A Classic Potato Salad Recipe might be the most iconic dish at an American barbecue. Especially in the midwest, if there’s not potato salad it isn’t a proper party in the summer. This recipe comes to you straight from my mother-in-law, who is our family’s go-to potato salad pro (among many other things), and also one of my favorite people.

Homemade Potato Salad Recipe

All hail the potato salad. This is another one of those dishes I had NO time for love for when I was growing up, but once I tried my mother-in-law’s version it was all over.

This is a simple potato salad with just a few ingredients in the sauce, and in this case simplicity is best.

We also omit the raw onion because I don’t know who made raw onion a thing in salads, but they can keep it, and we’re also in a fight. Raw onion only belongs on a street taco, as far as I’m concerned, and that’s why you won’t see it in many recipes around these parts. COOKED onion, I’m all for, and in large amounts, but raw is not my thing (and probably no cooked onion in potato salad either if we’re being real.)

What’s the best kind of potato for potato salad?

I prefer red or yellow potatoes for potato salad. Russet potatoes are too starchy, and don’t stay together well enough after cooking.

How long should you boil potatoes for potato salad?

Boil potatoes just until they are fork tender. Too long, and they’ll fall apart when you dice them.

Can you use Miracle Whip instead of mayo?

I don’t recommend using Miracle Whip in place of mayo in this recipe, but I’m not the boss of you and if you love Miracle Whip, do your thing.

Is it better to boil potatoes whole or cut them up for potato salad?

If your potatoes are large, cut them into quarters before boiling. If they are small, just leave them whole.

Can you dress the potatoes while they are still warm?

Since we’re using a mayo-based sauce, you definitely want to chill the potatoes for a bit before dressing or the heat from the potato can break down the mayo.

How salty should the potato water be for potato salad?

The potatoes are going to get a big boost of flavor from the water they are cooked in, so make sure your water is well-salted. Like VERY salted. It won’t all be absorbed into the potatoes, and potatoes are dense and relatively large. When you taste the water it should be a little saltier than sea water. In a big 8 quart stock pot, I add 1/3-1/2 cup of kosher salt.

Potato Salad shopping list

Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

How to make Homemade Creamy Potato Salad

This is just the overview so you can see what you’re actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.

Want a great pasta salad recipe? Try this 4-ingredient Caprese Pasta Salad from Entertaining Diva!

Potato Salad FAQ

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