Ciao, fellow food lovers! I’m Lina Kohn, and I’m so thrilled you’re here at Gourmet Gusto. My kitchen has always been my happy place. I grew up in Italy, watching my nonna create magic with simple ingredients. Those early memories sparked a lifelong love for cooking.

Today, I want to share a recipe that’s become a weeknight lifesaver for my family: my go-to easy potato salad. We all have those busy evenings, right? When you need something delicious, comforting, but quick. This easy potato salad recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s packed with flavor, super simple to throw together, and uses ingredients you likely already have. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser and will make your dinner routine so much smoother!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Potato Salad

I get it; life is busy! That’s why this recipe is a true gem. You’ll absolutely adore this easy potato salad because:

It’s incredibly quick to prepare.
You only need a few simple ingredients.
The flavors are perfectly balanced and comforting.
It’s fantastic for any meal, even picnics.
It always gets rave reviews from my family.

It truly makes dinner prep a breeze.

The Simplicity of This Easy Potato Salad

What makes this specific easy potato salad so special? It’s all about its uncomplicated nature. I designed it for those moments when you crave homemade goodness without the fuss. It truly fits right into your busy schedule.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Easy Potato Salad

Okay, let’s talk ingredients for this wonderful easy potato salad. You don’t need anything fancy, just fresh, good quality items. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 pounds small potatoes (Yukon Gold or red new potatoes work best)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional, but I love them)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Easy Potato Salad

For the best easy potato salad, choosing the right potatoes really matters. I always reach for Yukon Golds or small red new potatoes. They hold their shape beautifully. Fresh celery and crisp red onion add that perfect crunch. Quality mayonnaise and a good mustard are key for the creamy dressing.

How to Make This Easy Potato Salad

Making this easy potato salad is super straightforward. I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious side dish in no time.

First, wash your potatoes really well. If you have bigger ones, cut them into about one-inch pieces. Small ones can stay whole.
Next, put the potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with cold water, about an inch over the top. Add a pinch of salt to the water too. This helps season them from the start.
Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Then, turn the heat down to medium-low. Let them simmer until they’re fork-tender, usually 10 to 15 minutes. Don’t overcook them; we want them tender, not mushy.
Drain the potatoes very well. This is important! Let them cool down for about 10 minutes. This little bit of cooling helps them absorb the dressing better.
While the potatoes cool, grab a large bowl. Add the mayonnaise, celery, red onion, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together until it’s nicely mixed.
Now, add your cooled potatoes to that creamy mixture. Gently fold everything together. You don’t want to mash them, just coat them evenly.
If you’re using the chopped hard-boiled eggs, fold those in now too.
Give it a taste! Adjust the seasoning if you need more salt or pepper. Sometimes I add a little more vinegar for a tang.
Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chill time lets all those lovely flavors blend together.
Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley if you like. It adds a nice pop of color and freshness.

Step-by-Step Guide to Your Easy Potato Salad

Don’t worry, crafting this easy potato salad is a breeze. I’ve broken down each part, making it simple to follow along. Just take your time with each step. Soon, you’ll be enjoying a truly delightful homemade dish. You’ve got this!

Tips for a Better Easy Potato Salad

I’ve made this easy potato salad countless times, and I’ve picked up a few tricks. First, always taste and adjust your seasoning. What tastes perfect to me might need a pinch more salt for you. Also, letting it chill for longer, even overnight, really lets the flavors deepen. My nonna always said patience makes food taste better! For a creamier texture, mash a few potatoes before mixing. If you like a little kick, add a dash of paprika. These small things truly elevate your easy potato salad.

Expert Advice for Your Easy Potato Salad

Here’s a secret from my kitchen to yours: don’t overcook your potatoes. Mushy potatoes lead to a less-than-stellar easy potato salad. Drain them well; extra water can make it watery. Don’t rush the chilling time either. That resting period is magic for blending all those delicious flavors. Trust me on this!

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Potato Salad

I get lots of questions about my recipes, and this easy potato salad is no exception! Here are some common queries that pop up. I hope these answers help you make the very best simple potato salad.

Q: Can I use different types of potatoes for this easy potato salad?
A: Yes, you can! While I love Yukon Golds or red new potatoes for their creamy texture, russets work too. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can get a bit mealy. Waxy potatoes hold their shape best for potato salad.

Q: Can I make this easy potato salad ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This simple potato salad actually tastes even better the next day. The flavors really have time to meld. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q: What if I don’t have white vinegar?
A: You can use apple cider vinegar as a substitute. It will give a slightly different, fruitier tang, but it still works beautifully in this easy potato salad recipe. Lemon juice can also add brightness.

Q: Are there any good substitutions for celery or red onion?
A: If you’re not a fan of celery, you can skip it. For the red onion, you can use green onions for a milder flavor. Just remember, these add a nice crunch to your easy potato salad.

Common Queries About Easy Potato Salad

Got more questions about making this easy potato salad? You’re in the right place! Here, I’ll tackle some common thoughts. My goal is to help you create your perfect, simple potato salad every time. Let’s dig in!

Serving and Storing Your Easy Potato Salad

Once your easy potato salad has chilled, it’s ready to enjoy! I find it tastes best served cold. It makes a fantastic side for grilled chicken or a summer barbecue. If you have any leftovers, simply transfer them to an airtight container. Pop it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days. Remember, this is a mayonnaise-based salad, so it needs to stay cold. I don’t recommend freezing it; the texture changes too much. Just pull it out of the fridge and serve. No reheating needed!

Maximizing the Freshness of Your Easy Potato Salad

Keeping your easy potato salad fresh is simple. Always store it in a tightly sealed container. This prevents it from drying out. It also keeps other fridge odors away. Proper refrigeration is key for food safety. Also, try to serve only what you need. Put the rest back in the fridge right away. This keeps it cold and fresh longer.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Please remember that the nutritional values provided are estimates. They can vary quite a bit. It depends on the specific brands you use. Ingredient preparation methods also play a role. So, these numbers offer a general guide.

Share Your Easy Potato Salad Experience

I truly hope you love making this easy potato salad as much as I do! Your feedback means the world to me. Did you try any fun variations? Please, share your thoughts in the comments below. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Don’t forget to rate the recipe too! Come join our growing community over on Pinterest for more delicious ideas. Let’s keep cooking!

Unbelievable 15-Minute Easy Potato Salad Secret

Author: Lina Kohn
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Make a simple and delicious potato salad. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It uses minimal ingredients and offers easy prep.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds small potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or red new potatoes
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

Wash potatoes thoroughly. Cut larger potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Leave smaller potatoes whole.
Place potatoes in a large pot. Cover with cold water by about an inch. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
Bring water to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until potatoes are fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes.
Drain potatoes well. Let them cool slightly, about 10 minutes.
While potatoes cool, combine mayonnaise, celery, red onion, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix well.
Add cooled potatoes to the mayonnaise mixture. Gently fold to combine.
Stir in chopped hard-boiled eggs, if using.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You may want more salt or pepper.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.