This easy, classic Potato Salad Recipe with eggs, celery, and green onion is handed down from my grandma with her secret tips and creamy, tangy dressing to make it THE BEST potato salad recipe ever.
In This Post
How to Make the Best Potato Salad
It may be pretty bold to claim, but saying this is the BEST Potato Salad recipe is a statement I 100% stand behind. But I’m not the only one. With over 2,000 positive reviews, this potato salad is popular all year roundโnot just in summer but at Thanksgiving and Christmas, too. It’s the classic potato salad I grew up on and the recipe my Grandma Mary Jane passed down to my mom, aunts, cousins, sister, and me. In our recipe, creamy potatoes and chopped egg are dressed in a simple dressing made with Miracle Whip instead of mayo, giving it a hint of sweetness and lots of tang. Celery and green onions add a bit of crunch with celery seed adding an earthy layer of flavor. Iโve shared other potato salad recipes here on the blog including my German potato salad, this creamy dill potato salad, my no-mayo potato salad with herbs, and this popular loaded baked potato salad, but this traditional potato salad recipe outranks them all. So now it’s your turn to give it a try. Hereโs how to make the best potato salad ever. Letโs get startedโฆ
What’s in THE BEST Easy Potato Salad
- Yukon gold potatoesโI’ve found Yukon gold potatoes are the best for potato salad because they have a creamier texture that holds its shape better in potato salad and won’t turn mushy.
- White vinegarโI sprinkle just-cooked, warm potatoes with white vinegar to add flavor and tang. Use cider vinegar or pickle juice if you prefer.
- Hard-boiled eggsโEggs add to the creamy factor in potato salad while adding a slightly different texture.ย My grandma’s original recipe calls for just three eggs, but since Iโm a super fan of eggs in potato salad, I’ve added two more. It probably stems from my adoration of egg salad, so feel free to adapt to your taste.
- CeleryโA few ribs of chopped celery adds a bit of crunch to every bite. Iโve tried this recipe with diced pickles because everything tastes better with pickles. Except for this version of potato salad. So Iโm saving the pickles for my tuna salad sandwiches.
- Green onionโChopped green onion adds a little heat to this salad but isn’t as bold as yellow onion. Red onion would be a fine substitute.
- Miracle WhipโThis is the secret sauce to this potato salad dressing. Similar in consistency and often interchangeable, Miracle Whip dressing tastes sweeter and less eggy than traditional mayonnaise.
- Yellow mustardโMustard adds spice and tang to the potato salad dressing. Like on my hot dogs, plain old yellow mustard is the best and I donโt even dream about getting fancy schmancy with German browns, hearty-seeded, or Frenchy dijon mustards. I save that for my German potato salad.
- Celery seedโThis dried spice extends the celery flavor by adding an earthy flavor. Like in my favorite bloody mary recipe, you do not want to skip the celery seed flavor.
- Kosher salt and fresh ground pepperโAs always, the essential flavor boosters for any dish.
- PaprikaโPaprika doesn’t add flavor here, but I use a sprinkle as the final touch to make the salad extra pretty when served.
What Type of Potato Is Best for Potato Salad
- I use Yukon gold potatoes (white potatoes) in our family’s potato salad recipe. Yukon gold potatoes taste creamier, sweeter, and hold their shape better than other varieties after cooking. And because they have thinner skin, they’re easy to peel after cooking.
- Avoid using starchier potatoes like russets that too easily turn to mush in salads like this.
- Choose potatoes around the same size for the most consistent cooking.
- Do you cut potatoes before boiling for potato salad? My mom says to boil the potatoes whole with the skin on, so I do too. Some commenters have suggested peeling and cutting the potatoes before cooking, but doing so allows the potatoes to absorb more water and could make a watery potato salad.
How to Make THE BEST Potato Salad Recipe
- Add the potatoes to a large pot filled with cold water, bring to a boil, thenย reduce to medium heat so the potato temperature rises at the same rate as the water. Don’t add the potatoes to hot, boiling water.
- While the potatoes cook, chop the hard-boiled egg, celery, and green onion. Chop into same-size pieces so you get some of each in every bite.
- Boil the potatoes until fork-tender and the skin begins to crack, about 30-35 minutes. Cooking time will depend on the size of your potatoes so adjust as needed.
- Reader-suggested cooking method: Steam the potatoes in 1 inch of water for 30 minutes. This method works because the potatoes don’t absorb as much water. Be sure to watch you don’t boil your water away and burn the pan.
- When cool to the touch, peel the potatoes and cut into bite-size dice.
