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Vegetarian

The Best Classic Potato Salad

This creamy, tangy, and crunchy potato salad is the perfect side dish for your next picnic or backyard barbecue.

By Daily Recipes Bookยท ๐ŸŒ Americanยท July 15, 2026
The Best Classic Potato Salad
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
20 minutes
Cook
15 minutes
Total
2 hours 35 minutes
Serves
6

There is something truly special about a classic American potato salad. This recipe has become a family favorite because it strikes the perfect balance of creamy dressing, tender Yukon gold potatoes, and fresh, crunchy vegetables. It is the kind of dish that disappears quickly at every cookout we host.

My secret to a great potato salad is seasoning the potatoes with vinegar and salt while they are still warm, which helps the flavor soak right in. I also love adding a mix of fresh herbs to keep things bright and tasty. It is simple to make and always earns five stars from my friends and family.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 1/3 cup sweet pickle relish
  • 1/2 cup celery, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    Quarter the potatoes and place them in a large pot. Cover with cold water and bring to a boil. Cook for 8 to 12 minutes until they are fork tender.

  2. 2

    Drain the potatoes and rinse them briefly with cold water. Peel away the skins while they are still warm, then dice them into bite sized pieces.

  3. 3

    Place the warm, diced potatoes in a large bowl. Sprinkle them with the white wine vinegar and a pinch of salt. Gently toss so every piece is coated.

  4. 4

    In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, and celery seed.

  5. 5

    Add the celery, red onion, green onions, and pickle relish to the bowl with the potatoes. Pour the dressing over the top.

  6. 6

    Gently fold everything together until well combined. Stir in the fresh dill and season with extra salt and pepper if needed.

  7. 7

    Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours before serving to let the flavors blend.

๐Ÿ’ก Tips

Store your potato salad in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If the salad tastes a bit dull after chilling, just add a splash of vinegar or pickle brine to brighten it back up before serving.

Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.

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