Potato Salad Recipe


A perfectly balanced potato salad combining mayonnaise and salad cream for a rich, tangy taste.


Published: July 17, 2022 · Modified: February 17, 2025 by Jennifer Ryan


Potato salad recipe

There are few dishes as universally beloved as potato salad. Creamy yet light, tangy yet smooth, it walks the fine line between indulgence and comfort. This recipe, developed from a blend of family traditions, captures the best of both worlds: the richness of mayonnaise paired with the unmistakable zest of salad cream. Whether served at a backyard barbecue, a holiday feast, or a casual lunch, this potato salad offers the perfect balance of flavor and texture. With just a few simple ingredients and the right technique, you can create a dish that stands out in any spread.

Potato Salad Recipes

Choosing the Right Potatoes for the Best Texture

Not all potatoes are created equal when it comes to making potato salad. Waxy potatoes, such as new potatoes or Irish Roosters, maintain their structure while offering a creamy bite. Starchy varieties like Russet potatoes, while great for mashing, tend to break down too much. The key is to find a variety that holds its shape without becoming grainy or overly soft.

The Secret Sauce: Why Mayonnaise and Salad Cream Work Together

Many traditional recipes rely solely on mayonnaise, but the addition of salad cream brings a lighter, tangier dimension to the dressing. Mayonnaise provides the richness, while salad cream introduces a subtle sharpness that balances the flavors. The result is a sauce that clings to the potatoes without overwhelming them.

Should You Serve Potato Salad Warm or Cold?

While most people prefer their potato salad chilled, warm potato salad has its merits. Traditional German recipes serve it warm, allowing the dressing to soak into the potatoes. However, if serving cold, it’s best to refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors develop.

Potato salad in a large white serving dish

Storage Tips: How to Keep Your Potato Salad Fresh

Potato salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. However, it’s crucial to avoid leaving it at room temperature for more than four hours, as potatoes provide an ideal environment for bacteria growth. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture will suffer.

Potato salad recipe

Potato Salad Recipe

Jennifer Ryan
A classic & easy potato salad recipe that's made with no fuss, it's a super simple recipe to follow and makes the best potato salad.
5 from 10 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
cool 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American, British
Servings 8
Calories 178 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

Instructions
 

  • Start by peeling and chopping your potatoes into bite-sized-sized cubes.
    6 Irish Rooster potatoes
    Potato salad recipe chop the potatoes
  • Place your chopped potatoes into a saucepan of lightly salted boiling water, and cook over a high heat for about 15 minutes.
    Potato salad recipe instructions boil
  • Once the potato cubes are just tender, take them off the heat and strain the water.
    Potatoes in a colander
  • Add the potatoes to a mixing bowl and set to one side for around 10 minutes to cool.
    Potato salad recipe instruction adding into a bowl
  • When the potatoes have cooled, into the mixing bowl, add your mayonnaise, salad cream, chopped spring onions, salt, and black pepper.
    80 Milliliters Mayonnaise, 60 Milliliters Salad cream, ¼ Teaspoon Salt, 1 Pinch Ground black pepper, 3 Spring onions
    Potato salad recipe instruction adding mayo
  • Gently mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
    Potato salad recipe
  • Place into a serving dish and enjoy, or chill in the refrigerator to chill until you're ready to serve.
    Potato salad recipe

Notes

Tips & Tricks
  • If you love your potato salad extra creamy add a little more mayonnaise and salad cream.
  • Once you've made your homemade potato salad recipe, you can pop it into an airtight container and place it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Potato salad shouldn't be left out longer than 3 to 4 hours, as it's notorious for food poisoning; potatoes are a happy environment for bacteria growth, remember safety first.

Nutrition

Calories: 178kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 162mgPotassium: 741mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 62IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg
Keyword BBQ side dish, chopped potatoes, creamy potato salad, creamy potatoes, crispy potatoes, easy recipe, healthy, healthy recipe, potato salad, quick and easy, simple recipe, summer salad, traditional potato salad
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Potato salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a culinary staple with endless variations and a comforting presence at any meal. Whether you prefer it creamy and rich or light and tangy, the key is in the balance of ingredients and the right choice of potatoes. Experiment with flavors, find your perfect mix, and enjoy this timeless classic at your next gathering. Looking for more? Check out our upcoming posts on summer picnic salads and easy make-ahead sides to complement any meal.

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