Best 9 Classic American Style Potato Salad Recipes

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In the realm of classic American cookouts and backyard gatherings, potato salad stands as a veritable icon, a dish deeply ingrained in the nation's culinary heritage. This humble yet beloved salad is a symphony of flavors and textures, a harmonious blend of tender potatoes, crisp celery, tangy pickles, and a creamy, mayonnaise-based dressing. While there are countless variations of potato salad, each boasting its unique regional flair, the classic American-style potato salad remains a timeless favorite. This recipe collection showcases three distinct takes on this iconic dish, each with its own personality and charm: a classic potato salad with a tangy vinegar-based dressing, a creamy dill potato salad bursting with fresh herbs, and a bacon-ranch potato salad that adds a smoky, savory twist to the classic. Whether you prefer a traditional approach or crave a more adventurous spin, these recipes offer something for every palate to savor and enjoy.

**Classic Potato Salad with Vinegar Dressing:** This recipe embodies the traditional American potato salad experience, featuring perfectly cooked potatoes coated in a tangy, vinegar-based dressing. The addition of chopped celery and onion adds a refreshing crunch, while a sprinkle of paprika lends a vibrant pop of color.

**Creamy Dill Potato Salad:** For those who prefer a creamy and herbaceous twist, this recipe delivers a delightful symphony of flavors. Tender potatoes are enveloped in a creamy sauce infused with fresh dill, sour cream, and a hint of garlic. The result is a salad that is both rich and refreshing, with a subtle tang that keeps you coming back for more.

**Bacon-Ranch Potato Salad:** This recipe takes the classic potato salad to new heights with the addition of crispy bacon and a creamy ranch dressing. The smoky, savory bacon adds a delightful depth of flavor, while the ranch dressing provides a tangy, creamy counterbalance. This salad is sure to be a hit at any gathering, especially among those who enjoy bold and flavorful dishes.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

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

AMERICAN-STYLE POTATO SALAD



American-Style Potato Salad image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 55m

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped
2 pounds medium waxy-style potatoes, quartered (6 to 8 potatoes)
Kosher salt
2 stalks celery (with leaves), chopped
2 large eggs
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons pickle relish
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
Juice from 1/2 a lemon
Freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Soak the onions in a small bowl of cold water for 15 minutes. Drain.
  • Put the potatoes in a medium saucepan with cold water to cover by about 2 inches and season generously with salt. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer until fork tender, about 8 minutes. Drain, transfer the potatoes to a large bowl, and mix with the onions and celery. Set aside to cool.
  • Place the eggs in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer and continue to cook for 7 minutes. Drain and transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water until cool, about 5 minutes. Peel and roughly chop the eggs.
  • Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, parsley, relish, mustard, lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon salt. Carefully mix the mayonnaise into the potatoes with a rubber spatula. Add the eggs, taking care not to break them up too much. Season the salad with pepper to taste. Serve.

JULIA'S AMERICAN-STYLE POTATO SALAD



Julia's American-Style Potato Salad image

Potato salad is perfect picnic fare, but it is a good side dish any time of year, dressed and garnished in various styles to suit the season. Julia's American-style potato salad is garnished with hard-boiled eggs and crisp bacon bits, chopped pickles, onions and celery, all given a light coating of homemade mayonnaise. Make this at least an hour ahead of time so the flavors have time to ripen, and serve it cool or at room temperature.

Provided by Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 27m

Yield About 6 cups, serving 4 to 6

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 pounds large Yukon Gold potatoes, or other waxy, boiling potatoes
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1/3 cup chicken stock or potato-cooking water
2/3 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
3 or 4 slices crisply cooked bacon, chopped or crumbled
2 to 3 Tbs finely chopped pickle, sweet or dill
2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and sliced thin
3 Tbs or so finely chopped fresh chives or scallions, including a bit of their tender green
Salt and freshly ground white pepper
1 cup or so mayonnaise, homemade if possible
Sour cream, optional
Crisp whole red-leaf or other lettuce leaves
Canned red pimiento, diced
Sliced hard-boiled eggs
Tomato quarters
Parsley sprigs

Steps:

