A good potato salad recipe, like family heirlooms, is passed from generation to generation.
We consider this recipe for classic potato salad to be just thatclassic, timeless, old-fashioned.
That’s what is so great about this particular potato salad recipe.

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It’s easily adaptable.
you could use yellow mustard in place of Dijon or swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt.
Get it right, and you’ll always be the person that brings potato salad to gatherings.

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That’s why this Classic Potato Salad calls for:
Potato Salad.. With Egg, Really?
Egg belongs in Southern potato salad.
A lot of recipes call for grating eggs so they add creamy texture and flavor without being piecey.

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But we’re not ashamed.
The beautiful red and purple of colorful potatoes make any homemade potato salad stand above the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you add vinegar to potato salad?

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Some people toss warm potatoes with vinegar to help flavor them before a dressing is added.
We prefer to put vinegar in the dressing to balance the richness of mayonnaise.
How far in advance can you make potato salad?

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Just be sure to cover well in an air-tight container, and keep in the fridge.
What kind of potatoes are best for potato salad?
Most classic potato salad recipes call for waxy gold or red potatoes.

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Those work great, and they hold their shape well, even if they’re slightly overcooked.
But we like russet potatoes for this recipe because they’re the more classic choice for potato salad.
You just have to be careful to not overcook them.
Do you chop potatoes before boiling?
Yes, chopping potatoes into nearly-equal cubes before you cook them helps them cook evenly and precisely.
We recommend chopping them before cooking for this reason.
Should you remove the potato peels or not?
That’s up to you!
(We did in this recipe.)
If you’re using golds or reds, the thinner skin is perfectly OK to leave.
Fill with water one inch above potatoes.
Add several pinches of salt.
Bring to a boil, and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
Drain, and cool completely, about 1 hour.
Gently combine dressing with potato mixture until well coated.
Sprinkle the top of the potato salad with celery leaves (optional).