Classic Traditional Potato Salad Recipe

Ingredients

  • 3 to 4 pounds potatoes (about 6–8 medium potatoes)
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and halved
  • 2 teaspoons salt (for boiling)
  • ¼ cup pickle juice
  • 4 hard-boiled eggs
  • 1 cup diced dill pickles
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • ¼ cup chopped green onion
  • ½ teaspoon salt (for seasoning)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
  • 1 to 1½ cups mayonnaise (regular or low-fat)
  • Additional salt and pepper, to taste
  • Dash of paprika (for garnish)

Every family picnic or backyard BBQ deserves a big bowl of traditional potato salad. This timeless side dish combines tender potatoes with crunchy celery, dill pickles, and a creamy mayonnaise dressing—with just a hint of pickle juice to brighten everything up. It’s old-fashioned, dependable, and absolutely delicious.

Cooking Steps

  • 1
    Cook the Potatoes:
  • 2
    Quarter potatoes and place in a large pot with garlic and 2 teaspoons salt. Cover with water, bring to a boil, then simmer until tender but still firm (about 20 minutes). Drain and chill completely in the fridge.
  • 3
    Peel & Chop:
  • 4
    Once cool, peel and dice potatoes into bite-sized chunks. Place in a large bowl and drizzle with pickle juice.
  • 5
    Mix the Salad:
  • 6
    Chop 3 of the 4 hard-boiled eggs. Add chopped eggs, pickles, celery, green onion, remaining salt, pepper, and onion powder (if using) to the bowl.
  • 7
    Add the Dressing:
  • 8
    Fold in mayonnaise until creamy and well coated. Chill for several hours or overnight for best flavor.
  • 9
    Garnish & Serve:
  • 10
    Slice the remaining egg and lay it over the top. Sprinkle with paprika just before serving.

Why This Recipe Works:

  • Garlic in the water infuses subtle flavor into the potatoes

  • Pickle juice adds a tangy twist

  • Hard-boiled eggs add richness and protein

  • Great made ahead—flavors meld overnight

 Variations & Tips:

  • Swap dill pickles for sweet relish if you like a sweeter version

  • Add crumbled bacon for extra flavor

  • For a tangier bite, mix in a spoonful of mustard

  • Use Yukon Gold potatoes for extra creaminess

Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a summer cookout or prepping a simple weeknight dinner, this traditional potato salad is always a hit. It’s cool, creamy, crunchy, and filled with nostalgic flavor.

Roughing It Easy

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