There's something magical about the way a creamy potato salad can steal the spotlight at any gathering. The combination of tender potatoes, perfectly boiled eggs, and a tangy, seasoned dressing creates a dish that's comforting, flavorful, and always welcome on the table.
I first whipped up this easy potato salad one summer afternoon when I needed a last-minute dish for a family barbecue. It quickly became a tradition, and now it's the most requested item whenever we have a picnic, potluck, or holiday meal. Simple, budget-friendly, and utterly delicious, this salad is a must-have for your recipe collection.
Let's dive into why you'll love this timeless classic!
Why You'll Love This Easy Potato Salad With Eggs
Get ready to fall in love with a side dish that ticks all the right boxes. This Easy Potato Salad With Eggs is destined to become your go-to recipe for gatherings and weekday meals alike.
First and foremost, this salad is incredibly easy to make. With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you'll have a crowd-pleasing dish ready in under an hour.
It's wonderfully budget-friendly too. Potatoes, eggs, and pantry staples keep costs low without sacrificing any flavor.
The creamy, tangy dressing perfectly balances richness and brightness. Thanks to mustard and a hint of pickle juice, every bite pops with flavor.
Best of all, it's highly customizable. You can adjust the add-ins based on what you have at home — think diced pickles, celery, or even a sprinkle of paprika on top!
Now, let's take a closer look at what you'll need.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this Easy Potato Salad With Eggs lies in its simple, familiar ingredients working together in harmony.
Potatoes are the star of the show. I recommend using Yukon Gold or red potatoes because they hold their shape well after boiling and offer a creamy texture. Avoid russets, which can become too mushy.
Eggs add richness and a subtle, savory flavor. Hard-boiled eggs should be cooked just right — not overdone — to avoid a greenish yolk and maintain a creamy center.
Mayonnaise is the base of the dressing, giving the salad its signature creaminess. A good-quality mayo makes all the difference here, so choose one you love.
Mustard brings a gentle tang and slight heat to the dressing. I usually reach for yellow mustard for a classic flavor, but Dijon can add a sophisticated twist if you prefer.
You'll also need a few extras like celery, onion, and pickle juice. The crunch from celery and the sharpness from onion keep the salad vibrant, while a splash of pickle juice ties everything together with a little zip.
No special equipment is necessary beyond a large pot for boiling and a good knife for chopping!
How To Make This Easy Potato Salad With Eggs
Creating this classic potato salad couldn't be simpler. Let me walk you through each step so you can enjoy perfect results every time.
Start by peeling and dicing your potatoes into bite-sized chunks. Place them in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until they're tender when pierced with a fork, about 10-12 minutes. Drain well and set aside to cool.
While the potatoes are boiling, prepare your eggs. Place them in a saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn off the heat, cover, and let them sit for 10-12 minutes. Transfer the eggs to an ice bath to cool, then peel and chop.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, pickle juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended. This flavorful dressing will coat every piece beautifully.
Add the cooled potatoes, chopped eggs, celery, and onion to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together, being careful not to mash the potatoes. You want them to stay in lovely, tender chunks.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Sometimes a little extra salt or a dash more pickle juice brings everything into perfect harmony.
Once combined, cover and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. This chill time lets the flavors meld together deliciously!
Storage Options
Potato salad is one of those dishes that gets even better after a night in the fridge. To store, transfer your salad to an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
If you need to prepare it ahead, you can boil the potatoes and eggs up to a day in advance. Store them separately and assemble the salad the day you plan to serve it.
Freezing is not recommended for potato salad, as the texture can become unpleasant once thawed.
When reheating (if you prefer a warm salad), gently microwave in short bursts, stirring between each one. However, it's usually best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this Easy Potato Salad With Eggs is how flexible it is. You can make it your own with just a few tweaks!
For a bit of extra crunch, add diced pickles, green peppers, or additional celery. These fresh pops of texture are fantastic.
If you're aiming for a lighter version, swap out half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. You'll still get a creamy texture but with a little extra tang and protein.
To make it heartier, consider adding cooked, crumbled bacon or shredded chicken. These additions turn the side dish into a full meal!
Want a flavor twist? Try using dill pickle juice instead of regular, and throw in a handful of fresh dill. The herbaceous notes are irresistible.
PrintEasy Potato Salad With Eggs Recipe
Make the best Easy Potato Salad With Eggs with tender potatoes, creamy dressing, and perfectly cooked eggs. A classic side dish for BBQs, potlucks, and family gatherings. This traditional potato salad recipe is simple, quick, and delicious, using ingredients you already have!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
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6 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
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4 large eggs
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¾ cup mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons yellow mustard
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1 small red onion, finely chopped
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2 celery stalks, diced
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2 tablespoons dill pickle relish
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Paprika (for garnish)
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Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Boil the diced potatoes until tender (about 10-12 minutes), then drain and cool.
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In a separate pot, boil the eggs for 9-10 minutes, then cool, peel, and chop.
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In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, relish, salt, and pepper.
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Add the potatoes, chopped eggs, onion, and celery. Mix gently to coat.
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Chill the salad for at least 1 hour before serving.
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Garnish with paprika and parsley before serving, if desired.
Notes
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For extra flavor, add a splash of pickle juice or vinegar.
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You can substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise for a lighter version.
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Best made a few hours ahead to let the flavors blend.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 410 mg
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