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?