- PRO TIP: To make peeling the cooked potato easier, use a sharp knife to score the skin of each potato in four sections, then peel off the skin. It often comes right off!
Here’s Why You Should Put Vinegar on Potato Salad
- Add a few splashes of vinegar to the warm potatoes. One of the biggest flavoring secrets for this recipe is adding white vinegar to the warm, diced potatoes. While still warm, the potatoes absorb the vinegar’s zing as they cool, adding another flavor of mellow tang from within.
Mix the Salad
- Mix the dressing. Mix the Miracle Whip with the mustard, celery seed, kosher salt, and black pepper in another bowl until smooth.ย
- Add the egg, celery, and green onion to the potatoes and toss with the dressing. Fold the salad carefully so the egg doesn’t disintegrate into the other ingredients.
- Give this salad time before serving. Allowing the potato salad flavors to meld is important so if Iโm planning on eating the salad the day I make it, Iโll prepare it at lunch so the flavors can build, or I’ll make it a day ahead.
How is Miracle Whip Different from Mayonnaise
In this recipe’s reader comments, there’s some debate about using Miracle Whip over traditional mayonnaise. Miracle Whip and mayonnaise are similar in consistency but have different tastes. When used as a sandwich spread, they’re often used interchangeably. Both have a creamy tang but Miracle Whip is sweeter and less eggy than mayonnaise. So while I’m a mayo fan, in this potato salad I like the sweetness of Miracle Whip that mayo just doesn’t have. That’s why time and again Iโve returned to my roots and back to Miracle Whip. If youโre a mayo fan, try my Loaded Baked Potato Salad, or by all means, make the move and swap it out here. Or maybe, just maybe, give the old Whip a try.
How to Keep Potato Salad from Getting Watery
- Use the right potato. Creamy Yukon golds cooked with the skin on absorb the dressing and hold it well.
- Be sure to add the dressing to cool potatoes. Potatoes will sweat water as they cool, and that can contribute to watery potato salad.
- Avoid low-fat or fat-free Miracle Whip in the dressing. Ingredients used to make lower-fat versions of salad dressings can contribute to a less stable product that releases more water into the dish.
- Reader Vicki sent in an email with her suggestion to avoid watery potato salad. BUT! I don’t have this problem and like to salt my potato water to add flavor, so test this tip to decide for yourself: “I asked a renowned chef what I was doing wrong, and he told me NEVER to salt the potatoes either during cooking or preparing the salad. The salt makes the potatoes seepย water. Ever since I took his suggestion, I have never had a problem with wateryย salad. You can season theย salad with salt, pepper, and other seasonings just before serving and it wonโt affect the potatoes once they have been mixed with the mayo. Just an FYI.”
Potato Salad Substitutions and Variations
Everyone has their favorite ingredients for potato salad, just check out the comments for this recipe. Here are a few additions and variations you may be craving now.
- Can you use mayo instead of Miracle Whip? If you prefer to, go for it. Personally, the sweetness in Miracle Whip is what I have the most fondness for.
- Try a half-and-half situation by subbing in half sour cream or Greek yogurt for any part of the mayo/Miracle Whip combo.
- Try adding pickles. For more zing, adding diced sweet pickles, dill pickles or pickle relish will give this salad another layer of flavor.
- Chopped red onion or radishes will add a bit more heat.
- Add bacon for an earthy bite (or just make my Baked Potato Salad with bacon, sour cream, and cheddar cheese instead.)
- Instead of Yukon gold potatoes, try red potatoes with their skins on for a more colorful potato look.
What to Serve With Potato Salad
- How to Make the Best Grilled Salmon
- The Best BBQ Chicken
- The Best Garlic Burgers EVER
- Bacon Double Cheddar Cheeseburger With Caramelized Onions
- The Best Greek Chicken
If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave aย 
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My Grandma’s BEST Potato Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 pounds medium white potatoes or Yukon golds , skin on
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt , (optional for adding flavor to potatoes)
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 celery stalks (ribs) , diced
- 6 green onions , diced
- 5 hard-boiled eggs , peeled
- 1 ยฝ cups Miracle Whip , or mayonnaise if you prefer
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 ยฝ teaspoons celery seed
- ยพ teaspoon kosher salt
- ยพ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- paprika for garnish
Instructions
- Add the potatoes to a large pot of cold water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a lightly rolling boil over medium heat and add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt (optional). Cook for 30-35 minutes or until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork or paring knife. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the potatoes. Drain and set aside until cool enough to handle.
