American Style Potato Salad is the quintessential side dish for summer picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings. With its creamy texture, tangy flavors, and hearty potatoes, this salad has been a favorite for generations. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and versatile enough to complement a variety of main dishes, from grilled meats to vegetarian options. Whether served cold or at room temperature, it’s always a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to bring comfort and satisfaction to any meal.
What makes American Style Potato Salad stand out is its rich, creamy dressing. Made with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, vinegar, and a touch of sugar, the dressing offers a balance of creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. The combination of these ingredients coats the potatoes perfectly, giving them a rich and smooth texture. Hard-boiled eggs are often added for extra creaminess and protein, while chopped celery and onions provide a crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft potatoes. The result is a flavorful, well-balanced salad that pairs wonderfully with almost any dish.
The potatoes used in American Style Potato Salad should be waxy or all-purpose varieties like red or Yukon gold potatoes, as they hold their shape well when boiled. After cooking the potatoes, they’re cut into bite-sized pieces and gently tossed with the dressing and mix-ins. For extra flavor, you can add some freshly chopped herbs like parsley or dill, or even a sprinkle of paprika or chives on top for a little added color and flair.
One of the best things about this potato salad is its ability to be customized. You can add extras like crispy bacon, pickles, or green onions to make it your own. For a lighter version, substitute some of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for added creaminess with less fat. Whether you prefer it classic or with a personal twist, American Style Potato Salad is a go-to dish that never disappoints.
Ingredients
- 4 cups potatoes peeled and diced
- 2 units hard-boiled eggs chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 1/4 cup celery chopped
- 1/4 cup onion chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika for garnish
Instructions
- Place diced potatoes in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until tender. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, sweet pickle relish, chopped celery, and chopped onion.
- Add the cooked potatoes and chopped eggs to the bowl. Gently mix until everything is well coated.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Before serving, sprinkle paprika over the top for garnish. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Honestly I think the onion amount is too much. It overpowered the relish a little. But when I used less onion it was way better.
This potato salad is the best! Reminds me of summer potlucks!
I don’t like potatoes. Why would anyone eat this?
Potatoes are great! You might just not have had them prepared right. This salad is a classic for a reason.
Why refrigerated? Seems strange, lol. I ate it right away. Still yum!
I don’t like mayo at all. This was too creamy for me. Might try greek yogurt instead next time. 1 star.
Very delish. I love how creamy it is! Will def make again.
Totally agree! The creaminess is just perfect. I added a lil bit of garlic powder for some kick! Yum!
Sounds nice, but I think the mayo makes it too heavy. I prefer a vinaigrette instead. Anyone else feel that way?
I forgot the eggs, and it still tasted good.
That’s awesome! Sometimes the best recipes are the ones we improvise. 🥔👍
Potato salad? More like potato mystery! I never like what’s in it.
Simple and quick! Perfect for potlucks. Who doesn’t love a good potato salad?
I don’t know, it seems kinda basic. Where’s the fun in just potatoes and mayo? Maybe try adding some bacon or something?
Totally agree! This potato salad is a hit at every potluck I’ve been to. Love the simplicity!
I followed it exactly and got a nice texture. Hard-boiled eggs were key—chopped smaller than I usually do and it blended better.
I don’t get why people love this… It’s just mashed potatoes with weird stuff.
This is the best potato salad I’ve ever made! So creamy and delicious! 😍
This is the best potato salad recipe I’ve tried! So creamy and tasty!
I dunno, this seems a bit too much mayo for my taste. Might try it with less next time.
I don’t know why everyone loves this. It’s just… potatoes? I was really expecting more flavor.
I think you might be missing the point. It’s a classic for a reason! It’s all about the creamy dressing and the crunchy bits. Give it another chance!
nice and easy .
Absolutely! I love how simple and quick it is. Perfect for a summer picnic!
Is this really the traditional recipe? I thought all potato salads had bacon in them!
This potato salad is the best! So creamy and flavorful. I doubled the recipe for a picnic and it was a hit! 5 stars!
This turned out super creamy and flavorful. The relish + mustard combo is spot on, and the paprika at the end makes it look fancy. I’ll definitely make it again.
I tried it but my potatoes stayed kinda firm even after 15 mins… maybe I cut them too big. Still tasted good though, but I think I’ll add a bit more mayo next time. “Fancy” paprika is real 😂
Yes!! Exactly what I was hoping for—creamy without being heavy. I also love that paprika touch at the end. Making this again for our next cookout.
I added bacon bits and it was amazing! Definitely a keeper recipe.
