The Ultimate Creamy & Tangy Potato Salad (A Proper Good One!)
Looking for the *best* potato salad recipe? This creamy, tangy version is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Perfect for BBQs & picnics. Get my secret for that extra zing!

- The Ultimate Creamy & Tangy Potato Salad (A Proper Good One!)
- The Ultimate Creamy & Tangy Potato Salad (A Proper Good One!) Recipe Card
- Let's Get Started: Ingredients for a Killer Potato Salad
- Seasoning: Getting the Flavours Right
- Equipment: Keep it Simple
- Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place is Key
- Let's Get Cooking: The Step-by-Step
- Pro Tips for a Proper Good Potato Salad
- Recipe Notes: Making It Your Own
- Frequently Asked Questions
Right, let's dive into this potato salad recipe , shall we? ever find yourself craving that perfect summer side dish , the one that just screams sunshine and good times? well, buckle up, because i've got just the thing for you.
The Ultimate Creamy & Tangy Potato Salad (A Proper Good One!)
This isn't your average, run-of-the-mill spud salad. it's a classic potato salad recipe amped up to eleven. think creamy potato salad , with a bit of a zing .
The flavour's just amazing. it's seriously addictive.
Where does this beauty come from? well, it's got roots in the good ol' american bbq side dishes scene. but i've tweaked it to make it even better.
We're talking an easy picnic recipes situation here, dead simple. ready in under an hour, give or take. this serves about 6-8 people.
Ideal for sharing with friends or family at your next picnic.
One of the best things about this homemade potato salad is that it's actually good for you. the potatoes give you energy.
The eggs pack a protein punch. plus, it's utterly delicious. honestly, best potato salad you'll try in a long time! it's perfect for taking to a picnic food ideas situation.
Or even just a cheeky lunch in the garden.
Let's be honest. This recipe is special because it’s foolproof. You can't really mess it up. It's tangy potato salad done right. I’ve made it for countless BBQs. People just love it.

Alright, let's dive into the heart of any decent potato salad recipe : the ingredients and tools! this isn't just about throwing stuff together.
It's about crafting flavour and texture. honestly, i've made some ropey potato salads in my time, so listen up!
The Ultimate Creamy & Tangy Potato Salad (A Proper Good One!) Recipe Card

⚖️ Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon (5g) kosher salt
- Water, enough to cover the potatoes
- 3/4 cup (170g) mayonnaise (full-fat for the best flavour, but light works too!)
- 1/4 cup (60g) Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon (5g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) celery seed (optional, but adds a nice touch!)
- 1/2 cup (50g) finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup (25g) finely chopped red onion (or scallions)
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
- 2 tablespoons (10g) chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Paprika, for garnish (optional)
🥄 Instructions:
- Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Let them cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, black pepper, and celery seed (if using).
- Gently fold the cooled potatoes, celery, red onion (or scallions), and chopped hard-boiled eggs into the dressing.
- Cover the potato salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
- Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of paprika (optional).
Let's Get Started: Ingredients for a Killer Potato Salad
Right then, let's talk ingredients. we're aiming for the best potato salad , you know? the kind that disappears at a bbq .
No one wants a bland, sad summer side dish .
Main Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavour
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: 2 lbs (900g) , peeled and cubed. You want these. Waxy and perfect. Quality indicator? They should be firm and not sprouted.
- Kosher Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g) .
- Water: Enough to cover the potatoes, obviously.
Creamy Dressing Ingredients: The Good Stuff
- Mayonnaise: 3/4 cup (170g) . Go full-fat, seriously. It makes all the difference. If you’re trying to be good, light can work.
- Dijon Mustard: 1/4 cup (60g) . Not that cheap yellow stuff. We're talking proper Dijon.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Adds that tangy kick.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
- Granulated Sugar: 1 teaspoon (5g) . Just a touch to balance the tang.
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) .
- Celery Seed: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) (optional, but highly recommended!)
Tasty Mix-Ins: Texture and More
- Celery: 1/2 cup (50g) , finely chopped.
- Red Onion: 1/4 cup (25g) , finely chopped (or scallions).
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: 2 , peeled and chopped. Hello, potato salad with eggs .
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons (10g) , chopped, for garnish.
- Paprika: Optional, for garnish.
Seasoning: Getting the Flavours Right
Ah, seasoning! This is where the magic happens for classic potato salad recipe . My great-gran always said, "Seasoning is more art than science, love."
Spice Combinations
Mustard and celery seed are the secret weapon. Seriously. Don't skip them.
Flavor Enhancers
A touch of sugar balances out the tang. Adjust salt to taste.
Quick Substitutions
No apple cider vinegar? White wine vinegar or a squeeze of lemon will do in a pinch.
Equipment: Keep it Simple
No need for fancy gadgets. Just the basics.
Essential Tools
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Knife & cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
Household Alternatives
Don't have a colander? Use a large sieve or carefully drain the potatoes into a bowl. The key for easy picnic recipes is to keep it hassle-free, right? Whether for picnic food ideas or BBQ side dishes , this homemade potato salad will shine, you know? And who doesn’t love a good creamy potato salad on a sunny day?