- Peel the skins from the potatoes and cut into ยฝ" to ยพ" square pieces. Transfer the warm potatoes to a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with the white vinegar. Toss the potatoes with the vinegar and set the potatoes aside to cool, about 15-20 minutes.
- Add the celery and the green onions to the potato mixture. Chop 4 of the hard boiled eggs and add to the potato mixture.
- In a medium bowl, mix the Miracle Whip (or mayonnaise), yellow mustard, celery seed, and ยพ teaspoon salt and pepper. Fold into the potato mixture and season with more salt and pepper to taste. Slice the last egg into thin slices and place them on top of the salad. Sprinkle with paprika if desired. Chill for at least 1 hour or overnight before serving.
Notes
- If you prefer, substitute the Miracle Whip with mayonnaise. Or, use half mayonnaise and half Greek yogurt or sour cream for more tang.ย
- As I noted in the text of this post, a reader commented that adding kosher salt to the potato cooking water could make a watery potato salad. I haven't had that experience so I often add kosher salt when cooking to impart flavor to the potatoes. But, you can always skip salting the water if you prefer.ย
- Refrigerate the salad at least one hour up to overnight before serving for the flavors to meld.ย
- For best results, the salad can be made one day before serving.ย
Nutrition
More Classic Potluck Recipe Ideas
- The Best Homemade Mac and Cheese
- How to Make Classic Macaroni Salad
- How To Make The Best Creamy Coleslaw
- Fresh and Easy Vietnamese Noodle Salad
- The Best BBQ Baked Beans
- 20 Potluck Side Dishes For The Classic Summer BBQ
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Duncan Friesen
This is the first potato salad I ever made. I made it with all fresh vegetables from the garden. It is amazing! I have made it twice now and this time I will share it with others ha ha..
Thank you Duncan! I’m glad it was a success!
Ashley
My family absolutely loved this. I substituted the salt for a jar of sliced green olives, half a yellow onion instead of green, then added a fair amount of real bacon bits and some dill relish, and this turned out incredible. My mom refuses to give up her potato salad recipe, and with your help, I think I’ve officially one upped her! Thanks for the awesome recipe :)
I’m glad you all enjoyed Ashley!
Ninja's Mama
The Miracle Whip is a hard no, but cooking the unpeeled potatoes whole (or as close to whole as possible) and soaking the cooked potatoes in vinegar while they’re still warm is the secret to truly excellent potato salad. This is a good recipe that covers the fundamentals and can be easily customized for your tastes. It definitely improves as it sits in the fridge, so it’s a perfect make-ahead dish.
Kathy R
Just like my mom used to makeโฅ๏ธ
Rebecca Barcia
The BEST potato salad EVER! We have always had our potato salad using Best Foods Mayo. I also added some pickle relishโฆjust WOW! The Mayo mixture is spot on, simple and perfect.
Thank you Rebecca! I’m glad you enjoyed!
David
Good recipe, but how do you differentiate the many potato salad recipes out there? I added a few things like chopped baby dill pickle, dill, chopped carrots, Sriracha and yes, some apple chunks. Turned out great!
I’m glad you enjoyed David!
Mary Honan
Made this for a cookout and everyone loved it!
Happy to hear Mary!
Lea Castle
I choose this recipe for my first attempt in making homemade potato salad. This was easy to follow and very good. I did add a little sugar to add sweetness but followed it exactly from the recipe provided.
I’m glad you enjoyed Lea!
Nicola Murphy
The vinegar really make a difference. I love the tang.
Daddy68
WOW…..better than my mom’s
Judy A
Delicious and truly reminded us all of my momโs / grandmaโs potato salad!! I added just a little sweet pickle juice (my secret ingredient in many salads) and equal parts of mayo and salad dressing. I doubled the recipe for our crew of 12 and there as only a little leftover. This one is a keeper!
Sounds great Judy! Glad you could adjust!
Ina
Iโm 81 years old. I decided I wanted to try a new recipe. This one is very similar to mine with the exception of adding the vinegar to warm potatoes. Other thank adding several ch red radishes, I followed the recipe. Excellent!
I’m happy to hear you enjoyed Ina!
Shirley
was very good salad don’t think I used enough miracle whip. but the family liked it
Glad you all enjoyed, Shirley!
PK
Recipe sounds good, but have a question. Is the calorie count really 171K cal?
Hayley
Hi there, yes, that is the amount we calculated.
Eileen
Delish!
