Best 2 Classic American Potato Salad Recipes

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In the realm of classic American side dishes, potato salad reigns supreme. This humble dish, crafted with tender potatoes, creamy mayonnaise, and a symphony of flavors, has graced countless gatherings and backyard barbecues. Its versatility knows no bounds, allowing for endless variations that cater to diverse tastes and preferences.

This article presents a curated collection of potato salad recipes, each offering a unique twist on this beloved classic. From the traditional mayonnaise-based salad to lighter, vinegar-dressed versions, and even a tangy mustard-based rendition, there's a recipe here to suit every palate. Whether you prefer a classic, creamy potato salad or a more adventurous concoction bursting with bold flavors, this article has it all. So gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the timeless charm of American potato salad.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

CLASSIC AMERICAN-STYLE POTATO SALAD



Classic American-Style Potato Salad image

Most potato salads look and taste better when made with low-starch red boiling potatoes. For Classic American-Style Potato Salad, you can use any size of this variety, but the small new potatoes cook 10 to 15 minutes faster than the larger ones. Choose potatoes that are all roughly the same size, if possible, so they cook in the same time.

Provided by USA WEEKEND columnist Pam Anderson

Categories     Salad     Potato Salad Recipes     Dairy-Free Potato Salad Recipes

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 pounds red boiling potatoes, scrubbed
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 hard-cooked eggs
1 small celery stalk
¼ cup chopped sweet pickle (not relish)
3 scallions
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard

Steps:

  • Place potatoes in a pot with water to cover. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer, stirring to ensure even cooking, until a thin-bladed paring knife or a metal skewer inserted into a potato can be removed with no resistance, 25 to 30 minutes. Drain, rinse under cold water and drain again. Cool slightly.
  • Cut warm potatoes into 3/4-inch dice with a serrated knife. Layer them in a bowl, seasoning with vinegar, salt and pepper as you go. Cut eggs, celery and pickle in 1/4-inch dice and thinly slice scallions. Add to potatoes, along with parsley. Stir in mayonnaise and mustard until everything is combined. Chill, covered, before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 291.4 calories, Carbohydrate 28.8 g, Cholesterol 99.5 mg, Fat 17.3 g, Fiber 3.1 g, Protein 6.5 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 549.9 mg, Sugar 3.5 g

CLASSIC AMERICAN POTATO SALAD



CLASSIC AMERICAN POTATO SALAD image

Categories     Salad     Potato     Side

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 1/2 pounds waxy potatoes, such as red new potatoes
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley leaves
1/4 cup minced onion
Mayonnaise to taste (start with 1/2 cup)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Bring a medium pot of water to a boil; salt it. Peel the potatoes if you like (or wash and scrub them well), then cut them into bite-size pieces; cook them in the water until tender but still firm and not at all mushy, 15 minutes or so. Drain, rinse in cold water for a minute, then drain again. Toss the still-warm potatoes with the parsley and onion. Add mayonnaise until the mixture is as creamy as you like. Season with salt and pepper and refrigerate until ready to serve. (You may prepare the salad in advance up to this point; cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day, then bring to room temperature before serving.)

American Potato Salad: A Culinary Journey Through History and Flavor

Tips:
  • Choose the right potatoes: Waxy potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or Red Bliss, hold their shape better than starchy potatoes, making them ideal for potato salad.
  • Cook potatoes perfectly: Boil potatoes until tender but not mushy. Overcooked potatoes will fall apart in the salad.
  • Cool potatoes thoroughly: Before adding potatoes to the salad, let them cool completely. This will help prevent the salad from becoming watery.
  • Use a flavorful dressing: The dressing is the key to a great potato salad. Use a combination of mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, and seasonings to create a dressing that is both tangy and creamy.
  • Add mix-ins: Feel free to add mix-ins to your potato salad, such as diced celery, onion, hard-boiled eggs, or bacon. These additions will add flavor and texture to the salad.
  • Chill before serving: Potato salad is best served chilled. Give the salad at least an hour in the refrigerator before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Conclusion:
American potato salad is a classic side dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy dressing, tender potatoes, and flavorful mix-ins, potato salad is a dish that everyone will enjoy. Whether you are making it for a family gathering, a potluck, or a picnic, American potato salad is sure to be a hit. So next time you are looking for a delicious and easy side dish, give American potato salad a try. You won't be disappointed!

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