Grandma’s Old Fashioned Potato Salad with a Single Twist

7 de July de 2025

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Old Fashioned Potato Salad is a dish that instantly brings back memories of summer picnics and family gatherings. I can almost smell my grandmother’s kitchen as she’d whip up her famous version. I’d sit on the counter, watching her carefully chop the celery and onions, sneaking a taste of the creamy dressing when she wasn’t looking. Her secret? A splash of vinegar for that perfect tangy bite. This classic potato salad recipe is bursting with tender potatoes, crunchy celery, savory onions, and those all-important hard-cooked eggs, all enveloped in a rich, creamy dressing. It’s the perfect side for any barbecue, potluck, or even a simple weeknight dinner. It’s also the best homemade potato salad for holidays and special occasions. This creamy potato salad recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll want to keep around. Let’s get cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Potato Salad

This isn’t just any potato salad; it’s a bowlful of memories and pure comfort. I promise you’ll be making this classic potato salad recipe again and again because:

It’s got that perfect creamy and tangy flavor that everyone loves.
It’s quick and easy to make – even on a busy weeknight!
It’s the perfect side dish for any occasion, from summer barbecues to holiday dinners.

It’s a budget-friendly recipe that won’t break the bank.
It’s great for picnics and potlucks – always a crowd-pleaser!
It’s easily customizable to your taste with extra spices or veggies.

It’s classic comfort food that brings back all the good memories.

Ingredients for Old Fashioned Potato Salad

Alright, let’s gather everything we need for this old fashioned potato salad. It’s all pretty straightforward, but trust me, the quality of your ingredients makes a difference! Here’s the lineup:

6 medium potatoes, cut into bite-size chunks (about 2 pounds): I usually go for Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. They hold their shape well when boiled, but honestly, use whatever you have on hand!

1 1/2 cups mayonnaise: This is what makes the dressing creamy, of course! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap out some of it for plain Greek yogurt to lighten things up without sacrificing too much flavor.
1 tablespoon white vinegar: This is key for that tangy zing that balances the richness of the mayo. Don’t skip it!
1 tablespoon yellow mustard: Adds a little extra flavor and gives the dressing a bit of a kick.

1 teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors and brings out the sweetness of the potatoes.
1/4 teaspoon pepper: Just a pinch to add a little warmth.
2 stalks celery, chopped (1 cup): For that essential crunch!

1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup): Adds a savory bite. I usually use yellow onion, but white or even a little red onion works too.
4 hard-cooked eggs, chopped: These add richness and a lovely texture. Trust me, don’t skimp on the eggs!

How to Make Old Fashioned Potato Salad

Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Making this old fashioned potato salad is super simple, I promise. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a bowl of creamy, tangy goodness in no time. This is the best recipe for potato salad, if I do say so myself!

Step 1: Cook Potatoes: Grab a large pot and toss in those bite-sized potato chunks. Cover them with water and bring it all to a boil. Let them bubble away until they’re nice and tender – usually around 10 minutes. You want them soft enough to easily pierce with a fork, but not mushy! Drain those spuds well and let them cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare Dressing: While the potatoes are cooling, it’s dressing time! In a large bowl, whisk together the mayo, white vinegar, yellow mustard, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until it’s smooth and creamy. Take a little taste and adjust the seasonings if you need to; maybe a pinch more salt or a dash of pepper?
Step 3: Combine Ingredients: Now for the fun part! Gently fold in the cooked potatoes, chopped celery, chopped onion, and chopped hard-cooked eggs into the dressing. Be gentle – you don’t want to mash those potatoes! Just toss everything together until it’s all nicely coated in that creamy dressing.

Step 4: Chill: Here’s the hard part: waiting! Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least 4 hours. Overnight is even better, as that gives all the flavors a chance to meld together and get to know each other. Trust me, it’s worth the wait for this flavorful potato salad!
Step 5: Serve: Before serving, give that creamy potato salad a gentle stir. Taste it one last time and adjust the seasonings if needed. Maybe a little more salt or pepper? Now, scoop it into a pretty bowl and get ready to enjoy the best creamy potato salad you’ve ever had!

Pro Tips for the Best Old Fashioned Potato Salad

Want to take your old fashioned potato salad from good to absolutely AMAZING? Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years to make this classic potato salad recipe even better. Trust me; these little tweaks make a big difference!

What’s the secret to perfect Old Fashioned Potato Salad?