Yum! Simple and delicious! Can’t beat the classics.
Why do you need to boil the potatoes? What happens if u just use raw ones? Asking for a friend.
This is just like my grandma used to make. Gonna serve it at our BBQ next week.
Is there a way to make this vegan? My friend is allergic to eggs and mayo.
Potato Salad?? Who needs a recipe for that? Just throw stuff together!
R u serious? How can u even put hard-boiled eggs in potato salad, it’s weird!
I use sour cream instead of mayo, is that a sin? 😂 It turned out great!
Not sure about the amount of mayo—mine turned out kinda heavy. Also I forgot to refrigerate long enough, and it tasted better after chilling overnight.
I made this for a BBQ and it disappeared fast. Also, the paprika garnish looks super fancy for zero effort, so I’m sold.
Love hearing that! The paprika sprinkle really does make it look restaurant-y without any real work 😄 Glad it disappeared fast at your BBQ.
I messed up and added sugar instead of relish. Still tasted good tho! 😂 4 stars.
Instructions say boil potatos, but I microwaved mine – worked fine. Cooking is easy peasy, right?
Disnt turn out how I expected. The pickles are too sweet for my taste.
Too much mayo for my liking. Next time I’m cutting back on it. 🤷♂️
I don’t get why everyone loves this. Seems pretty basic to me. Maybe I’m just not a salad person.
Basic? Nah, this is classic! It’s all about the love you put into it. Even if it’s a salad, I’d take it any day over fast food!
I can see your point! Not everyone likes salads, especially when they’re more like sides than meals. But I think it’s about the flavors you like. You might enjoy something more hearty!
This potato salad is exactly how my grandma used to make it! So good! 😍
I added some diced bacon and it was perfect! Sooo tasty! 🤤
I think this could use more mustard. But overall, not bad. 3 stars.
Can’t wait to give this a try. Sounds easy enough for me, even if I ain’t a good cook. Wish me luck!
Good luck! It’s really not that hard. Just follow the steps! 😊
I wasn’t a fan of the pickle relish. Might try it again without that part. It just tasted too sweet for my liking. 2 stars.
I don’t have paprika so I used some chili powder (oops). Still tasty, but I guess that garnish matters for the look.
I tried this recipe but added bacon. It was okay, but I think it needs more flavor.
i dont have paprika so will sprinkle maggi instead ha ha! what u guys think?
Ha ha! Maggi sounds interesting, but paprika really is good for flavor. I’d stick with the real stuff! But I guess it could add a salty kick. 😄
This potato salad is the best I’ve ever tasted! Super creamy and flavorful. 5 stars!
Super easy recipe! Even my kids helped make it. Tastes just like grandma’s!
Why would you put sweet pickle in potato salad? That’s just wrong.
Nah, that sounds nasty. Who even thought sweet pickles belong in potato salad? Makes no sense!
I think the sweet pickle adds a nice tang! It’s classic in some recipes. You should try it!
Quick question—do you have to peel the potatoes? I used the peels cuz I’m lazy, and it was kinda… okay? next time I’ll do it right lol.
I made it but forgot the eggs, can I just add them in after it’s mixed? Still tasted good tho!
Why didn’t you use eggs from the start? It’s like making a cake without flour! 😂 But hey, at least it was still tasty!
I think adding the eggs after might not work well. They could just crumble and mess up the texture? But glad it still tasted good!
I’m skeptical about 1/2 cup mayo for 4 cups potatoes—seems low? Mine needed more mayo to feel creamy, but the flavor was still nice.
I felt the same way at first—1/2 cup sounded way too low for 4 cups. I ended up adding a little more mayo until it actually looked creamy, and then it turned out great. Flavor’s spot on though.
No lie, 1/2 cup mayo for 4 cups potatoes is kinda not enough imo. My potatoes always soak it up fast and then it’s dry. I’d start with a bit extra mayo or even add a splash of pickle juice—trust me.
Super easy, and my family liked it. Next time I’ll add a pinch of celery seed because I like that classic deli vibe.
I used Greek yogurt instead of mayo. Still great!
Potatoes took longer to cook than 10-15 minutes for me (my cubes were bigger). Not a big deal, just watch for tenderness so it doesn’t end up underdone.
Delicious! I added some diced pickles for extra crunch. Yum!
I don’t get why everyone loves this so much. It’s just potatoes and mayo. 2 stars.
Not enough flavor for me 😕. Maybe more spices next time?
Pretty good, though mine came out a bit bland until I salted more. Also I left the potatoes slightly warm, maybe that helped everything bind.
