Mom's Classic Potato Salad Recipe (made with Real Food ingredients!) (2024)

Published . By Alyssa Brantley 23 Comments

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My Mom’s Potato Salad recipe is based on classic potato salad and it’s truly AMAZING! My version uses homemade 3-minute mayonnaise and is paleo-friendly!

Mom's Classic Potato Salad Recipe (made with Real Food ingredients!) (6)

Mom’s Classic Potato Salad

A truly amazing and classic potato salad recipe is hard to come by these days. Most recipes aren’t like the old classics our moms used to make. That’s why I’m SO excited to share my mom’s potato salad recipe, which is kind of a big deal because she’s not afan of sharing her tried and true recipes with ANYONE.

When it comes to potato salad, this is seriously the best potato salad I have ever eaten in my life. No one can get enough of it, because it’s just that good!

With creamy homemade mayonnaise, soft potatoes, and hard-boiled eggs scattered throughout, you’re in for a treat with every bite.

Is Potato Salad Paleo-Friendly?

For those of you who eat a mostly Paleo diet, this version is paleo-friendly. There is a lot of conversation happening out there right now about resistant starch. White potatoes and white rice that are cooked and cooled sort of fit into the “resistant starch” category. Here is a Q&A from Mark Sisson answering questions all about resistant starch.

Personally, I think there is room in everyone’s diet for awesome sauce potato salad.

Ingredients for Classic Potato Salad

  • Russet Potatoes
  • Sweet Onion
  • Green Bell Pepper
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Hard-Cooked Eggs
  • Homemade Mayonnaise
  • Kosher Salt
  • Ground White Pepper
  • Celery Seed

Mom's Classic Potato Salad Recipe (made with Real Food ingredients!) (7)

How To Make Classic Potato Salad

I am a true believer that potato salad is one of those dishes everyone should learn how to make eventually. It’s so easy, and it always a crowd-pleaser at any party, or event you bring it to.

This recipe is great for beginners just starting to find their way around the kitchen because it allows them to incorporate a few different cooking skills, without going crazy with too many steps. It’s also great for any seasoned cookers who just want to whip up something real quick without too much effort.

The steps are as simple as this:

  1. Place whole, unpeeled potatoes in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil, reduce heat to a medium boil and continue cooking until potatoes are fork-tender but not falling apart. (picture #1)
  2. While potatoes are cooking, prep your vegetables, hard-cooked eggs, and mayonnaise.
  3. When potatoes are fork-tender, use a slotted spoon or very carefully, remove the skins and discard. (picture #2)
  4. Cut the potatoes and place in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with kosher salt. (picture #3)Mom's Classic Potato Salad Recipe (made with Real Food ingredients!) (8)
  5. Add the vegetables and hard-boiled egg. (picture #1)
  6. Add the remaining seasonings and mayo and gently fold in. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. (picture #2 and #3)
  7. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled (or overnight!). Serve and Enjoy!

Mom's Classic Potato Salad Recipe (made with Real Food ingredients!) (9)

The Best Tips For Making Potato Salad

  • My mom prefers to use white round potatoes but I have a hard time finding organic near me so I have come to using organic russets. A lot of people like to use red or new potatoes for potato salad since they stay firm and hold their shape but I think (as long as you don’t overcook them!), the bit of russet that mashes up gives this an extra creamy texture and only adds to the deliciousness!
  • Try to select evenly sized potatoes so they cook evenly.
  • Plan to make this one day in advance as it is actually better after the flavors settle.

Mom's Classic Potato Salad Recipe (made with Real Food ingredients!) (10)

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Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below!

Mom's Potato Salad

My Mom's Potato Salad recipe is based on classic potato salad and it's truly AMAZING! My version uses homemade 3-minute mayonnaise and is paleo-friendly!

