Potato salad has always been a staple at gatherings, from family barbecues to church potlucks. But finding a truly exceptional potato salad recipe—one that gets people talking and asking for the recipe—can be a challenge. After years of perfecting the dish, I’ve finally created a potato salad recipe that never fails to impress. Whether it’s for a summer picnic or a holiday feast, this “Potato Salad Extraordinaire” has earned its spot as the go-to recipe for any occasion.
The balance of creamy mayonnaise, tangy mustard, and the sweet kick of pickle relish pairs perfectly with hearty russet potatoes, creating a dish that’s simply unforgettable. Read on to learn how to make this flavorful and crowd-pleasing potato salad that will become a family favorite in no time!
Ingredients:
- 5 lb russet potatoes
- 8 hard-boiled eggs
- 1 1/2 cups chopped red onion
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
- 3 cups mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Potato Salad Extraordinaire:
- Boil the Potatoes: The foundation of any great potato salad starts with the potatoes. For this recipe, I recommend using russet potatoes due to their creamy texture and ability to hold their shape. Begin by placing the potatoes in a large pot, ensuring they are covered with water. Add salt until the water tastes slightly salty—this will season the potatoes as they cook. Bring the water to a boil and let the potatoes simmer until they are just tender. Be cautious not to overcook them, as you want them to remain firm when you cut them into chunks. I prefer leaving the skins on while boiling the potatoes, as this adds an earthy flavor and texture to the dish. Once they are cool enough to handle, simply rub off the skins with your hands or a towel.
- Chop the Potatoes: After the potatoes have cooled to a manageable temperature, cut them into bite-sized chunks. The size of the chunks can vary depending on your preference, but I usually aim for pieces that are about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in size. The goal is to make sure each piece has the perfect balance of creamy interior and slightly crispy skin in every bite.
- Prepare the Veggies and Eggs: Now, it’s time to prepare the rest of the ingredients. Chop the hard-boiled eggs, red onion, celery, and green bell pepper into small pieces. The eggs add richness and texture, while the vegetables bring crunch and freshness to the salad. The red onion and green bell pepper provide color and flavor, making the salad visually appealing as well as delicious.
- Combine the Vegetables and Potatoes: In a large bowl, gently toss the cut potatoes with the hard-boiled eggs, red onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Take care to mix these ingredients without mashing the potatoes, as you want the chunks to remain intact and hearty.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. This includes the dark brown sugar, sweet pickle relish, mayonnaise, and mustard. The brown sugar adds a subtle sweetness that balances the tang of the relish and mustard. The mayonnaise serves as the creamy base, while the mustard adds a slight zing that ties everything together. Taste the dressing and adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your liking by adding more sugar or relish.
- Toss Everything Together: Pour the dressing over the potato mixture, then gently toss until the potatoes and vegetables are evenly coated. Be careful not to break up the potato chunks while mixing. The goal is to evenly distribute the dressing for a balanced flavor in every bite.
- Season and Chill: Add salt and pepper to taste. The salt enhances the flavors, while the pepper adds a touch of spice. Once you’re happy with the seasoning, cover the potato salad and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and gives the salad time to chill, making it even more refreshing when served.
Tips for Perfecting Your Potato Salad Extraordinaire:
- Consistency of Dressing: If you prefer a creamier or tangier salad, feel free to adjust the proportions of mayonnaise, mustard, or pickle relish in the dressing. The key is to find the perfect balance that suits your taste.
- Vegetable Variations: While this recipe uses celery and green pepper, feel free to experiment with other vegetables like sweet corn, peas, or even pickles. Just be sure to keep the ratios balanced so that the flavor of the potatoes shines through.
- Make Ahead: This potato salad can be made a day ahead of time, which actually helps the flavors develop further. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a quick stir before serving.
Conclusion:
Potato Salad Extraordinaire is more than just a side dish—it’s a crowd-pleaser, a conversation starter, and a true testament to the power of simple ingredients when combined with love and care. Whether you’re bringing it to a family reunion, a church potluck, or a summer BBQ, this recipe will quickly become a favorite among guests of all ages. Its balance of sweetness, tang, and creamy richness is irresistible, and it pairs beautifully with a wide range of main dishes, from grilled meats to sandwiches. This potato salad has all the qualities that make a recipe extraordinary—flavor, texture, and versatility. Make a batch today and watch as it disappears from the table faster than you can say “seconds, please!”
Enjoy your Potato Salad Extraordinaire and watch it become a cherished dish in your family’s recipe collection!