Judi
This was my mother’s recipe! She never measured it out, and neither did I back in the day, lol. I wanted exact measurements so the taste would be perfect and this was it! I made exactly like the recipe, except left out the onions because my friend has an allergy! I think the vinegar and celery seed are the secret to the best taste AND Miracle Whip also! My husband tasted it and said THIS is how I remember potato salad used to taste!
I’m glad you both enjoyed Judi!
Amanda
I made it this way using mayo. I left the eggs out because my hubby does not eat them. I also added some dill pickles. It tastes great! I also doubled the green onions. I might peel the potatoes first next time. The vinegar on the potatoes trick works great!
I’m glad you enjoyed Amanda! Sounds delicious!
Naomi
So many compliments when I made this. It was absolutely delicious.
Happy to hear it Naomi!
Trish Clark
Fantastic recipe! I did use three dill pickle spears, 1 cup pickle juice mixed with the mayo, and instead of white vinegar, zesty Italian over the potatoes while they were warm
Glad you enjoyed Trish!
Jasmine
Mash half the potatoes, add garlic powder and relish. Then, itโs the BEST potato salad.
Chris
I find it easier to cut potatoes into 1โ cubes than put in boiling water for 6 minutes then drain and run under cold water. I always cut up Daveโs Spicy pickles (or another brand of sweet hot pickles). I always get compliments because it just adds that little bit of something different. Also although I love onions, I donโt in potato salad and leave it out. Just a different flavor that just tastes offโฆ. Lastly I put in an ample splash of Apple cider vinegar. Let it set in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours for the flavors to set. Awesome recipe!
Danny
Great potato salad, I’ve made this 5 times now. I add 2 medium dill pickles (chopped) and 1 table spoon of the pickle juice.
Thank you Danny! Glad you enjoyed!
Sherry
Thank you so much! This potato salad was a big hit this year at my family’s annual camp dinner.
I’m glad everyone enjoyed Sherry!
Michael
Absolutely delicious! I did sprinkle a little dill weed top, mainly for presentation, along with the paprika dusting. Highly recommend.
Glad you enjoyed Michael!
Kim
perfecto
Jessica
Yummy!
Kelly Butler
Wonderful recipe! This is how I make it. Only difference is I use half white vinegar and half cider, so itโs neither too sweet or too sour. And I mix all the ingredients,(I use Kraft mayo)except potatoes and paprika. Mix everything, taste for seasoning, then put in your hot/very warm potatoes and they will absorb all the wonderful flavors much better than cool spuds. Top with paprika. Refrigerate overnight. SOO yummy.
Thank you for the recipe, Heidi!
I”m glad you enjoy Kelly!
Ada Ardito
I haven’t tried this yet, my potatoes are still cooking. I gave you a 5/5 because it sounds like the potato salad I grew up with…miracle whip etc. I just know it is delicious. I do have questions. The narative prior to the recipe states…no salt in water and leave potatoes whole to keep dry. Recipe contradicts this?
Hi Ada, the suggestion for not salting the water comes from a reader who learned that tip from a chef. However, I salt the potato water to add flavor to the potatoes. I hope you try the recipe and find it as delicious as we do!
Skyla
Loved using this as my base recipe! We try to avoid seed oils, so I wanted to share the amendment in case anyone else is looking to do the same!. Instead of miracle whip, I used a 50/50 mixture of Greek yogurt and primal kitchen avocado Mayo with about a tbs of maple syrup to add in the sweetness. It came out great and was a big crowd pleaser!
Kirsti
This may be the closest recipe Iโve found to my late Mumโs potato salad! Reminds me of many laughter filled bbqโs in my teens.
This will become a regular addition to our family bbqโs from here on out!
I’m glad you enjoyed Kirsti!
Kirsti
This may be the closest recipe Iโve found to my late Mumโs potato salad! Reminds me of many laughter filled bbqโs in my teens.
This will become a regular addition to our family bbqโs from here on out!
I’m glad you enjoyed Kirsti!
Joanne
I’ve got to rate this 5 stars, as it’s almost the same as mine – I don’t add vinegar or celery seed. Treat the potatoes the same way, boiling whole. I like to add thinly sliced radishes too!
Sounds great Joann! I’m glad you enjoyed!
Quraisha Hasan
it’s was an oooghh with every bite!! thank you for sharing such a delicious recipe
Thank you Quraisha! I’m glad you enjoyed!
Susan Higgins
Whenever I used my mini chopper to dice my celery and onions, my potato salads turn out watery. When I chop by hand, it doesn’t happen. It sounds ridiculous but true.
Lisa Wilson
Oh, Wow! So delicious! I didnโt have celery seed. Going to go out and buy and add it . But this is soooo good. I love it!