Course:Sides

Cuisine:American

Keyword:best potato salad recipe, classic potato salad, how to make potato salad, Paleo Potato Salad

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 381 kcal

Author: Alyssa Brantley

5 from 6 votes

Mom's Classic Potato Salad Recipe (made with Real Food ingredients!) (11)

Print

Ingredients

  • 2.5poundsorganic russet potatoesboiled whole with skin on (SEE NOTES)
  • 1mediumstalk celerydiced
  • 1/2smallsweet oniondiced
  • 1/4mediumgreen bell pepperdiced
  • 1/2mediumcarrotpeeled and shredded
  • 2largehard boiled eggschopped
  • 2.5teaspoonskosher saltdivided
  • 2teaspoonswhole celery seed
  • 1/4teaspoonground white pepper
  • 1.25cupsmayonnaise

Instructions

  1. Place whole, unpeeled potatoes in a large pot of salted water (to cover by about 2"). Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a medium boil and continue cooking for 35 to 45 minutes (depends on size) until potatoes are fork tender but not falling apart.

  2. While potatoes are cooking, dice celery, onion and green bell pepper. Peel carrot and shred.

  3. If you haven't already made the hard boiled eggs, put those up.

  4. Finally, make a quick batch of mayonnaise and place in the fridge until ready to use.

  5. When potatoes are fork tender, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water to a plate or cutting board.

  6. Very carefully, remove the skins and discard. The potatoes are hot so I recommend using a kitchen towel and a fork so you don't burn your fingers.

  7. Cut the potatoes into 1" cubes and place in a large mixing bowl. Toss in any small potato bits that crumbled off and immediately sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the kosher salt over the potatoes and gently toss to coat.

  8. Add diced celery, onion and bell pepper along with shredded carrot and chopped hard boiled egg.

  9. Finally, add the remaining 1½ teaspoons kosher salt, celery seed, white pepper and mayo. Gently fold using aspatulauntil well mixed. You want to be careful not to crush the potatoes or stir too aggressively so the potatoes retain their shape.

  10. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled (or overnight!). Serve and Enjoy!

NOTES:

  • My mom prefers to use white round potatoes but I have a hard time finding organic near me so I have come to using organic russets. A lot of people like to use red or new potatoes for potato salad since they stay firm and hold their shape but I think (as long as you don't overcook them!), the bit of russet that mashes up gives this an extra creamy texture and only adds to the deliciousness!
  • Try to select evenly sized potatoes so they cook evenly.
  • Plan to make this one day in advance as it is actually better after the flavors settle.

Nutrition Facts

Mom's Potato Salad

Amount Per Serving (0.5 cup)

Calories 381Calories from Fat 252

% Daily Value*

Fat 28g43%

Saturated Fat 5g31%

Cholesterol 61mg20%

Sodium 977mg42%

Potassium 664mg19%

Carbohydrates 28g9%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 3g3%

Protein 5g10%

Vitamin A 740IU15%

Vitamin C 12.3mg15%

Calcium 42mg4%

Iron 1.7mg9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Did you make this recipe? Tag @EverydayMaven on Instagram with the hashtag #EveryDayMaven and please give a star rating below.

UPDATE NOTES: This recipe was originally posted in May 2014 but was updated in July 2019 with edited photos, step-by-step images and instructions, and more helpful information.

EverydayMaven.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mom's Classic Potato Salad Recipe (made with Real Food ingredients!) (12)Pat says

    Made this potato salad last nite & was surprised it was so good…..easy too. I added 2Tbs. of pickle relish which is a standard ingredient for my potato salad….

    Reply

    • Mom's Classic Potato Salad Recipe (made with Real Food ingredients!) (13)Alyssa Brantley says

      Perfection Pat! So happy it worked for you 🙂

      Reply

  2. Mom's Classic Potato Salad Recipe (made with Real Food ingredients!) (14)Renee Goerger says

    My family is always happy when I make this potato salad. Thanks for sharing this recipe!

    Reply

    • Mom's Classic Potato Salad Recipe (made with Real Food ingredients!) (15)Alyssa Brantley says

      That made my day Renee!

      Reply

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Mom's Classic Potato Salad Recipe 
(made with Real Food ingredients!) (2024)

FAQs

Can I eat 7 day old potato salad? ›

Just like regular potato salad you have up to five days to consume it, if stored properly. Is it safe to eat week-old potato salad? The USDA doesn't recommend consuming potato salad that's more than five days old.

What can make you sick in potato salad? ›

They give potato salad a breeding ground for foodborne toxins such as salmonella or listeria when the correct temperature is not maintained. That's why potato salad should be kept cold, either by putting the serving dish on ice or leaving it in the refrigerator or cooler until just before it's served.

