Recipe for a Classic Potato Salad

Recipe for a Classic Potato Salad

When it comes to comfort food that brings everyone together, nothing quite hits the mark like a well-made potato salad. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, preparing a picnic, or simply adding a hearty side to your dinner, this classic dish is always a winner. In this post, we'll walk you through a foolproof, step-by-step recipe to make the perfect potato salad — creamy, tangy, and packed with flavour.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

The secret to a good potato salad begins with choosing the right ingredients. For a traditional version, you’ll need:

• 1kg new potatoes (or waxy potatoes like Charlotte or Jersey Royals)

• 200g mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 2 tsp white wine vinegar

• 1 small red onion, finely chopped

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

• A handful of fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure everything is fresh — the better the ingredients, the tastier your potato salad will be.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash your potatoes thoroughly, but leave the skins on for extra texture and nutrients. Place them in a large pot of salted water, bring to a boil, and cook until just tender — about 15 minutes depending on their size. Do not overcook; you want your potato salad to hold its shape, not turn into mash.

Once done, drain and let them cool slightly before chopping into bite-sized chunks. While they’re still warm, sprinkle with a little white wine vinegar. This helps the flavour penetrate deeper into the potatoes, enhancing your potato salad.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

While the potatoes are cooling, prepare the dressing that brings your potato salad to life. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, a pinch of salt, pepper, and a splash more vinegar. Give it a good whisk until the mixture is creamy and smooth. This step is crucial as the dressing binds all the elements of the potato salad together.

Feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your taste — whether you like it more tangy or creamy, your homemade potato salad should reflect your preferences.

Step 4: Combine and Mix

Now comes the fun part. Gently fold the chopped potatoes into the dressing, ensuring each piece is well coated. Add in the red onion, celery, and chopped eggs. Mix everything together with care — you want a well-blended but chunky potato salad, not a mash-up.

At this point, taste and tweak the seasoning if needed. The balance of salt, acidity, and creaminess is what elevates a good potato salad to greatness.

Step 5: Chill and Garnish

Transfer the potato salad to a serving bowl and cover with cling film. Let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This resting time allows all the flavours to meld together beautifully, giving you a deeper, more satisfying taste.

Before serving, sprinkle with fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a burst of colour and freshness. Not only does this make your potato salad visually appealing, but it also adds a herby lift that cuts through the richness of the dressing.

Bonus Tips for the Perfect Potato Salad

Want to make your potato salad stand out even more? Try adding a spoonful of capers for a briny twist or some crispy bacon bits for added crunch and flavour. A dash of paprika or some chopped pickles can also bring a unique flair to your potato salad without straying too far from tradition.

And remember, the best potato salad is made with love — and tasted along the way!

Final Thoughts

With this step-by-step recipe, creating a classic potato salad at home has never been easier. Each stage, from boiling the perfect potatoes to blending the creamy dressing, plays a key role in building that irresistible final dish. Whether served warm or chilled, as a side or a star attraction, potato salad is a timeless favourite that deserves a spot in every kitchen.

So next time you need a crowd-pleaser, whip up this easy potato salad and enjoy the compliments that come rolling in. Bon appétit — or rather, happy cooking!

---