There’s something special about a traditional potato salad recipe passed down through generations. Dee Dee’s old-fashioned potato salad brings all the comfort and nostalgia of family gatherings, backyard barbecues, and summer picnics to your table. This creamy, tangy, and savory dish is made with Idaho potatoes, pickles, celery, and the perfect balance of mustard and mayonnaise for a creamy texture and a burst of flavor. It’s easy to make, and even easier to customize to your liking with simple additions like celery or paprika garnish.
Perfect for any occasion, this potato salad will become a favorite among your family and friends. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
How to Make Mama’s Old-Fashioned Potato Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad
5 lb Idaho potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 medium onion, chopped finely
5 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1/4 cup sweet pickle cubes or relish
1/2 cup dill pickle cubes or relish
1 stalk celery, diced (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Dressing
1.5 – 2 cups Hellman’s mayonnaise (adjust to your preferred creaminess)
1.5 – 2 tablespoons mustard
For Garnish (Optional)
Paprika, for sprinkling on top
1 hard-boiled egg, sliced
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Potatoes
Peel and Cube the Potatoes: Begin by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into 1-inch cubes.
Boil the Potatoes: Place the cubed potatoes in a large 5-quart pot and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt to the water for extra flavor.
Cook Until Tender: Boil the potatoes over medium-high heat for about 7-8 minutes. Check for doneness around 5-6 minutes by inserting a fork; the potatoes should be tender but not mushy.
Drain and Cool: Once done, drain the potatoes and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow them to drain thoroughly and cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
Chop the Onion and Eggs: While the potatoes are cooling, finely chop the onion and hard-boiled eggs. Place them together in a small bowl and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
Combine Dressing Ingredients: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the sweet and dill pickle cubes (or relish), diced celery (if using), salt, pepper, mayonnaise, and mustard. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Mix the Potato Salad
Combine Potatoes with Onion and Eggs: Once the potatoes are completely cool, place them in a large mixing bowl. Gently fold in the chopped onion and eggs.
Add the Dressing: Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the potatoes and gently fold until well combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the potatoes too mushy.