It was just okay… I feel like it needed more flavor or something.
Yum! We had a family picnic and everyone loved it! Just perfect for summer. 🌞
Sounds delicious! I need to try this for my next cookout. 😋
Wait, why do you put eggs in potato salad? That ain’t how my grandma made it. 🤔
Made this for a cookout and it was a hit. The sweet pickle relish + mustard combo tastes spot-on, and letting it chill really helps the flavors come together.
Simple recipe! Thank you! Took me back to summer BBQs. Very satisfying dish for minimal effort. 🌞
You’re welcome! I’m glad it brought back good memories. Nothing beats a classic potato salad at a BBQ! 😊
This potato salad is a classic! Tastes just like my grandma’s. Love it!
Pretty easy and actually pretty tasty. I used a little less mayo than usual and added extra black pepper. Came out creamy without being heavy.
Sounds good, but idk about the mayo ratio 😅 Mine always ends up too thick. Do you think using Greek yogurt would mess it up, or should I just add a splash of pickle juice?
I’ve been looking for a potato salad that’s creamy but not “heavy” and this sounds exactly right. Love the tweak with less mayo + extra black pepper—will try that.
Pretty good, but the cooking time for the potatoes was off. Mine took longer. So annoying! 3 stars.
Tried it for the family BBQ and it was a total hit! Everyone went for seconds. Thank you!
Good recipe! I accidentally used yogurt instead of mayo and it still worked!
Made this for a cookout and it disappeared fast. The sweet pickle relish + celery combo is perfect. I did add a little extra pepper and it really popped.
It was ok. My eggs were kinda rubbery for some reason, maybe I boiled them too long. Still ate it tho.
Yeah, rubbery eggs usually means they went a bit too long or the heat was too high after simmering. Next time try a shorter boil and then cool them fast in cold water—helps a lot!
Potato salad always turns weird if you rush it 😅 maybe your eggs were old too? I’d add the eggs after the potatoes cool, so they don’t get overcooked. But hey—ate it anyway, respect.
Potatoes? I thought y’all were making salad with greens. Why not use lettuce? 🤔
I mixed it with some bacon bits too. Best potato salad ever!
Potato salad? More like potato sadness. Never again. 1 star.
Doesn’t look like a very fancy dish but it was good. Worth a try if you like potatoes.
Yum!!! Will make again! Potatoes forever! 🥔
Potato salad is not salad… why do people call it that?
Made this for a BBQ and everyone loved it. I’m def making it again!
Too much mustard for my taste. Next time I’m cutting back on it.
Tried this at a family gathering. Everyone ate it! But then my cousin said there’s eggs in it and I got freaked out. But I liked it! 4 stars.
Potato salad is a classic! I made this for my BBQ and everyone loved it! Will definitely make again!
Yummy! But what if you don’t like eggs? Can you leave them out?
Potatoes are supposed to be peeled?? I always leave the skins on for more fiber, can anyone tell me if that works?
I added bacon to mine! It was a game-changer. Seriously, try it!
I don’t think bacon belongs in potato salad. Sounds weird tbh.
Bacon? Really? I would have never thought! Gonna give it a shot for my next BBQ!
Easy and quick! The eggs make it feel like the real deal 😋
Hmm, doesn’t sound too healthy with all the mayo. Can I sub it with yogurt? 🤔
This potato salad is a classic! Love the addition of sweet pickle relish. A hit at our BBQ!
Pretty solid basic potato salad. I used dill pickle relish instead since that’s what I had—still good, just a bit sharper than I expected.
I don’t see why everyone loves this. It’s just potatoes and mayo. Life is too short.
Why use hard-boiled eggs? Never saw that before. Just seems wrong. But to each their own.
I think the hard-boiled eggs make it creamier and add protein! It’s a classic in many places.
Eh, it was alright. Just a bit too much relish for my taste, I guess.
Ok, but like who adds paprika? I’m confused. Is that really normal???
Super simple and easy to make! My kids loved it, especially the eggs.
I added bacon bits to mine and it was delish! Always looking for ways to improve recipes.
Yum! Just made it for a picnic tomorrow. Hope everyone likes it!
Meh. Mayo and mustard taste fine, but I don’t really get the hype about sweet relish in potato salad. The texture was okay though, just not my style.
Totally get that—sweet relish can make potato salad feel a bit dessert-y. If you try it again, swap to dill relish (or even a little extra pickle + skip the sweet) and it’ll taste way more “classic.” Texture staying good is a win though.
Delicious! I added in some bacon and it took it to another level. Recommend trying it! 5/5
5/5? Really? It’s just potato salad. What’s so special about it? I don’t get it.
Bacon in potato salad? That’s kinda odd but sounds interesting. I’ll have to try it. Maybe I’ll add chives too.
Yuck! Who puts pickles in potato salad? My grandma never did that. I liked it better before.
This potato salad is sooo good! Made it for a picnic and it was gone in minutes!
Totally! Potato salad is a classic! I always add some pickles for an extra kick.
Idk, I prefer my potato salad with sour cream instead of mayo. Just tastes better that way! But glad it worked for you!
Classic American potato salad vibes. The sweet pickle relish + mustard combo is spot on—my family went back for seconds. I let it chill overnight and it tasted even better.
This potato salad is amazing! I’ve been looking for a recipe like this for ages. So creamy and delicious!
So glad you liked it! It’s a family favorite at our gatherings too.
I don’t get why people like mayo in potato salad. I used Greek yogurt instead and it worked fine.
meh
Wait is this the one with the eggs and relish? I made it once and it was too bland for me—had to add more salt like a lot. Also I don’t think 1 hour in the fridge is enough, tastes better the next day.
Yeah, it’s kinda “meh” if you’re expecting something fancy. But the combo of pickle relish + mustard is the classic vibe. I’d just add a pinch more pepper and maybe some dill.
Looks easy. I’ll try it. Tbh potato salad is always hit or miss for me though 😅
Totally get you—potato salad can be a crapshoot 😅 This one’s pretty hard to mess up though since it’s basically: tender potatoes + creamy mix + chill time. Letting it sit is key!
Potato salad always hits or misses for me too. Question—do you boil the potatoes with the skins on? I usually do that but the recipe says peeled, so I’m like… confused lol.
My 5-year-old helped make this and he loved it! Got him to eat veggies for once. 😉
That’s so sweet! It’s great to involve kids in cooking. Makes me want to try it with my little one too!
I wonder if kids really love veggies? 😂 Guessing it was just the mayo that did the trick!
Good base recipe, but I think it needs a bit more seasoning than “1 tsp salt.” I added extra black pepper and a tiny splash of pickle juice and it tasted more like the deli version.
The instructions are clear, but 1 tablespoon mustard feels a little low. Next time I’ll bump it up and maybe add a touch of vinegar for brightness.
Yeah, 1 Tbsp mustard can be a bit mild depending on the brand. I usually do a little extra—sometimes even a splash of pickle juice instead of vinegar.
Potato salad goes great with hotdogs! Made this for my family reunion and it was gone in minutes. Will make again!
Sounds delicious! Love potato salad, especially with hotdogs! 😊
So easy to make! I was shocked it came out this good. Making it again!
Not bad but the paprika garnish didn’t really do anything for me. Next time I’ll mix a tiny bit into the mayo instead of just sprinkling on top.
The instructions are solid and easy. I cooled the potatoes properly and it didn’t get mushy. Would recommend chilling longer than an hour if you can.
Pretty good, but I think 10-15 minutes isn’t always enough for bigger potato cubes. I had to simmer a bit longer so they’d mash less and stay tender.
Good point! I usually go with slightly smaller dice, but for bigger cubes I agree—10–15 mins can be too short. What size were yours?
I dunno, mine always takes the full 15 at least, but bigger cubes def gonna need longer. Also I never let it cool enough and it tastes weird 😅
The measurements are clear, but I accidentally used regular pickles instead of sweet relish… it was still fine, just not the same. Would recommend sticking to sweet relish.
Wait… I always thought “sweet relish” was basically ketchup mix or something. If I used regular pickles, wouldn’t it be too salty? I might try your way next time.
I’ve done that swap before 😅—regular dill pickles make it way tangier, so “not the same” is spot on. Still delicious though. Glad it worked out!
I used dill relish instead of sweet because that’s what I had… not mad at it. Still tasted like potato salad, just more tangy.
That actually makes sense—dill relish usually brings more tang and bite. If it still tastes like classic potato salad, I’d call that a win. Next time you could try a mix of dill + a little sweet to balance it.
I mean… dill relish is kinda different, but if you didn’t have sweet then fair. I usually use sweet relish though cuz dill can be too strong. Did you add extra mayo or it was just straight dill?
I followed the steps exactly and mine was kinda bland. Maybe my onions were too mild? Also, 10-15 minutes for potatoes felt short—next time I’ll go longer so they mash easier.
This is the kind of potato salad my grandma would approve of. Hard-boiled eggs make it feel more filling. Refrigerating really matters!