There’s something magical about a bowl of creamy potato salad on a warm day. The kind that makes you close your eyes and imagine you’re at a sunny picnic with laughter echoing around you. This Memorial Day Classic Potato Salad is not just any side dish; it’s the star of every summer gathering! Expect creamy textures paired with crunchy veggies that create a symphony for your taste buds.
Growing up, our family gatherings were incomplete without my Aunt Lucy’s potato salad. I can still hear her saying, “It’s all about the dressing!” We’d eagerly await her arrival and this culinary treasure that was as essential to our celebrations as sunshine itself. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that promises to elevate your next outdoor feast!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Memorial Day Classic Potato Salad offers a perfect blend of creaminess and crunch that everyone will love
- It requires minimal preparation time and is incredibly versatile for various occasions
- With its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients, it will steal the show on any picnic table
- Plus, it’s easy to customize based on your preferences or what you have at home!
My friends still rave about the time I brought this potato salad to our annual block party. It disappeared faster than free pizza – talk about pressure for next year!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Potatoes: Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for creaminess; they hold their shape beautifully when boiled.
- Mayonnaise: Choose a creamy mayo for that rich flavor; homemade can really take it up a notch!
- Dijon Mustard: A hint of Dijon adds a tangy kick that balances the richness of the mayo perfectly.
- Celery: Freshly chopped celery adds crunch; don’t skip it if you love textures!
- Red Onion: Finely diced red onion brings sweetness and color; soak them in water first to mellow out their bite.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: They contribute creaminess and protein; make sure they are well-cooked for easy peeling.
- Fresh Dill**: : A handful of chopped dill lifts the flavors with its aromatic freshness; you can also use dried if needed.
- Salt and Pepper**: : Essential seasonings that tie everything together; adjust according to your taste preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Potatoes: Start by washing about 2 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes. Cut them into even-sized chunks so they cook uniformly. Place them in a large pot filled with salted water.
Boil Until Tender: Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender but not mushy. Drain and let them cool slightly.
Mix Up That Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to taste until smooth and creamy.
Combine Everything: Gently fold in the cooled potatoes along with 1 cup of chopped celery, half a cup of diced red onion, 4 hard-boiled eggs (chopped), and ¼ cup of fresh dill until everything is coated evenly.
Chill Out: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. This allows all those flavors to marry beautifully!
Serve & Enjoy: Once chilled, give it another gentle stir before transferring to your serving dish. Enjoy this luscious creation at your next barbecue or picnic!
This Memorial Day Classic Potato Salad is sure to become a favorite! It’s creamy yet crunchy with bursts of flavor from dill and mustard – perfect for any sunny day celebration!
You Must Know
- This Memorial Day Classic Potato Salad is a crowd-pleaser that combines creamy potatoes with zesty flavors
- The key is to balance the textures and tastes, ensuring everyone goes back for seconds
- Perfect for picnics yet simple enough for weekday meals
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the potatoes until fork-tender, then cool before mixing in the ingredients. This ensures a creamy texture without mushiness.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding diced pickles or a sprinkle of paprika for an extra zing. Customize it based on your taste preferences to make it uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best flavor, enjoy cold rather than reheating.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly cooked potatoes, choose waxy varieties like red or Yukon gold; they hold their shape better
- Avoid over-mixing the salad to maintain that delightful chunkiness
- A splash of apple cider vinegar brightens flavors and adds a refreshing kick
Memorial Day gatherings remind me of my grandma’s potato salad, which vanished faster than you could say “pass the ketchup.” Her secret? A dash of love mixed right in!
FAQ
What potatoes work best for potato salad?
Waxy potatoes like red or Yukon gold are ideal due to their firm texture.
Can I make potato salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day in advance for enhanced flavors and convenience.
How do I prevent my potato salad from being bland?
Season generously with salt, pepper, and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for zing!
Memorial Day Classic Potato Salad
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8
Description
Enjoy a creamy and crunchy Memorial Day Classic Potato Salad that’s easy to make, perfect for summer gatherings, and sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- ½ cup red onion, diced
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and cut the Yukon Gold potatoes into even-sized chunks. Boil in salted water until fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Gently fold in the cooled potatoes, celery, red onion, hard-boiled eggs, and dill until evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled at your next picnic or barbecue.
Notes
- For added crunch, consider mixing in diced pickles or a sprinkle of paprika for an extra zing.
- This salad can be made a day ahead for enhanced flavors; simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg