Here is a classic creamy potato salad recipe with clear, detailed, step-by-step directions. This style pairs very well with fried chicken.
Classic Creamy Potato Salad
Servings
4–6 people
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15–20 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour (recommended)
Ingredients
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1 kg potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes are best)
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1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
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3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
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½ cup mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon yellow mustard
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1 tablespoon white vinegar or pickle juice
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1 teaspoon sugar
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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¾ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
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½ teaspoon paprika
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¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
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¼ cup finely chopped onion
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¼ cup chopped celery or cucumber (optional for crunch)
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1–2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dill (optional)
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Wash and peel the potatoes (or leave skin on if preferred). Cut into medium-sized cubes.
Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1 teaspoon salt.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender but not mushy.
Drain immediately and let cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
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Mayonnaise
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Mustard
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Vinegar or pickle juice
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Sugar
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Paprika
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Garlic powder (if using)
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add warm (not hot) potatoes to the dressing. Gently fold to coat without breaking the potatoes.
Add chopped eggs, onion, celery or cucumber, and herbs. Fold gently again.
Step 4: Chill
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to blend.
Step 5: Final Taste Adjustment
Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning. Add a little more mayo or vinegar if needed.
Sprinkle extra paprika or parsley on top for garnish.
Tips for Best Potato Salad
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Do not overcook potatoes; they should hold their shape.
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Mixing potatoes while slightly warm helps absorb flavor.
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For extra richness, add 1 tablespoon sour cream.
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For Popeye’s-style flavor, add a pinch of celery seed and white pepper.
Variations (Optional)
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Southern Potato Salad: Add sweet pickle relish.
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Mustard-Forward: Increase mustard to 2 tablespoons.
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Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeño.
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No-Egg: Simply omit eggs and add extra mayo.