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Creamy Classic Potato Salad Recipe with Crunchy Celery

creamy classic potato salad - featured image

A creamy, tangy potato salad balanced perfectly with the crisp crunch of celery, ideal as a quick and easy side dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold or red potatoes, scrubbed and cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 2 to 3 stalks celery, finely chopped
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 2 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery seed (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A handful fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender but not falling apart. Drain and set aside to cool for 15 minutes.
  2. While the potatoes cook, place eggs in a small saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then cover and remove from heat. Let sit for 10-12 minutes. Transfer eggs to cold water, peel, and chop.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, celery seed (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended.
  4. Fold in the chopped celery, green onions, and chopped eggs into the dressing. Mix gently.
  5. Once potatoes have cooled slightly but are still warm, add them to the bowl. Gently toss everything together until potatoes are coated with the dressing.
  6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
  7. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top just before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook potatoes; they should be tender but hold their shape. Mix potatoes with dressing while still warm but not hot to absorb flavors better. Rinse chopped celery in cold water to keep it crisp. Season as you go and chill the salad for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor. For lighter versions, substitute half the mayo with Greek yogurt or use vegan mayo for dairy-free. Celery is essential for crunch but can be substituted with diced cucumber if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato salad, creamy potato salad, celery, classic potato salad, side dish, picnic recipe, barbecue side, easy potato salad