Name: Grandma's Old-Fashioned Potato Salad: 1 Secret Revealed
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup chopped celery; 1/4 cup chopped red onion; 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional); Fresh dill or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Ah, Grandma’s cooking. Doesn’t that just bring back the best memories? For me, it’s always tied to her amazing potato salad. That creamy, comforting bite instantly takes me back to picnics and family gatherings. There’s just something special about Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Potato Salad, isn’t there? It’s a true classic, and it’s surprisingly simple to make.

Here at 911Recipes, we’re all about making delicious food easy for you. Clara and Savana, our kitchen whizzes, know just how to take those beloved traditional recipes and make them totally doable for everyday life. This recipe for Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Potato Salad is a perfect example. It captures all that wonderful flavor and comfort you remember, without any fuss.

It’s the kind of side dish that disappears fast at any get-together. Trust me, you’ll want to add this one to your rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Potato Salad

Okay, so why is this particular potato salad recipe so special? Well, I think it boils down to a few key things. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a little bit of happiness in a bowl. Here’s why I keep coming back to it:

It’s incredibly easy to whip up, even on a busy day.
The flavor is exactly what you expect from classic, old-fashioned potato salad.
It’s always a huge hit at parties, picnics, or potlucks.
Every bite is pure comfort food, plain and simple.

Seriously, you can’t go wrong with something so simple yet so satisfying. It’s a winner!

Getting Started: Ingredients for Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Potato Salad

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! You don’t need anything fancy for this classic potato salad. The magic really happens with simple, fresh stuff. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces. These hold their shape nicely.
1/2 cup good quality mayonnaise.
1/4 cup chopped celery for that essential crunch.
1/4 cup chopped red onion, just a little bit adds great flavor.
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard.
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar for a little tang.
Salt and black pepper to taste. Don’t be shy!
2 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional, but I love them).
Fresh dill or parsley for garnish (optional, but pretty).

See? Nothing complicated. Just basic pantry staples and fresh veggies.

Equipment Needed for Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Potato Salad

You won’t need a ton of fancy gadgets for this recipe. Just a few basic kitchen tools will do the trick. Here’s what I use:

A large pot for boiling the potatoes.
A colander to drain them.
A big bowl for mixing everything together.
A good knife and cutting board for chopping veggies.
Measuring cups and spoons, of course!

That’s really all there is to it. Simple tools for a simple, delicious dish.

How to Make Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Potato Salad

Making this classic potato salad is really straightforward. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious side dish ready for your next meal or get-together. It’s all about simple steps for big flavor payoff.

Preparing the Potatoes for Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Potato Salad

First things first, let’s get those potatoes ready. I always start by peeling and cutting my Yukon Golds into roughly 1-inch pieces. Try to keep them about the same size so they cook evenly. Pop those pieces into a large pot and cover them with cold water by about an inch. Don’t forget to add a good pinch of salt to the water! Bring the pot to a boil and let them cook until they are tender when you poke them with a fork, usually about 15 to 20 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll get mushy. Once they’re tender, drain them really well in a colander and let them sit for a few minutes to cool down slightly. You don’t want them steaming hot when you mix them.

Mixing the Creamy Dressing for Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Potato Salad

While the potatoes are cooling a bit, you can whip up that creamy dressing. In a big bowl, the one you’ll use for the whole salad, combine your mayonnaise, chopped celery, chopped red onion, sweet pickle relish, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Give it all a good stir until everything is nicely combined and looks smooth and creamy. This is the base of all that wonderful flavor! You can give it a little taste here if you like, and add a tiny bit more vinegar or mustard if you prefer.

Combining and Chilling Your Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Potato Salad

Now, gently add your slightly cooled potatoes to the bowl with the dressing. Use a rubber spatula or a large spoon to carefully fold the potatoes into the dressing, making sure every piece gets coated. You don’t want to mash the potatoes, just coat them lovingly. Season everything generously with salt and pepper. This is where you really bring out the flavor, so taste and adjust as needed. If you’re using the hard-boiled eggs, gently fold those in too. Now, cover the bowl tightly and pop it in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This chilling time is super important! It lets all those flavors meld together, making your Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Potato Salad even better. Trust me, the wait is worth it. When you’re ready to serve, you can garnish with some fresh dill or parsley if you like!

Tips for Perfect Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Potato Salad

Getting that perfect potato salad isn’t hard, but a few little tricks can make a big difference! Here are some things I’ve learned over the years:

Choosing the right potato matters. I really do recommend Yukon Golds or even red potatoes. They hold their shape better than starchy ones like Russets, so you don’t end up with mush.
Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust! The amount of salt and pepper you need really depends on your taste and even the saltiness of your mayonnaise. Taste it after it’s mixed and before chilling, and again before serving.
Want to add a little extra something? A sprinkle of paprika on top or some fresh chives folded in can add a nice pop of color and flavor.
Make sure your potatoes are fully cooled before mixing in the dressing. Warm potatoes can make the dressing too thin.

Following these simple tips will help you make the best Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Potato Salad every single time!

Frequently Asked Questions About Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Potato Salad

I get asked a few questions pretty often about this classic dish. It makes sense, you want to make sure your picnic side dish is perfect! Here are some common ones:

Can I make Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Potato Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely, and I highly recommend it! Making it ahead of time actually lets those flavors really meld together. It tastes even better on the second day. Just make sure you cover it tightly and keep it in the fridge. I wouldn’t make it more than a day or two in advance though.

What kind of potatoes are best for Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Potato Salad?

For this old-fashioned recipe, I really prefer using waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds or red potatoes. They hold their shape beautifully when cooked and mixed, so you get nice chunks of potato in every bite. Starchy potatoes like Russets can break down too much and make the salad mushy, which we definitely don’t want!

How long does Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Potato Salad last in the refrigerator?

Properly stored in an airtight container, this potato salad will last safely in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Always give it a quick smell and look before digging in, just to be sure it’s still fresh.

Variations on Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Potato Salad

While I absolutely love this classic recipe just as it is, sometimes it’s fun to play around and make it your own! Here are a few simple ideas if you want to change things up a bit:

Add some crispy crumbled bacon for a smoky, salty kick.
Swap the red onion for green onions or chives for a milder onion flavor.
Stir in a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat.
For extra tang, you could add a spoonful of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt to the dressing.
Try adding other chopped veggies like bell peppers or even some sweet corn.

These are just a few thoughts to get you started. The beauty of a classic like this is how easily you can adapt it!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Just so you have an idea, here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information for a serving of this potato salad. Please remember this can vary quite a bit depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use.

Calories: Around 250-350
Fat: About 15-25g
Protein: Roughly 4-6g
Carbohydrates: Typically 20-30g

This is just a general guideline, not exact figures!

Share Your Experience

I really hope you give this Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Potato Salad a try! If you do, I’d absolutely love to hear about it. Did you make any fun variations? How did your family like it? Please leave a comment below and let me know! You can also rate the recipe or share a photo on social media. Let’s see those delicious creations!