My Grandma’s Classic Potato Salad Recipe

If there’s one dish that reminds me instantly of family gatherings, picnics under sunny skies, and backyard barbecues, it’s Grandma’s Classic Potato Salad. With tender potatoes, crunchy celery, creamy dressing, and the nostalgic tang only a true homemade recipe can bring, this is comfort food at its best—one bite will bring you right back to Grandma’s kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Grandma’s Classic Potato Salad so wonderful is how everyday ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each one plays a starring role—giving you that creamy texture, subtle crunch, and the familiar flavors that hit all the right notes.

• Yukon Gold potatoes: Their creamy texture holds up well after boiling and they have a naturally buttery taste—no need to peel before boiling, either!
• Kosher salt: Used for seasoning the potatoes as they cook and in the dressing for layered flavor.
• White vinegar: Adds tang and helps season the warm potatoes so every bite is bright and flavorful.
• Celery: Diced celery brings a crisp bite and balances the creaminess of the dressing.
• Green onions: Mild, fresh flavor and a pop of color—these give just enough zing without overwhelming the salad.
• Hard-boiled eggs: Classic for traditional potato salad! They add richness and make the salad extra hearty.
• Miracle Whip or mayonnaise: Use either based on your taste—the Miracle Whip brings classic sweetness and tang; mayo gives a milder, richer flavor.
• Yellow mustard: Just a tablespoon wakes up the whole salad and adds that very subtle kick.
• Celery seed: Tiny but mighty—these bring the signature “potato salad” flavor that sets this recipe apart.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Rounds out all the flavors and adds the perfect gentle heat.
• Paprika: A classic finishing touch for color and a hint of sweet earthiness as a garnish.

Variations

Grandma’s Classic Potato Salad is a wonderful base for customization. Depending on what you have on hand—or who’s coming to dinner—you can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your family’s preferences, dietary needs, or just to add a fun twist.

• Swap the Dressing: Lighten it up with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist, or try half sour cream for richer creaminess.
• Add Pickles: Stir in chopped dill or sweet pickles for extra crunch and a delightful zip.
• Make it Egg-Free: Just leave out the hard-boiled eggs—your salad will still be luscious and satisfying.
• Spice It Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or swap in Dijon for yellow mustard if you crave a little more heat.

How to Make Grandma’s Classic Potato Salad

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

Place the Yukon Gold potatoes—skin on!—into a large pot of cold water. Add a generous sprinkle of kosher salt and bring it all to a boil. Lower the heat so it doesn’t bubble over, then let them simmer until they’re perfectly fork-tender (usually around 30-35 minutes, depending on potato size). Once cooked, drain and let them cool until you can handle them comfortably.

Step 2: Peel and Season the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are cool enough (but still warm!), carefully peel off those skins—the warmth helps the vinegar soak in. Dice into hearty, bite-sized cubes and gently toss in a big bowl with the white vinegar. Let it all sit for about 15-20 minutes so the tangy flavor infuses every piece.

Step 3: Add Veggies and Eggs

Time to add texture and brightness! Stir in the diced celery and green onions, and chop four of your hard-boiled eggs to toss in with the potatoes. This is what gives Grandma’s Classic Potato Salad those signature pops of color and flavor.

Step 4: Mix the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the Miracle Whip (or mayo), yellow mustard, celery seed, salt, and black pepper until creamy and well-blended. This is where the real magic happens—smell that tangy, savory aroma?

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Gently fold the dressing into your potato mixture, taking care not to mash everything (we want those beautiful cubes intact!). Taste, season if needed, then top with thin slices of the last hard-boiled egg and a generous sprinkle of paprika. Let it chill for at least an hour—longer is even better—so all the flavors can really come together.

How to Serve Grandma’s Classic Potato Salad

Garnishes

The classic finishing touches for Grandma’s Classic Potato Salad are slices of hard-boiled egg and a dusting of sweet paprika. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of fresh chopped dill or parsley adds color and a fresh burst of flavor that looks stunning at any table.

Side Dishes

This salad goes hand-in-hand with all your summer favorites—think grilled burgers and hot dogs, barbecue chicken, or classic baked beans. It’s equally at home next to roasted meats or as a hearty addition to a picnic spread of sandwiches, deviled eggs, and summer veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try spooning the salad into a large vintage bowl and arranging egg slices in a decorative pattern. Or serve Grandma’s Classic Potato Salad in individual mason jars for a fun picnic twist! For potlucks, a simple platter lined with leafy lettuce leaves always makes it feel festive and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers of Grandma’s Classic Potato Salad should be covered and stored in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making each leftover spoonful even more delicious.

Freezing

Potato salad isn’t freezer-friendly—the dressing will separate and the texture of the potatoes just won’t be the same once thawed. For best results, enjoy it fresh or from the fridge within a few days of making.

Reheating

Grandma’s Classic Potato Salad is meant to be served chilled or at cool room temperature. If it’s been in the fridge for a while, simply give it a gentle stir and let it rest on the counter for 10-15 minutes before serving—no reheating needed.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that instantly lights up the table and warms the heart, it doesn’t get better than Grandma’s Classic Potato Salad. Give this beloved recipe a try, pour your own memories into every bowl, and watch it become a new family favorite—just like it is in ours!

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