Glad you enjoyed Lisa!
Tee
I made this recipe to the T! That potato salad was smacking. Straight fire brought this to a friends house that made pulled pork and Everyone went for seconds. The second day it was even better. Which I didnโt think was possible. This will always be my go to.
So glad it was a success and you enjoyed!
Sofya Belyaeva
I made salad with your recipe several times. Unfortunately we donโt have salary seeds in Russia. But your salad is extremely tasty, thank you!
So glad you enjoyed!
Tonya Sutter
I enjoy reviews from ppl who’ve made the recipe and didn’t alter the ever loving crap out of it lmao. I made this and it’s really good. Only thing I added was chopped dill pickle per my hubster.
Good job, Heidi (โ ๏พโ โโ ใฎโ โโ )โ ๏พโ *โ .โ โง
Thank you Tonya! Glad you enjoyed!
Deana
Making for Easter. Sounds yummy!!
hen
I am going to try this for Easter. Looks great and is close to my mother’s recipe, but I always add a small jar of pimentos and paprika over the top before serving. My mother always did that, and it looked so pretty.
Sounds delicious!
Mary
This is delicious! I added some dill pickle relish; otherwise, followed the recipe exactly.
Glad you enjoyed Mary!
Dee
This is the way my mother made potato salad, except she used Gulden’s mustard. Everyone loved it and a few made a face when they heard Miracle Whip, but they ALL loved it!
Happy to hear everyone enjoyed!
Sue
My mother in law would always take the yolk from 2 of 5 hard boiled eggs and mix them with the mayo/MW for and a nice egg flavor throughout the whole dish.
Cathy
love it! super easy and taste just like moms!
Bridget
Hey there i only have russett potatoes!
Jean Dupont
I have used my mother-in-law’s potato salad recipe for 60 years. When I try a different recipe, I always go back to her recipe that my family and friends prefer. She also used Miracle Whip for the same reasons you posted. The only difference between your recipe and mine is I use red potatoes; also mix a little rice vinegar with sugar before adding MW, mustard and sweet pickle juice. When the potatoes are peeled and diced and while still warm, I add the green onions and a big splash of Italian dressing (Wishbone, Kraft or other) and let it set for several minutes, then add eggs, celery, a little celery seed and paprika.
Debbie
Without a doubt the best potato salad ever. Every single time I make it there is nothing but compliments. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Debbie! Glad you enjoyed.
Mr Creatine
mash the potatoes folks and then all the dressing ingredients will go through all of the potatoes and taste so much better
RC
Just curious. Wouldn’t mashing the potatoes & then mixing in the dressing ingredients make mashed potatoes? Does sound good though.
Cornelius
Greetings humans, my preferred pronouns are They/Them.
I would like to make this potato salad recipe but I am vegan and also allergic to potatoes, celery, and onions. What would be some vegan friendly substitutions and taking into consideration my various allergies?
Sandra
You could try chayote or jicamaโฆ
De
try a different recipe?
Annabelle
lettuce
Lars Stinglsteel
LOL
Deez N. Utz
Hi you, just sub in turnip or rutabaga for the potatoes, jicama for the celery, and raw radish for the onion! Miracle Whip is vegan and feel free to use a little avocado mash for color and a smooth mouthfeel, unless you can tolerate coconut or other nut butters. I’m guessing you are all about nuts with your issues.
Gail
This is now my go to potato salad. I love that miracle whip is a definite ingredient. A lot of people sneer at it, but for me it’s in daily use for sandwiches and anything else that needs miracle whip/mayo. I do add gherkins and bacon.
I’m glad you enjoyed Gail!
Erin Pelosi
I found this recipe for my son graduation party last year..it was a hit!! Now itโs my go to recipe. I just made it this morning for a church picnic today and thereโs one bowl left! Itโs good! Thank you for the recipe, Erin
Glad everyone enjoyed Erin!
Eve
I will try this. I never met a potato dish I didnโt like. LOL
My Southern Mama always saved pickle juice and used combo of a little mustard added with Mayo, chopped dill pickles or relish. Regular diced Onion, lots of eggs and thatโs it. Sat and pepper. Simple but good.
I use Dukes a lot because itโs SF and always has been and it has that slight lemony taste.
Dana
This recipe turned out SO good, in fact it was so well liked I will be making it for my wedding in August! I have it saved as the BEST potato salad recipe. The only sub I did was used the lower cal Mayo and red onion. I made the full fat Mayo version for the rest of the fam and when tasted side by side, you LITERALLY couldnโt tell the difference – NO ONE could! So for those of you looking for a lower calorie option I highly recommend the lower calorie Mayo!!! SO GOOD!!!!