  • Peel the potatoes and slice each one lengthwise in half, or in quarters if very large; then cut crosswise into half-round or quarter-round slices, about 1/2 inch thick.
  • Put the slices in a saucepan with water just to cover and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt per quart of water. Heat to a simmer, and cook the potatoes for 5 to 6 minutes, or until just cooked through. It is essential that they be just cooked through. Bite into a slice or two to be very sure. Immediately remove from the heat and drain the potatoes into a colander, but save a cup of the cooking liquid for dressing the potatoes. Transfer bowl. Stir the cider vinegar with 1/3 cup of the potato water or chicken stock and drizzle this over the potato pieces, turning them gently to distribute it evenly. Let sit 10 minutes to absorb the liquid.
  • Add the prepared onion, celery, bacon, pickle, hard-boiled eggs, and chives, and season carefully, to taste. Top with 2/3 cup of mayonnaise (or a mix of mayonnaise and a bit of sour cream) and, with a large rubber spatula, gently fold everything together until well blended. Taste the salad and add more salt, pepper, or mayonnaise as needed.
  • Cover the salad and set aside in the refrigerator for at least an hour or so before serving. If it is refrigerated longer, let it come back to room temperature before serving. Taste and adjust the seasoning again.
  • To serve, line a bowl or a platter with red-leaf lettuce or other greens, and mound the salad on top. Decorate at the last moment, if you wish, with any or all of the optional garnishes.

THE BEST AMERICAN POTATO SALAD



The Best American Potato Salad image

Our favorite potato salad kicks up the traditional mayonnaise base with not only chopped dill pickles, but also uses the pickle brine for extra tang. Scallions, celery and parsley add freshness and a little crunch, while hard-boiled eggs practically make it a meal.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     side-dish

Time 2h30m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
3 large eggs
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1/3 cup chopped dill pickles, plus 2 tablespoons brine
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
1/2 teaspoon sugar
3 stalks celery, chopped
4 scallions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Paprika, for topping

Steps:

  • Put the potatoes in a large saucepan; cover with cold water and season with 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a simmer and cook until tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Add the vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon salt; toss. Let cool slightly, about 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, put the eggs in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then remove from the heat and let sit, covered, 10 minutes. Drain the eggs and cover with ice water to cool; peel, chop and set aside.
  • Whisk the mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle brine, mustard and sugar in a small bowl. Stir in the pickles, celery, scallions and parsley. Spoon the mayonnaise mixture over the potatoes and mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Add the hard-boiled eggs and gently stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight. Sprinkle with paprika just before serving.

CLASSIC POTATO SALAD



Classic Potato Salad image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Number Of Ingredients 0

Steps:

  • Boil, peel and cube 2 pounds russet potatoes; toss with 2 tablespoons cider vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix 2 cups mayonnaise, 2 chopped scallions, 1 chopped celery stalk, 1 tablespoon each dijon mustard and vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, and salt. Toss with the potatoes.

CLASSIC POTATO SALAD RECIPE BY TASTY



Classic Potato Salad Recipe by Tasty image

This simple summer side dish staple is easy to master with this recipe! Gold potatoes are tossed in a creamy-tangy mixture of mayo, pickle relish, and mustard, with diced red onion and hard-boiled eggs for extra texture. Pro tip: add the dressing to the potatoes in thirds, allowing 5 minutes between each addition, for the creamiest texture.

Provided by Tikeyah Whittle

Categories     Appetizers

Time 45m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 lb gold potato, scrubbed, cut into 1/2 in (1.24 cm)
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided, plus more for boiling potatoes
3 hard-boiled eggs, roughly chopped
¾ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sweet relish
yellow mustard
1 ½ cups red onion, finely diced
3 large stalks celery
½ teaspoon McCormick® Garlic Powder
½ teaspoon McCormick® Paprika
⅛ teaspoon McCormick® cayenne
3 tablespoons white vinegar
1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Steps:

  • Add the potatoes to a large pot and cover with cool water. Generously season the water with salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, 12-15 minutes. Drain and transfer the potatoes to a large bowl.
  • Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix together the hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, relish, mustard, red onion, celery, garlic powder, cayenne, paprika, and ½ teaspoon salt until well combined.
  • In a small bowl, stir together the white vinegar, remaining teaspoon of salt, and the sugar until the sugar and salt have dissolved.
  • While the potatoes are still hot, pour the vinegar mixture over and toss to coat. Let the potatoes sit for 5 minutes to cool slightly.
  • Add ⅓ of the egg mixture to the potatoes, tossing to coat completely. Let sit for another 5 minutes, then toss with another ⅓ of the egg mixture. Just before serving, toss with the remaining egg mixture.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 316 calories, Carbohydrate 31 grams, Fat 19 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 5 grams, Sugar 6 grams

BEST CLASSIC POTATO SALAD



Best Classic Potato Salad image

Creamy, tangy, and crunchy, with a hint of spice and sweetness from pickles, this 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 mayonaissey with just the right amount of tang! Serve with grilled or smoked meats as the perfect side dish.

