the salad a final stir and taste for seasoning. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or vinegar, depending on your taste preferences.
- Garnish with additional fresh dill and chives for a beautiful presentation.
Tips for the Best Potato Salad
- Use the Right Potatoes: As mentioned, Yukon Golds are the best for this dish, but if you prefer a firmer texture, you can use red potatoes.
- Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: The potatoes should be tender but not mushy. Keep an eye on them while cooking to prevent them from falling apart.
- Chill for Maximum Flavor: Potato salad tastes best when it’s allowed to chill in the fridge for a few hours. This gives the dressing time to soak into the potatoes and allows the flavors to meld together.
- Add Texture: If you want to add some extra texture, try adding chopped pickles or even a small handful of crispy bacon bits.
- Make Ahead: This potato salad can be made a day ahead of time, which makes it perfect for meal prep or entertaining. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Conclusion
This is the best potato salad you’ll ever make—and it’s sure to become a favorite at your next gathering. With perfectly cooked potatoes, a creamy and tangy dressing, and a balance of textures, this recipe checks all the boxes. The fresh herbs, crunch from celery and onion, and the slight sweetness of pickle relish make this potato salad truly extraordinary. Whether you’re serving it at a summer BBQ, a family reunion, or just as a delicious side dish, it’s guaranteed to impress. With just the right mix of creamy, tangy, and savory, this potato salad will quickly become your new go-to recipe.