Description
This classic Red Potato Salad is a creamy, tangy, and flavorful side dish perfect for picnics, barbecues, or family dinners. Combining tender red potatoes with a smooth mayonnaise and Dijon mustard dressing, crisp celery, sharp red onion, and fresh parsley, it offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Optional hard-boiled eggs add protein and richness for a heartier salad.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 2 pounds red potatoes (Choose firm and unblemished potatoes.)
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise (Can use full-fat or reduced-fat.)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (Adds a tangy kick.)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (Provides slight acidity.)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (Infuses subtle garlic flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (Enhances overall taste.)
- 1 teaspoon salt (Essential for flavor.)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (Adds warmth.)
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 cup diced celery (Offers crunch and freshness.)
- 1 cup chopped red onion (Provides sharp flavor.)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (Adds color and freshness.)
Optional
- 3 pieces hard-boiled eggs (Optional for added protein.)
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Wash the red potatoes thoroughly under cold running water and scrub the skins gently to remove any dirt.
- Cut Potatoes: Cut the potatoes into uniform chunks, about 1-inch in size to ensure even cooking.
- Boil Potatoes: Place the potato chunks into a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Cook Potatoes: Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the potatoes cook for 10 to 15 minutes until they are fork-tender but not mushy.
- Drain & Cool: Drain the potatoes well and let them cool slightly for about 5 minutes to make them easier to handle and to avoid wilting the other ingredients.
- Make Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
- Add Vegetables & Herbs: Stir diced celery, chopped red onion, and fresh parsley into the dressing to infuse crunch and fresh flavors throughout the salad.
- Combine Potatoes with Dressing: Once the potatoes have cooled to a warm temperature, add them to the mixing bowl. Gently fold the potatoes into the dressing mixture to coat them evenly without breaking them up.
- Add Eggs (Optional): If using hard-boiled eggs, chop them coarsely and fold them into the salad for additional texture and protein.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste the salad and adjust salt, pepper, or vinegar levels as desired to balance the flavors perfectly.
Notes
- For best flavor, use potatoes that are firm and free of blemishes.
- If you prefer a lighter salad, substitute reduced-fat mayonnaise.
- The salad can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor development.
- Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving improves the taste.
- Hard-boiled eggs are optional but add protein and richness.
- Be gentle when folding ingredients to maintain the texture of the potatoes.