Okay, here’s my secret weapon: a tiny splash of pickle juice in the dressing! It adds this incredible depth of flavor and a subtle tang that you just can’t get any other way. Trust me on this one; it’s a game-changer for your homemade potato salad!

Can I make Old Fashioned Potato Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend it. Making this creamy potato salad recipe a day ahead of time allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and give it a good stir before serving. You can easily make the best potato salad a day in advance.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Old Fashioned Potato Salad?

The biggest pitfall? Overcooking the potatoes! You want them tender, but not mushy. Also, be careful not to drown the salad in dressing. Start with less, and add more to reach your desired creaminess. Nobody wants a soupy potato salad!

Old Fashioned Potato Salad - detail 1

Best Ways to Serve Old Fashioned Potato Salad

This old fashioned potato salad is a true crowd-pleaser and goes with just about anything! I always make a big bowl for summer barbecues and picnics. It’s the perfect creamy side dish to complement all your grilled favorites. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it:

Serve it chilled as a classic side dish at picnics and barbecues – it’s always a hit!

Pair it with grilled burgers, hot dogs, or sandwiches for the ultimate summer meal. Trust me, the combination is unbeatable!
Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or some fresh parsley for a pop of color and added visual appeal. Presentation matters!

Nutrition Facts for Old Fashioned Potato Salad

Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s a peek at what one serving of this delicious old fashioned potato salad brings to the table. Keep in mind, these are just estimates, and they can wiggle around a bit depending on the exact ingredients you toss in. But here’s the general idea:

Calories: 350
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g

Unsaturated Fat: 18.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Sodium: 450mg
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 3g

Sugar: 4g
Protein: 6g

Please note that this is an estimate and may vary depending on ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Old Fashioned Potato Salad

So, you’ve made a big batch of this amazing old fashioned potato salad, and you’re wondering how to keep it fresh. Here’s the lowdown on storing and, well, maybe not so much reheating. This classic potato salad is best served cold!

Store any leftover homemade potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Make sure it’s nice and cool before you seal it up!
Freezing is not recommended for this creamy potato salad recipe, unfortunately. The texture of the mayonnaise and potatoes can change in the freezer, and it just won’t be the same.

Before serving, give that creamy potato salad a good stir. Sometimes the dressing can separate a bit while chilling, but a quick mix will bring it right back to life.

Old Fashioned Potato Salad - detail 2

Frequently Asked Questions About Old Fashioned Potato Salad

Got questions about making the perfect old fashioned potato salad? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked about this creamy potato salad recipe:

How long does Old Fashioned Potato Salad last?

Good question! You can usually keep this classic potato salad recipe in the fridge for 3-5 days, as long as it’s stored properly in an airtight container.

Can you leave potato salad out at room temperature? Definitely not! Mayo-based salads like this one are best kept chilled. Don’t leave it out for more than a couple of hours.
How do you know if potato salad has gone bad? Trust your senses! If it smells off, looks slimy, or tastes sour, it’s time to toss it.

What kind of potatoes are best for Old Fashioned Potato Salad?

I usually go for Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. They strike a good balance between creamy and firm. But honestly, you can use whatever you have on hand!

Can I use sweet potatoes in potato salad? You can, but it’ll give it a much sweeter flavor. It’s a fun twist if you’re feeling adventurous!
Do I need to peel the potatoes? That’s totally up to you. I usually leave the skins on Yukon Golds for extra texture and nutrients, but peel Russets as their skins can be a bit tough.

Can I add other ingredients to Old Fashioned Potato Salad?

Absolutely! That’s the beauty of a homemade potato dessert, you can customize it to your liking!

What are some good additions to potato salad? Chopped pickles, bacon bits, fresh herbs like dill or parsley, or even a sprinkle of cheese can all be delicious additions.
Can I make it spicy? Sure thing! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, some diced jalapeños, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to give it a kick.

Variations of Old Fashioned Potato Salad You Can Try

The best part about making this classic old fashioned potato salad? You can totally make it your own! Feel free to tweak and adjust the recipe to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few fun variations to get you started:

Vegan Potato Salad: Swap out the regular mayonnaise for a vegan version, and simply omit the eggs. You’ll still get that creamy texture and tangy flavor!
Dill Pickle Potato Salad: If you’re a pickle fanatic like me, add about 1/2 cup of chopped dill pickles and a splash of pickle juice to the dressing. Trust me, it’s a game-changer! This creamy potato salad recipe is a total flavorbomb!

Loaded Potato Salad: Go all-out and add crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. It’s like a baked potato in salad form – what’s not to love? This homemade potato dessert is a crowd-pleaser!