Alright, let's dive into making the ultimate creamy and tangy potato salad ! honestly, who doesn't love a good potato salad recipe ? forget those bland versions your aunt used to bring to bbqs .
We're going for a flavour explosion, perfect as a summer side dish or one of your killer picnic food ideas .
This one's inspired by american classics, but with a cheeky twist.
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place is Key
First things first, let's get organised. peel and cube 2 lbs (900g) of yukon gold potatoes into 1-inch pieces. finely chop 1/2 cup (50g) of celery and 1/4 cup (25g) of red onion (or scallions if you prefer).
Hard-boil two eggs, peel them, and give them a chop. measure out your 3/4 cup (170g) of mayonnaise , 1/4 cup (60g) of dijon mustard , 2 tablespoons (30ml) of apple cider vinegar , 1 tablespoon (15ml) of lemon juice , 1 teaspoon (5g) of sugar , 1/2 teaspoon (2.
5g) of black pepper , and 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) of celery seed . having everything ready beforehand makes this easy picnic recipe even easier!
Let's Get Cooking: The Step-by-Step
- Boil the Potatoes: Pop the potatoes in a large pot, cover 'em with cold water, add 1 teaspoon (5g) of kosher salt , and bring to a boil. Cook for 15- 20 minutes , until they're fork-tender.
- Drain and Cool: As soon as the potatoes are cooked, drain them and rinse with cold water. It's essential to cool them. This step stops the cooking, so you don't end up with a mushy creamy potato salad .
- Whip Up the Dressing: In a big bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon, vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, pepper, and celery seed. Give it a taste! It should be tangy potato salad perfection.
- Combine Gently: Gently fold the cooled potatoes, celery, red onion, and chopped eggs into the dressing. Careful not to mash the potatoes!
- Chill Out: Cover the homemade potato salad and bung it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling is super important for the flavours to meld, creating the best potato salad .
Pro Tips for a Proper Good Potato Salad
- Don't overcook the spuds! Slightly undercooked is way better than mushy. You want them to hold their shape in this classic potato salad recipe .
- Make it ahead! Potato salad tastes even better if you make it a few hours in advance. Make-ahead is a game-changer.
- Potato salad with eggs? Yes! It adds a lovely richness and texture.
Honestly, this BBQ side dish is a game changer. I reckon you'll be making this one for years to come. Enjoy!

Alright, so you've just mastered the ultimate creamy & tangy potato salad , congrats! but wait, there's more! let's talk about how to make this classic potato salad recipe truly shine.
Here's the lowdown on serving, storing, tweaking, and generally bossing this potato salad recipe .
Recipe Notes: Making It Your Own
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Plating
Honestly, presentation matters. I always think about how it looks when I serve something up! Don't just dump it in a bowl, yeah?
For a bbq or picnic food ideas , try serving it in a rustic wooden bowl. sprinkle with extra parsley and a dusting of paprika for a pop of colour.
If you want to be super fancy, portion it out into individual ramekins. think about using it as one of your bbq side dishes , right next to those burgers you just perfected.
As for what to serve with your best potato salad ? it goes ridiculously well with anything grilled. think sausages, burgers, even grilled halloumi.
It's also a cracking summer side dish with fried chicken or a simple green salad. oh, and a nice cold glass of lemonade or an ice-cold beer is perfect!
Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh
So, you've got leftovers? No worries! This homemade potato salad keeps well.
Pop it in an airtight container and it'll be happy in the fridge for up to 3 days. just give it a good stir before serving.
Freezing isn't really recommended though, as the mayo can separate and the texture goes a bit weird. nobody wants a weird potato salad! honestly, i've tried freezing once and it was not good.
To Reheat? Just take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before you want to eat it. It's best served cold, so no need to actually reheat it!
Variations: Mix It Up!
Fancy a change? Let's talk variations.
Want a healthier version? swap out some of the mayo for plain greek yogurt. it adds a lovely tang and cuts down on the fat.
Or, go completely vegan! use vegan mayo and add some chopped dill pickles for extra zing. the goal is to ensure it is one of your easy picnic recipes to make.
For seasonal swaps, try adding roasted sweetcorn in the summer or roasted butternut squash in the autumn. See? Easy peasy!
Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside
Okay, let's get real. This creamy potato salad isn't exactly a health food. But hey, everything in moderation, right? You know?
It does contain some good stuff. potatoes provide energy, eggs offer protein, and celery and onion bring some vitamins and fibre to the table.
Just be mindful of the mayo, which is where most of the fat and calories come from.
Now, go forth and make this potato salad your own! Whether you stick to the tangy potato salad recipe or experiment with variations, I know you'll create something amazing. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of potatoes are best for this potato salad recipe?
For the ultimate creamy and tangy potato salad, Yukon Gold potatoes are your best bet! They hold their shape well after boiling and have a naturally buttery flavour. If you can't find Yukon Golds, red potatoes are a good substitute, though they might be slightly firmer.
How do I keep my potato salad from getting watery?
Nobody wants a soggy potato salad! The key is to make sure you drain the potatoes thoroughly after boiling and let them cool completely before adding the dressing. Warm potatoes will absorb the dressing, making the salad watery later on. Also, chilling the salad allows the flavours to meld without extra moisture.
Can I make this potato salad recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this creamy and tangy potato salad is even better when made ahead of time! The flavours have a chance to meld together, creating a more delicious end result. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving, just like you would with a good cuppa before you drink it!
What are some variations I can try with this potato salad recipe?
Feeling adventurous? You could add some crispy bacon bits, a sprinkle of paprika for a bit of smokiness, or even some chopped dill pickles for a bit of tang. If you fancy something a bit different, try adding hard boiled eggs. It's your potato salad, get creative!
How long does potato salad last in the fridge and is it safe to eat?
Safety first! Potato salad with mayonnaise should be stored in the refrigerator and is generally safe to eat for 3-4 days. Keep it properly chilled at or below 40°F (4°C) to prevent bacterial growth. If it smells off, or you're in any doubt, chuck it out! Better safe than sorry, eh?
Is there a healthier version of this creamy potato salad recipe?
You can lighten things up a bit without sacrificing too much flavour. Try using light mayonnaise or swapping out some of the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt for a tangier, lower-fat option. You can also bulk it out with more celery and red onion to increase the veggie content! It's still a treat, but a slightly less naughty one.
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