Provided by NicoleMcmom

Time 2h40m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 13

5 pounds russet potatoes, peeled
4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided, or to taste
4 large eggs
1 cup mayonnaise
⅓ cup sour cream
3 tablespoons yellow mustard
5 stalks green onions, sliced (white and green parts)
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
½ cup chopped spicy sweet dill pickles (such as Wickles™), plus 2 teaspoons pickle juice
¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon ground paprika
¼ cup sliced green olives with pimientos

Steps:

  • Cut potatoes into 1 1/2-inch pieces. Place in a large pot and add water to cover by 2 inches. Add 3 teaspoons salt and eggs; bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  • Reduce heat and simmer 9 minutes. Remove eggs to an ice bath. Drain potatoes when fork-tender; they may need another minute or so.
  • Peel and chop eggs and set aside.
  • Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, onions, celery, dill, pickles, juice and pepper in a large bowl; stir to combine. Stir in potatoes and eggs until well blended, mashing potatoes very slightly. Check for seasoning and add up to 1 teaspoon salt if desired.
  • Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with paprika, and garnish with olives. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 329.9 calories, Carbohydrate 36.5 g, Cholesterol 71.8 mg, Fat 18.3 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 6.9 g, SaturatedFat 3.6 g, Sodium 947 mg, Sugar 1.9 g

AMERICAN CLASSIC POTATO SALAD



American Classic Potato Salad image

Bring this American Classic Potato Salad to your next cookout. Follow this recipe for a rich, creamy potato salad which never goes out of style.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Recipes

Time 1h30m

Yield 10 servings, 1/2 cup each

Number Of Ingredients 5

6 cups quartered unpeeled small red potatoes
3/4 cup KRAFT Real Mayo
1 Tbsp. GREY POUPON Dijon Mustard
8 slices OSCAR MAYER Bacon, cooked, crumbled
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

Steps:

  • Cook potatoes in boiling water in saucepan 15 min. or until tender; drain.
  • Mix mayo and mustard in large bowl. Add potatoes, bacon and chives; mix lightly.
  • Refrigerate at least 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 220, Fat 15 g, SaturatedFat 2.5 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 10 mg, Sodium 240 mg, Carbohydrate 0 g, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 0 g, Protein 4 g

ALL-AMERICAN POTATO SALAD



All-American Potato Salad image

Our recipe is a variation on classic American-style potato salad. Warm potatoes are sprinkled with vinegar, dressed in mayonnaise, and mixed with hard-boiled eggs, celery, cornichons, and scallions.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Salad Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 15

4 pounds russet potatoes (about 8 potatoes)
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
3 large eggs
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 stalks celery, cut into 1/4-inch dice (3/4 cup)
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch dice (1/2 cup)
1 medium onion, finely diced (1/2 cup)
10 cornichons, cut into 1/4-inch dice (1/4 cup)
3 scallions, thinly sliced (1/2 cup)
2 tablespoons freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 teaspoon paprika

Steps:

  • Place potatoes in a large pot with enough water to cover by several inches. Bring to a boil over high heat, add 1 tablespoon salt, and lower to a gentle boil. Cook until potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife, about 25 minutes. Drain into a colander. Using paper towels or gloves to protect your hands, peel potatoes, and cut into 1-inch dice while still hot. Drizzle with vinegar; set aside.
  • Place eggs in a small pan with enough water to cover by 1 inch, and place over medium-high heat. When water comes to a boil, turn off heat, cover, and let stand for 13 minutes. Drain, and place in a bowl with cold water to cover. When cold, peel eggs. Chop 2 into 1/4-inch dice. Slice the third egg into 1/4-inch-thick rounds, and set aside for garnish.
  • Combine diced eggs, mayonnaise, celery seed, mustard, 2 teaspoons salt, and black pepper in a large bowl, and whisk to combine. Add reserved potatoes to mayonnaise mixture. Add celery, red pepper, onion, cornichons, scallions, and chopped parsley. Stir to combine. Chill for 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with paprika and reserved hard-boiled egg rounds.

Tips:

  • For the best flavor, use freshly cooked potatoes. If you're using leftover potatoes, be sure to chill them thoroughly before using.
  • Use a variety of vegetables in your potato salad. This will add color, flavor, and texture to the dish.
  • Don't overdress the potato salad. You want the dressing to coat the potatoes and vegetables, but you don't want it to be too heavy.
  • Season the potato salad to taste. Be sure to add enough salt and pepper, and adjust the other seasonings to your liking.
  • Chill the potato salad for at least 1 hour before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and the salad to firm up.

Conclusion:

American-style potato salad is a classic dish that is perfect for any occasion. It's easy to make, and it always a hit with a crowd. With these tips, you can make the best potato salad you've ever had. So next time you're looking for a side dish that is both delicious and satisfying, give this classic recipe a try.

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