Sounds great Dana! So happy you enjoyed! :)
Susanna
Okay Girl,
I just finished making this and it is HANDS DOWN the BEST POTATO SALAD EVER!!!! I used a few more green onions and maybe an extra celery stalk and six eggs, but all the dressing ingredients as written (used only mayo) and WOW!!!!
So yummy!!! I’m so glad I found you. Grandma knows BEST!!
Thank you, Susanna! So glad you enjoyed it!
Bonnie
Stellar recipe! I especially like the vinegar which adds a perfect note of tang to the potatoes. I made one change, used 1/2 mayo and 1/2 whole fat Greek yogurt for a delicious flavor and texture! Happy Summer!
Tami Black
Outstanding! The best! I’m a brand new follower because of this recipe!
Nancy Stills
Used Hellman’s Real Mayo… the first two ingredients in Miracle Whip are unhealthy and are probably the reason the potato salad has a a slightly sweeter different taste: Water, Soybean Oil, High Fructose Corn Syrup. Nope!!!
I add some tang with Hungarian Sweet Paprika and a couple of baby dills. I didn’t have any yellow mustard but did have Coleman’s Mustard powder which gave it added zing.
Otherwise… it is a great recipe as followed with some awesome tips.
Beverly Carrigan
Just made the potato salad and had to taste it. Really good even just made. I think I could have used less Mayo. I followed the recipe exactly except only used 4 eggs.
Lesley Banchak
Hi Heidi, I noticed something when I adjusted the quantity of the potato salad. I needed to do that for a crowd. The quantities of the ingredients changed, sort of, (the weight of 15 med potatoes is more than 2 1/2 to 3 lbs) and how much is 1.88 tsp of salt equal to? Also, the adjustments never were reflected in the directions. Computer glitch?
I think you’re best to round up to 2 teaspoons of salt.
Diane
This is very much like my mothers recipe except we add radishes (which I love).
Vern patterson
Reminds me of my mom recipe, thanks for sharing
Sheri Smith
This really is the Best Potato salad, however I loved Mayo too much to replace it with Mircle Whip , I made it with Dukes Mayo !
Emily
This potato salad is delicious. Itโs exactly what I would expect from a southern picnic style potato salad.
My suggestion if you decide to use mayonnaise instead of Miracle Whip is to add a little bit of sugar. Like 1/2-1 tsp.
The only things I did a little differently was I baked my Yukon golds instead of boiling (put on a sheet pan tightly covered with foil and baked at 375 until tender) and used Japanese Mayo with a bit of sugar and I added 2/3 the vinegar to the hot potatoes and chilled overnight then the rest of the vinegar with the mayonnaise . Do not skip the celery seed!
shelley
Hi I’m a bit confused about the salt. You first said not to add whilst cooking, but the instructions say to add salt after they come to a boil. Thanks
Seanna
I make this potato salad for every special event!! It is so amazing just as the recipe is written, but you can turn the basic into whatever you like!!my entire family loves it so much. Thank you!!!
Stella
Best recipe ever!!! Was out of celery seed so I substituted dill weed.
sandy
And if you don’t make a recipe according to the exact written recipe you aren’t even commenting on the real recipe. Don’t comment on your changes. Not interested in any comments except on the original recipe please!
Dianna
There are many of us who do appreciate the comments about substitutions, Sandy, so please speak only for yourself. While I think you probably shouldn’t rate the recipe if you’ve made extensive changes, the comments of those who made it using substitutions (better or worse) can be helpful if we want to make the recipe and don’t have every single ingredient called for.
sharon
i like to see how people change it up in case i dont have whats needed alot of people do this … its fine
Mrs.P
Actually, thatโs why a lot of people come to the comments? To see if other people liked it and what tweaks they would make if any.
T
Took a lot of time to make this and followed receipt exactly, only to end up with everything tasting like vinegar, it was awful! I put 3 tablespoons and still trying to figure out if I add too much, and/or was I supposed to dump it out? Iโm so confused and frustrated.
M
Thank you for posting this recipe! My family LOVED it and Iโll never make it differently again. The flavor and zip of this salad is perfect heaven!
I’m glad you all enjoyed it!
Daynat
Excellent recipe. I added chopped homemade sweet pickles. Store bought pickles donโt do it justice. If you must buy sweet pickles, believe it or not, Walmart brand sweet pickles work best. I agree that boiling the whole potato and then peeling it is best. I also used Miracle Whip. For potato salad, it tastes great. . Other than adding sweet pickles, I followed the recipe exactly and it came out great.
