Eggs, pickles, and celery gives Mom's Classic Potato Salad a delicious flavor that everyone loves. Bring this tried and true potato salad recipe to your next summer picnic or barbecue. You won't be disappointed.
One of the best things about summer picnics are all the side dishes and desserts that everyone brings. We usually make veggie pasta salad, ranch blt pasta salad, or a big bowl of potato salad to share.
Everyone has their favorite way of making potato salad, and it is usually based on what you grew up eating. I totally get it because I make mine the same way my mom did.
Why This Works
If you need a creamy potato salad for a picnic or potluck, this is the recipe you should use. It is simple to make, and everyone always asks for more.
It is so easy to make this potato salad recipe your own. Use more or less of the ingredients, or change it up and use different things. Although, I think this is the best combo of ingredients.
Mom's classic potato salad with eggs is a crowd favorite. It always disappears in a hurry at summer picnics. It has that mom touch to it that everyone loves!
Key Ingredients
Making potato salad all depends on your preferences. Eggs, celery, and pickles are classic ingredients to start with. Use as much or as little as you like.
- Potatoes - We like to use red potatoes with the skins on for our salad.
- Dill Pickles - Add a fresh flavor and crunch. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, use sweet pickles.
- Celery & Red Onion - Adds just the right amount of crunch.
- Eggs - Hard boiled eggs add a good flavor and texture.
- Mayonnaise & Mustard - Hellmann's mayo mixed with plain yellow mustard is the secret to a creamy sauce.
How to Make
You can't go wrong with a big bowl of old fashioned potato salad during the summer months. It is so easy to make in minutes and tastes amazing with grilled main dishes.
- Prepare the potatoes. Wash and rinse the red potatoes. Cut into even cubes and place in a large pot. Cover with cold water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are soft and can easily be pierced with a fork or skewer. Rinse the cooked potatoes with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Prep the other ingredients. Cut the onions, pickles, celery, and hard boiled eggs into small pieces.
- Assemble the salad. Gently stir the veggies, mayo, and mustard into the cooled potatoes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Chill until ready to serve. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate.
Storage
Keep the potato salad in an air tight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. After a while the eggs and onions will start to release odors.
I do not recommend freezing this classic potato salad. It will be runny and watery after it thaws out.
Tips and Tricks
- Cut the potatoes into the same size cubes, so they cook evenly.
- Rinse the warm potatoes in cold water to speed up the cooling process.
- Use a large bowl, so you have plenty of room to stir everything together.
- Make the potato salad at least 4 hours ahead of time, so the flavors can blend and deepen.
- Try adding bacon, shredded cheese, and sour cream.
- Want to give it a healthy boost? Use half Greek yogurt and half mayonnaise.
- Serve with grilled chicken, burgers, and or this McCormick Pulled Pork recipe.
FAQ'S
What are the best potatoes to use for potato salad?
Red potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes are more of a waxy potato. They will hold their shape when cooked which makes them great for potato salad.
Russet potatoes are a soft, fluffier potato when cooked, so they are better for mashed potatoes.
Do you have to peel the potatoes?
Not at all. In fact, we like to leave the skins on because it adds color. It also helps to hold the potatoes together as they cool.
Why is my potato salad watery?
Make sure you drain your potatoes very well before stirring the other ingredients and dressing into them.
More Picnic Salads
- Broccoli Tortellini Salad - a creamy homemade dressing make this easy pasta and veggie salad a hit with everyone.
- Balsamic Veggie Salad - this easy four ingredient salad has a great homemade dressing that makes it so good.
- Ranch Macaroni Salad - ranch dressing, peas, eggs, and tomatoes in a creamy sauce makes this a great side dish for picnics.
- Strawberry Fluff Salad - fresh strawberries and angel food cake cubes add a fun twist to this easy dessert salad.
- Watermelon Blackberry Lime Salad - you are only four ingredients away from this gorgeous fruit salad
- Bean Salad - this super food salad is loaded with bright and colorful veggies
- Can't decide? Here is a list of 31 of the best picnic salads.
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Recipe
Mom’s Classic Potato Salad Recipe
Eggs, pickles, and celery gives Mom's Classic Potato Salad a delicious flavor that everyone loves. Bring this tried and true potato salad recipe to your next summer picnic or barbecue. You won't be disappointed.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds red potatoes, cubed (10 cups)
- 3 celery ribs, diced
- 1 cup diced dill pickles
- ½ cup diced red onion
- 3 hard-boiled large eggs, peeled and diced
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup yellow mustard
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cover the cubed potatoes with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and continue to simmer until potatoes are soft and tender. Use a fork or knife to check for your desired texture.
