How to Make Delicious Homemade Potato Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide
Potato salad is a classic dish enjoyed by people all over the world. Whether you’re attending a family picnic or hosting a backyard barbecue, this versatile side dish is always a crowd-pleaser. Making potato salad from scratch is surprisingly easy and results in a dish that is far superior to anything you can buy at the grocery store. In this article, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious homemade potato salad that is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make potato salad:
- 3 lbs. of potatoes (red-skinned or Yukon Gold work well)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons of pickle relish
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 stalks of celery, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Follow these steps to make delicious homemade potato salad:
- First, you’ll need to prepare the potatoes. Start by washing them thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Cut the potatoes into bite-sized pieces, leaving the skin on for added texture and nutrients.
- Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes cook for around 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the hard-boiled eggs. To do this, place the eggs in a pot of cold water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, turn off the heat and let the eggs sit in the hot water for around 12 minutes. Then, drain the eggs and put them in a bowl of ice water to cool. Once they are cool, peel and chop the eggs.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and drained potatoes, chopped eggs, chopped onion, and chopped celery.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and pickle relish. Add this mixture to the potato mixture, stirring gently to combine.
- Season the potato salad with salt and pepper to taste, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors meld together.
- Give the potato salad a final stir before serving, and garnish with fresh herbs or paprika if desired.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you make the best potato salad possible:
- Be sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the potatoes- they should be tender but still have some texture.
- Let the potato salad chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
- Feel free to add other ingredients to your potato salad, such as chopped pickles, bacon bits, or fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
- If you like a creamier texture, add a little more mayo to the mixture, or if you prefer a tangier flavor, increase the amount of Dijon mustard or pickle relish.
Conclusion
Making homemade potato salad is easy and delicious. With just a few simple steps, you can create a classic dish that is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Use fresh, high-quality ingredients and follow our step-by-step guide for the best results. Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to get creative with different mix-ins and flavor combinations.
