Classic American Potato Salad – Perfect BBQ Side Dish

There’s nothing quite like the nostalgic comfort of a perfectly made Classic American Potato Salad gracing your dinner table. This creamy, satisfying side dish brings together tender Yukon Gold potatoes with a rich, tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and sweet pickle relish. The result is that perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures with a flavor that’s both familiar and irresistible. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a summer BBQ, heading to a potluck dinner, or planning a holiday feast, this traditional potato salad is the kind of crowd-pleasing dish that brings people together and creates lasting memories around the table.

American Potato Salad

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs (1.4kg) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup (240g) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 1/4 cup (40g) yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced (about 1/2 cup/60g)
• 1 teaspoon celery seed
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika, plus extra for garnish
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes Place cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold salted water by about 2 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-high and cook for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender but not mushy. Drain thoroughly and let cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Eggs While potatoes cook, place eggs in a separate saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 12 minutes. Transfer eggs to an ice bath, then peel and chop into chunky pieces.

Step 3: Make the Dressing In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yellow mustard, pickle relish, white vinegar, celery seed, salt, pepper, and paprika until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients Add the cooled potatoes, chopped eggs, diced onion, and celery to the dressing. Gently fold everything together using a large spoon, being careful not to mash the potatoes.

Step 5: Chill and Garnish Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with additional paprika and fresh chives for color.

Cooking Notes

The key to perfect potato salad is using the right potatoes—Yukon Golds hold their shape beautifully and have a creamy texture that’s ideal for this dish. Don’t skip the cooling step; adding dressing to hot potatoes can make them mushy and the mayo can separate. For extra flavor, you can add a tablespoon of the pickle juice from your relish jar. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with sour cream or Greek yogurt. The salad actually tastes better the next day, so it’s perfect for make-ahead entertaining. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this potato salad ahead of time? A: Absolutely! This potato salad is actually better when made a day ahead, as it gives the flavors time to develop. Just keep it refrigerated and give it a gentle stir before serving.

Q: What if I don’t like sweet pickles? A: You can substitute dill pickle relish for a more tangy flavor, or finely chop regular dill pickles. Some people also enjoy adding capers for a briny twist.

Q: How do I prevent my potatoes from getting mushy? A: Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold, don’t overcook them, and make sure they’re completely cooled before mixing with the dressing. Testing with a fork—they should be tender but still hold together.

Keto/Low-Carb Version

For a keto-friendly version, replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets or radishes. Steam cauliflower until just tender (about 8-10 minutes) or roast halved radishes until they’re fork-tender. The radishes surprisingly take on a potato-like texture when cooked. Keep all other ingredients the same—the creamy dressing and traditional flavors will still shine through.

Final Thoughts

This Classic American Potato Salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a slice of culinary tradition that connects us to countless family gatherings and summer celebrations. The beauty lies in its simplicity and that perfect harmony of creamy, tangy, and satisfying flavors that everyone loves. Once you master this tried-and-true recipe, it’ll become your go-to contribution for every potluck, BBQ, and holiday table. Trust me, this is the kind of potato salad that gets people asking for the recipe!