Jul 11, 2022, Updated Oct 22, 2024 I just live for every forkful when it offers a bite of waxy potato, tender egg, a bit of crunch, a bit of something tangy, and the perfect amount of creamy dressing to bind everything together. The mix-in possibilities are endless with this tested-till-perfect, from-scratch recipe as your canvas. SO good. It’s the perfect side dish to accompany these juicy Air Fryer Turkey Burgers, maybe alongside an Israeli Couscous recipe. And if you love potatoes, you should try my Indian potato curry and homemade fish cakes next!
How to Make This Potato Salad with Eggs
It doesn’t feel like rocket science, right? But hear me out: there are FIVE THINGS things you can do to make the best potato salad ever. Truly even the equipment you reach for makes a difference. Read on:
Choosing the BEST Potatoes for Potato Salad
An amazing potato salad starts with choosing the best potatoes for the job. Choose a waxy potato variety that holds its shape well through cooking.
I like yellow potatoes (such as Yukon Golds), but red potatoes, fingerling potatoes, or little baby potatoes work as well. Steer clear of russets, which will turn into mashed potatoes as soon as you stir in the dressing (unless that’s the way your mom made it and it’s nostalgic; I respect that). If using a red potato, feel free to leave the peels on. They have a super thin-skin and add a great flash of colour to your potato salad. Whatever potato you choose, the best way to cook the potatoes for potato salad is in cubes instead of cooking potatoes whole to ensure the potatoes aren’t overcooked and watery on the outside by the time they are cooked to the middle.
My Favourite Potato Salad Dressing
What is potato salad dressing made of? More often than not, it’s just mayonnaise. And that’s just fine! I have no problem with an all-mayo potato salad dressing, but I just love this lightened-up version with an extra flavour punch. To make my version, whisk together half Greek yogurt and half mayonnaise, along with lemon zest and juice and minced red onion. I love this punchy, tangy dressing that is still classic in creaminess, but vibrant and fresh and not at all cloying. Feel free to just use mayo, if you prefer.
What Should You Put In A Potato Salad?
Potato salads are made of potatoes and mayonnaise and everything beyond that comes down to personal choice. Chopped hard-boiled egg (see How to Boil Eggs in the Microwave) and celery are my favourite add-ins but eggs seem to be a divisive ingredient. This is probably because overcooked boiled eggs take on a sulfury smell and taste. I promise you that won’t happen if you use this method.
In any case, you don’t have to put eggs in your potato salad if you aren’t a fan (just omit from the recipe, you don’t have to change anything else). You can also mix in any of the following ingredients as you wish:
1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon 1 tablespoon minced fresh herbs like dill, chives, tarragon, basil, thyme or parsley 1-2 tablespoons chopped dill pickles or a spoonful of sweet relish A teaspoonful of dijon mustard A sprinkle of black pepper or paprika (smoked paprika is also yummy) A couple of teaspoons of vinegar or dill pickle juice in place of the lemon juice and zest BOSS MOVE: top your potato salad with some crispy-baked tater tots and walk into the room with your serving bowl like the royalty you are
How to Store Potato Salad and How Long Does it Last?
I recommend making potato salad no more than one day before you plan to serve it for optimum freshness, but leftovers will keep refrigerated for up to 3 days in a tightly-sealed container. Because this is a distinctly summer side dish, it bears emphasizing that for food safety, potato salad should be left at room temperature for no more than 4 hours. Keep it cool with ice packs if you’re taking it on a picnic. Only store leftovers if the potato salad was kept cold while out for serving, if out for any period of time. If you make the salad a day ahead, you can stir in up to 1/2 cup more mayonnaise as needed if it has dried out.
Other Delicious Side Dishes
Healthy Greek Pasta Salad with Creamy Feta Dressing Creamy Coleslaw Recipe Vegetarian Taco Salad with Lime Crema Grilled Panzanella Shredded Kale + Quinoa Salad with Creamy Tahini Dressing