I’m glad you enjoyed!
Sue
Sooo good! Followed your recipe all the way and will fix it again! So much better than (sorry mom) what I have fixed for years.
I’m glad you enjoy!
Honey
I noticed a lot of comments here are about Miracle Whip vs Mayo. I grew up in a house where mom hated MW and dad insisted on having it, so there were always two bowls for potato salad! I love the tanginess of MW, but loved mom’s Helman’s recipe as well. It’s a preference. Same with celery seed vs celery chopped. Dill or sweet pickle. Cut potatoes before, or after cooking them. And finally, whether to mash the yolks with the mayo/whip. All these subtle differences make potato salads unique. But of all the variations, the one I will never change is whether the potatoes are Organic, or not. I will never use anything but organic ever again. Glyphosate enters the American (very sick) diets with the basic potato. We love them, but they have been ruined with big Ag. Preserve your family’s health and stop thinking those cheap bags of spuds in the grocery store are a bargain. They are NOT. Potatoes are the easiest thing in the world to grow. In fact, you almost can’t get rid of them. The come back every year on their own. Reds, russets, and yukons. They are beautiful, bountiful, and this year more than ever, you should consider having your own garden. More people have died of starvation than violence. Remember that when you read about all the food processing plants “mysteriously” catching fire.
Suzanne
This is the first time I’ve made homemade potato salad. It was for my mom’s 83rd birthday potluck. I doubled the recipe and hoped putting 6tbsp of white vinegar would be fine instead of 3tbsp. I lost my sense of taste and smell due to Covid, so I was worried the 6tbsp was too much. Luckily, It was a hit at the potluck!! My question is, was it ok to use the 6tbsp of white vinegar since I doubled the recipe? Instead of 6 potatoes, I did 12. Any advice is appreciated!
Eileen
Rule of thumb is to Double ALL INGREDIENTS when doubling a recipe, that includes the vinegar.
Patti
This looks great! I would just leave the skins on, myself! I used to have a fantastic potato salad recipe that called for dropping the eggs in with the boiling potatoes at the end to hard boil them. Made so much sense rather than boiling 2 pots of water but I lost the recipe. Anyone ever hear of it? It was either called Southern Potato Salad or Old Fashioned? I think it also called for diced dill pickle and bacon on top?
Wayne M Schronski
What do you think about using apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?
Sure Wayne, apple cider works too, just has a little more tang to it.
Wayne M Schronski
Well, I bought a small bottle of white vinegar anyway, because all I had on hand was apple cider vinegar and rice vinegar. I didn’t cost much and I figure it’s probably smart to keep it on hand.
But thanks for answering. I think I’ll stick with the white vinegar. I’m going for something classic, that won’t disappoint my wife, who’s been finicky lately!
Johna
This recipe is so good it has ruined all other potato salads out there. The other thing we do different is use miracle whip and mayonnaise plus we add pickles. This is definitely our favorite potato salad, ever!
So glad it’s a fave for you too Johna. And, pickles never hurt anything! :)
cheryl smude
Delicious just added items without measuring till I found my taste. Be sure that eggs and potatoes are cool before blending.
Yvonne M Kriz
Thank you thank you for your recipe! For years I have tried to make it and basically gave up. Husband would tote some home from grocery store, I would eat some of it. I liked the containers more than the contents. I happened to have a bag of potatoes that I had parked in my crisper drawer and thought I better do something with them. So what else do you do with potatoes? I decided I would give it a whirl one more time. My husband was so jazzed up he went to the store to pick up the celery seed, celery and I made him get a bag of radishes which he looked dejected over. But he came home with everything I put on the list. Well, I have to tell you he, we loved it! I cant include a picture because it is already gone. I read all your tips beforehand and followed the recipe. My husband refuses to allow me to use MW. And I will work on that because I would like to try it with MW. Told me it was right up there beside his own mothers potato salad. And it was so spectacular I dont know whose mother could top it. Yes, I kept that to myself. I can finally bring something I made to gatherings and serve company that I made myself. The celery seeds are amazing! Who knew? Thank you Thank you Thank you!!
Robert R Gayda
Absolutely wonderful recipe the texture the crunch the taste everything is just as good as it gets
Gina
Just like grandmas! Thank you!
Sharon
I made this… Delicious!
Harsh
Hi Heidi
I loved the recipe. Although I tried a kind of different version since my wife doesn’t like eggs.
