Simple Potato Salad Recipe

Name: Simple Potato Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds of potatoes (about 8 pieces medium-sized); 1 and 3/4 cups of mayonnaise or salad dressing; 1 tablespoon brown mustard; 2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 4-5 medium stalks celery, chopped (about 2 cups); 2 medium-sized diced onion; 2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped into bite size; 1/8 teaspoon paprika, if desired (optional)

Discover this easy and delicious potato salad recipe featuring mustard, celery stalks, eggs, paprika, and a blend of spices. Perfect for any occasion, this budget-friendly dish uses simple ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying side.

Holiday Left-over No-Bake Special Occasion Snack Vegetarian

Dinner Salads Side Dishes

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

With approximately 100 edible varieties, it is no wonder why potatoes are some of the most common ingredients in the culinary world. Potatoes belong to the nightshade family, just like tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers. The origin of potatoes can be traced back to Peru/Bolivia, as early as the Incan civilization, who were believed to have grown the potato crop.

Potato salad is typically served during various occasions and events. It is a popular side dish at barbecues and cookouts, complementing grilled meats like burgers, hot dogs, and ribs. It's also a staple for picnics due to its ease of preparation and ability to be served cold. Potato salad is often served at family gatherings, reunions, and potlucks, where large servings are needed. Additionally, it can be part of holiday meals, especially during summer holidays like Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. It is also a great side dish for casual lunches and dinners at home. Furthermore, potato salad is a common item on buffet tables and at parties due to its popularity and versatility.

In this recipe, we create the simplest and most common use of potatoes, which is Potato Salad. If you want to create a dish to share during family events and gatherings, this is highly recommended as it provides larger servings that can cater to your entire family. This recipe is cheap to make, simple, easy to follow, and of course, delicious!

Interesting Facts About Potatoes

In the United States, Idaho is considered the "Potato State" due to the fact that it is one of the largest producers of potatoes in the country. In fact, Idaho has a potato museum which primarily showcases the contributions of potatoes to the state's economy.
Potatoes belong to the nightshade family, just like tomatoes, eggplants, and tobacco.
Vitamins C, K, B6 are present in potatoes. They are also a great source of potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
The word potato came from "patata," a Spanish word which also originated from a Caribbean word "batata," which translates to "sweet potato."

Tips and Tricks for Making Potato Salad

Choose the Right Potatoes:
- Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. They hold their shape better after cooking and have a creamy texture.
Cook Potatoes Evenly:
- Cut potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
- Start with cold water and bring to a boil. This helps the potatoes cook more evenly.
Don't Overcook:
- Boil potatoes until they are just tender when pierced with a fork. Overcooked potatoes can become mushy.
Season the Water:
- Add salt to the boiling water. This helps to season the potatoes from the inside out.
Cool Potatoes Properly:
- Drain and let the potatoes cool slightly before mixing with other ingredients. This helps them absorb the flavors better.
Add Vinegar or Pickle Juice:
- While the potatoes are still warm, toss them with a bit of vinegar or pickle juice. This adds a tangy flavor and helps to season the potatoes.
Use Fresh Ingredients:
- Fresh celery, onions, and herbs add a crisp texture and vibrant flavor to the salad.
Balance the Dressing:
- Use a combination of mayonnaise and mustard for a creamy and tangy dressing.
- Add a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and tang.
Season Well:
- Don't forget to season the salad with salt, pepper, and other spices like paprika or dill.
Let It Chill:
- Allow the potato salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld together.
Customize to Taste:
- Feel free to add other ingredients like hard-boiled eggs, bacon, pickles, or chives to suit your taste.
Garnish:
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a fresh and appealing look.

Ingredients

2 pounds of potatoes (about 8 pieces medium-sized)
1 and 3/4 cups of mayonnaise or salad dressing
1 tablespoon brown mustard
2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
4-5 medium stalks celery, chopped (about 2 cups)
2 medium-sized diced onion
2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped into bite size
1/8 teaspoon paprika, if desired (optional)

Directions

Peel potatoes and cut them about 3/4-inch cubes.
Put the potatoes in a pan, add water enough to cover the entire potatoes. Bring to boil.
Cook potatoes for about 20-25 minutes. Occasionally check the potatoes with a fork until slightly soft and tender. It must be tender but firmer than mashed potatoes.
When potatoes are slightly tender, remove water and transfer to a pan. I used 6 quart-sized pan. Potatoes will continue to cook after removing water.
Set aside potatoes for another 15 minutes at room temperature uncovered. Before putting into fridge, cover bowl. Put the potatoes in the fridge for around two hours, before mixing the rest of the ingredients.

Tip: Make sure the potatoes are not hot prior to mixing the rest of the ingredients to prevent separation of mayonnaise.
After two hours, prepare your spices for the potato salad by mixing the mayonnaise, mustard, celery, onion, eggs, salt, pepper and paprika in a large bowl. I used 6 (sometimes 4) quarts Pyrex.
Mix all ingredients using spoon.
Add the cold potatoes and mayonnaise mixture together.
After mixing all the ingredients together, place back in fridge to rest for another 2 hours which allows the flavors to naturally combine.
Your potato salad is ready to be served! Enjoy!

In conclusion, potato salad is a versatile and beloved dish that fits perfectly into a variety of occasions, from casual family dinners to festive holiday gatherings. Its simplicity, affordability, and delicious taste make it a go-to side dish for many. Whether you prefer it creamy with mayonnaise or tangy with mustard, potato salad can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. With the right ingredients and a few helpful tips, you can create a potato salad that will be a hit at any event. So next time you're planning a meal, consider adding this classic dish to your menu for a crowd-pleasing favorite.