What kind of potatoes are best for potato salad? ›

To keep your salad from falling apart into mush, it's important to use the best potatoes for potato salad. Skip the russet potatoes and use a waxy variety instead, like Yukon gold, red potatoes or fingerlings.

How to make potato salad Martha Stewart? ›

Directions
  1. Put potatoes in a large pot of salted water; bring to a boil. Cook until just tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain; let cool.
  2. Stir together mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, and dill; season with salt and pepper. Peel potatoes; cut into 1-inch chunks. Fold into mayonnaise mixture.
Feb 25, 2021

How to make a potato salad Jamie Oliver? ›

Method
  1. Gently boil the potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and leave to cool slightly.
  2. Whisk the mustard with the vinegar and slowly add the olive oil. ...
  3. Slice the cooked potatoes in half and dress with the shallot and parsley vinaigrette.

What is in Walmart potato salad? ›

POTATOES, MAYONNAISE (SOYBEAN OIL, WATER, EGG YOLKS, VINEGAR, SALT), MUSTARD (WATER, VINEGAR, MUSTARD SEED, SALT, SUGAR, SOYBEAN OIL, TURMERIC, PAPRIKA, GARLIC POWDER, SPICES, ANNATTO EXTRACT (COLOR], XANTHAN GUM, CITRIC ACID, NATURAL FLAVOR), DILL PICKLE CUBES (CUCUMBER VINEGAR, SALT, CALCIUM CHLORIDE, NATURAL ...

Is it OK to eat expired potato salad? ›

Signs your potato salad is bad: It's slimy, it tastes odd, it smells bad, it has black, white or green mold growing on it, it's been left out on the counter for over 2 hours (or less if outside in the sun), it's been in the refrigerator for over 5 days. ”If in doubt, throw it out!”

Is it OK to eat old potatoes? ›

Raw potatoes should be firm to the touch with tight skin that's free of large bruises, black spots, or other blemishes. If a potato has become soft or mushy, you should throw it out. Though it's normal for potatoes to smell earthy or nutty, a musty or moldy odor is a hallmark of spoilage.

Can I eat week old mashed potatoes? ›

Mashed potatoes kept in the fridge should be thrown away if not used after 72 hours. That is the practice adhered to in most restaurants. Some will use it for an extra 24 hours if there's alot left but after that it is no longer fit to be used.

Is potato salad bad for stomach? ›

Cold cooked potatoes are great for your gut health because they contain resistant starch which help feed the beneficial bacteria. Once cooled the sugars in the potatoes become resistant to human digestion, but they travel through the gut to feed the microbes.

Why does my potato salad taste bland? ›

Forgetting To Salt The Water

Just as you would with pasta, seasoning the water is the only way to flavor the potatoes themselves. The vegetable absorbs the water it's cooked in, so if you just boil them in unseasoned water, you'll end up with tasteless taters that no amount of mayo, herbs, or bacon bits can help.

What does solanine do to the body? ›

Despite their nutritional value, potato tuber may harm human health by virtue of their toxic glycoalkaloids (solanine). Acute solanine poisoning can happen from ingesting green or sprouted potatoes. The toxicity of Gas in humans causes mainly gastrointestinal disturbances such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

What does potato salad contain? ›

It traditionally consists of the primary potato salad ingredients (mashed boiled potatoes, chopped onions) mixed with a dressing of mayonnaise, rice vinegar, and karashi mustard. Carrot, cucumber, ham, and mashed boiled eggs can also be added to the salad as desired.

Does potato salad contain mayo? ›

Cut potatoes into cubes. Mix mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper in large glass or plastic bowl. Add potatoes, celery and onion; toss. Stir in eggs.

What's the difference between salad potatoes and normal potatoes? ›

Salad Potatoes can often be described as “l*ttle Potatoes” or “Small Potatoes” and people mistakenly take them for potatoes too small to be like normal potatoes. However these potatoes are grown specifically for this smaller specification and skin finish.

What's the difference between German potato salad and regular potato salad? ›

There are two main differences between American and German Potato salads. American potato salad is usually tossed in a mayonnaise-based dressing and served cold. German potato salad is tossed in a vinegar-based dressing and is traditionally served warm (but you can totally serve it cold too! It's still delicious!).

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