So I mixed Cottage Cheese and Potato’s and shallow fried it in butter. Actually more like roasted than fried.
Then added lemon and Jalapeรฑos and olives and black pepper and salt.
I am sure it was way different than your receipt but tasted great.
My wife loved it. Thanks for the idea of Potato salad although I did it different.
Cathy
This is identical to the recipe I grew up on in the 50s and 60s except it was made with Hellmann’s real mayonnaise. I didn’t taste Miracle whip until I visited friends who were originally from the Midwest and only had Miracle whip. I thought it was too sweet.
Susan Dubose
Your recipe is awesome! This recipe is definitely a keeper in my kitchen! Great every time. I might add a bit more mustard too, but thatโs just personal preference. Thank you for sharing!
Anthony Allen
I don’t add celery because I simply don’t like it but otherwise, this recipe is just so good for our family.
Richard Tunner
This potato salad recipe is a MUST try!
Connie Buckley
This recipe is very similar to one from my Grandmother/Mother that I grew up with and have made for years. The differences are mlnor. Instead they/we use Best Foods mayo instead of Miracle Whip, but add a bit of sugar to the sauce. We used lots of eggs. We used red onions instead of green ones, but I can see the appeal of both. They/we use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar, and sprinkled it on the hot potatoes. They/we then added the remainder of the vinegar to the dressing to make sure the tang appeared throughout the salad. Both are great recipies!
Sugar seems to be the secret Connie :)
Teresa
Can I use russet potatoes instead of Yukon ?
Yes Teresa, you can, but they will break apart more when mixed.
Emily
Iโve seen a Japanese potato salad recipe that calls for mashing half the potatoes. Itโs really good that was as well.
Faruk
I have never tried potato salad and this is going to change after reading this post. have to try it to see how it tastes.
Cheryl Stephens
I have made many potato salads and didnโt like very many of them. I made your grandmotherโs yesterday and I love it. Great Pinterest find! Thanks for sharing!
Heidi
Glad you like it Cheryl!
Petiteqwen
Wow! I just wanted to verify ingredients and quantity before i started putting the salad together…but then i scrolled down here and WOW! Again!!!
So MANY mom and grandma and daughter stories ABOUT POTATO SALAD. Sorta seems like that is the spice that makes EVERYONE’S salad so good!!!
Thanks for the smiles that will make my salad tonight’s favorite food on the plate.
Karen
Love this salad!!! Iโve been making one thatโs very similar but I got some great tips here. I just bookmarked your page!
Funny, my mom used to make her potato salad by mashing the potatoes and then adding the the onions, celery, etc to the salad. Iโve personally always cubed my potatoes.
I think she made hers this way because of where she came from.
Agabi Godwin
would love to try this asap.
linda
Pretty much like my moms as well but I add celery red onion hard boiled eggs dill pickles and a little pickle juice and I use MW its the only potatoe salad my hubby will eat sometimes I had a hint of mustard for the tang. salt and pepper I like it warm not so much cold but love it warm .Or when its first made
Marilyn
Love my potato salad warm too & i dont add eggs
Emily Stimpson
I made this potato salad recipe today and it is the best type of potato salad ever hands down! I will continue to make this for any and all occasions easy peasy thank you for the recipe
Cathy McBride
Nice and tangy the way I like It!
Ron
I must say that this is one of the most interesting comment strings I’ve ever read on a food blog. Surely, potato salad must be a personal thing. I found your recipe as I was looking for a typical potato salad like I used to eat when I lived in the US. Yours sure seems to fit the mold. We don’t have Miricle Whip in Sweden, but our mayo tends to be sweeter than Helman’s, so I’ll be using that. Thanks so much for the recipe…
crystal
good stuff!
Sandy
I just have to say I thought I hated Miracle Whip, (Best Foods girl), but this is my favorite potato salad. Thank you for a great recipe and making me try MW:)
Heidi
Glad you enjoyed Sandy!
Melissa
I quite like this recipe.. Not overpowering with seasonings like a lot of recipe’s.. simple & delicious. Thanks for sharing!
Heidi
Glad you enjoyed Melissa!
Blessing
I’ve not tried potato salads, but this is a great recipe. Lots of good suggestions, too. I read that you should add your mayo mixture while the potatoes are still warm which encourages absorption of the yummy flavour. I do that, saving back a bit, and add the other good bits after a short while and then finish with the rest of the dressing about 1 1/2 hours before serving. Then it is not too dry and not too runny.
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
You will love it! Enjoy!
Laura Duarte
Great Recipe