Best Classic Potato Salad

4.6
(15)

This classic potato salad is the best. Creamy, tangy, and crunchy, with a hint of spice and sweetness from pickles, it reminds me of my grandmother's potato salad served every Easter, or any time we had barbecue. She always dotted it with olives for a finishing touch, and a perfect briny addition. This is the best classic version of good old-fashioned, Southern-style potato salad. Not too much mayonnaise, with just the right amount of tang! Serve with grilled or smoked meats, it's the perfect side dish.

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a bowl of creamy-looking potato salad sprinkled with paprika in a white bowl with a serving spoon on the side
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Prep Time:
25 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Additional Time:
2 hrs
Total Time:
2 hrs 40 mins
Servings:
12
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 12 servings

  • 5 pounds russet potatoes, peeled

  • 4 large eggs

  • 4 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste, divided

  • 1 cup mayonnaise

  • 5 stalks green onions, sliced (white and green parts)

  • 2 stalks celery, minced

  • ½ cup chopped spicy sweet dill pickles (such as Wickles)

  • cup sour cream

  • 3 tablespoons yellow mustard

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

  • 2 teaspoons pickle juice

  • ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper

  • ¼ teaspoon ground paprika

  • ¼ cup sliced green olives with pimientos

Directions

  1. Cut potatoes into 1 1/2-inch cubes. Place in a large pot and cover with water by 2 inches. Add eggs and 3 teaspoons salt; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat; simmer 9 minutes.

  2. Remove eggs with a slotted spoon and immediately immerse in ice water for several minutes to stop the cooking. Continue cooking potatoes until fork-tender, about 1 minute more; drain.

  3. Peel and chop eggs; set aside.

  4. Add mayonnaise, onions, celery, pickles, sour cream, mustard, pickle juice, dill, and pepper to a large bowl; stir to combine. Stir in potatoes and eggs until well blended, mashing potatoes very slightly. Season with salt and pepper, adding up to 1 teaspoon more salt, if desired.

  5. Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with paprika, and garnish with olives. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.

    a bowl of creamy-looking potato salad sprinkled with paprika in a white bowl with a serving spoon on the side

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Recipe Tip

You can use Yukon Gold potatoes instead of russets.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

330 Calories
18g Fat
37g Carbs
7g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Calories 330
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 18g 23%
Saturated Fat 4g 18%
Cholesterol 72mg 24%
Sodium 947mg 41%
Total Carbohydrate 37g 13%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 7g 14%
Vitamin C 13mg 14%
Calcium 53mg 4%
Iron 2mg 12%
Potassium 874mg 19%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.