- Drain and rinse the potatoes. Cover with cold water and let sit until the potatoes are mostly cool. Drain very well.
- Stir together the potatoes, celery, pickles, onion, eggs, mayonnaise, and mustard until combined.
- Season to taste with the salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 323Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 54mgSodium: 346mgCarbohydrates: 39gFiber: 4gSugar: 4gProtein: 7g
*The post for Mom's Potato Salad was first posted July 2015. The pictures and post were updated and republished May 2022.
Susan johnson
I add just a little horseradish ti bring out more flavor. Like a tsp or two max
Shaye
You make it just like my mom did!
Hanna
I've been looking for a really classic potato salad recipe and this is so similar to what my grandmother made for us when we were little.
My family is vegan and we make this recipe with vegan mayo and no eggs.
Just wanted to say that it's really delicious and easy to adapt for a vegan diet. Brings back so many good memories. Will be eating this all summer!
Amanda
I came across your recipe on pinterest, I then clicked on the link and instantly, I was craving your potato salad. I picked up the ingredients and not only was it super easy to make but it was amazing! Thank you for sharing your recipe!
Jocelyn
I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed my mom's potato salad! It's a family favorite for sure!
Phil Swayzee
This is EXACTLY how I make my tater salad, right down to dill instead of sweet pickles. Depending on my mood, I also add some celery seed and occasionally some sliced black olives. This basic recipe is a classic in our household.
Nancy
Thank you! 🙂
Debbie
I would like to print the potato salad recipe, can you help me?
Jocelyn
There is a print button on the recipe card. Click that and it should open a new page that connects with your computer's printer. I hope that helps.
Stephanie @ Plain Chicken
Perfect summer side dish!
Amanda
Love this!
kentuckylady717
This looks so good, and I make it almost like you do 🙂 everyone loves my potato salad too 🙂 I do add a little pickle juice and a splash or two of hot sauce to mine.....yum.....sometimes I might shred some carrot in it for color......but it's alway eaten.....taste better the next day.....
Jocelyn
Oh, I love the idea of using some pickle juice or hot sauce. I will have to try that next time!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom
Jocelyn, this potato salad looks so good!!! this is what I look forward to in the summer time. . grilling, potato salad and fruit!! Can't wait to see you again later this month!
Jocelyn
Thanks Alice. I look forward to picnic food in the summer too! It's the best kind of food!
Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg
Looks super creamy, Jocelyn! Thank you for sharing with us.
Cyndi - My Kitchen Craze
Love that you used half greek yogurt and mayo! Great idea. And I love my potato salads having eggs in them!! Yum! 🙂 Pinned!
Jocelyn
I actually almost always use all mayo because I think it tastes better that way, but I thought people would like the option to cut calories. I always add eggs too...it makes it so good!
Nancy
People have always raved about this potato salad. I think it's the simplicity and just plain down-home goodness that gives it the yum factor. I love this post! Thank you! You're the best!
Jocelyn
You are welcome!!! This one always gets rave reviews when I make it too!!!
Julie @ Julie's Eats & Treats
You can't go wrong with classic potato salad!
Jocelyn
I totally agree with you there!!!
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter
Potato salad is perfect for all those summer picnics. Love that you are sharing your mom's recipe, the pickles, eggs and celery sound fantastic in here!
Jocelyn
Thank you so much!
Chandra@The Plaid & Paisley Kitchen
I totally agree about the getting a taste for potato salad! I love picnic food also. This potato salad does remind me of the ones my mom used to make. Thanks for sharing!
Jocelyn
Old time recipes from our parents and grandparents are really the best recipes!!!
Aimee @ ShugarySweets
I love potato salads!!! I love that you have pickles in here too, yummy!!
Carolyn
We use sweet pickles and a little mustard
Carolyn
I meant a little sugar and sweet pickles and very little mustard.
Jocelyn
The pickles and eggs are kind of my favorite part of this easy potato salad!!!
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness
Potato salad is SUCH a classic, and it's always good to have the perfect recipe in your back pocket. Which is exactly this! Perfect for my next BBQ! Pinned!
Jocelyn
Yes, a classic potato salad is the best kind of recipe. Thank you for the pin love!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice
This sounds like a great addition for all of those summer barbecues, Jocelyn! I love the addition of eggs. And that is such a good idea to use half mayo and half greek yogurt. Pinned!
Jocelyn
Thank you, Gayle. It is the perfect picnic side dish. And yes, every once in a while I sub out some mayo for the yogurt to help cut calories. But it really does taste the best with all mayo. LOL!