Imagine a sunny day with the smell of fresh-cut grass wafting through the air. The laughter of friends and family fills your backyard while a tantalizing aroma beckons from the kitchen. That’s when you know it’s time for a mouthwatering Memorial Day Classic Potato Salad that will steal the show at any gathering.
You take a bite of that creamy goodness, and suddenly life feels just right. Perfectly tender potatoes mingle with crunchy veggies, all wrapped in a rich dressing that’s simply irresistible. This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience that brings back memories of potlucks and barbecues from your childhood—those carefree days where every bite felt like a warm hug.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Memorial Day Classic Potato Salad is quick to whip up with minimal fuss in the kitchen
- Bursting with flavors from fresh herbs and crunchy vegetables, it’s a feast for the eyes too
- Its creamy texture makes every spoonful delightful while being versatile enough to adapt for different tastes
- Perfect for backyard parties or beach picnics!
I remember the first time I served this potato salad at a family barbecue. The kids raced around while the adults indulged in second helpings.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: These buttery potatoes are perfect for salads; their creamy texture holds up beautifully.
- Mayonnaise: Use whole-fat mayonnaise for rich creaminess; it’s essential to bind all those delightful ingredients together.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tangy kick to balance the richness of the mayonnaise.
- Celery: For crunch! Fresh celery gives that satisfying crunch and vibrant color.
- Red Onion: Finely chopped red onion adds sweetness and a pop of color; soak them briefly in cold water to mellow their sharpness.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: Creamy eggs add protein and richness; they bring everything together perfectly.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley brightens up flavors while adding freshness; don’t skip this!
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all those tasty flavors!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Cook the Potatoes: Start by washing about two pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes thoroughly. Boil them in salted water until fork-tender—about 15-20 minutes should do it.
Prepare the Dressing: While your potatoes are cooking, whisk together half a cup of mayonnaise and one tablespoon of Dijon mustard in a large bowl. This dressing is where all the magic begins!
Chop Your Veggies: As you wait for those potatoes, finely chop one cup of celery and half a cup of red onion. Take time here—the more uniform your pieces, the better they blend into your salad.
Add Eggs and Seasoning: Once your potatoes cool down, dice them into bite-sized chunks along with three hard-boiled eggs. Add them to your mixing bowl along with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss It All Together!: Gently fold all ingredients together until well-combined. Be careful not to mush those lovely potatoes; we want them intact!
Chill Before Serving: Cover your masterpiece and refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving. This allows flavors to mingle beautifully!
Your taste buds will be dancing as you dig into this delightful dish! Whether it’s at a sunny picnic or cozy barbecue, this Memorial Day Classic Potato Salad deserves its place on every table during warm-weather gatherings.
Now grab your spatula—it’s time to serve up some joy on this special occasion!
You Must Know
- This Memorial Day Classic Potato Salad is not just a side dish; it’s a tradition
- Creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor, this salad is perfect for picnics and barbecues
- The bright colors and fresh ingredients make it an eye-catching addition to any table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling potatoes until tender but still firm. As they cool, chop veggies and mix dressing. This sequence saves time and ensures everything is perfectly blended.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to mix in chopped celery or relish for extra crunch. You can also swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store potato salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. No need to reheat; serve chilled for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best flavor, let your potato salad chill for at least two hours before serving
- Always choose waxy potatoes like red or Yukon Gold for creaminess
- If you want a zesty kick, add a splash of lemon juice right before serving
Sharing this recipe brings back memories of backyard barbecues with friends and family, where laughter was as plentiful as the potato salad itself.
FAQ
Can I make Memorial Day Classic Potato Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better after chilling overnight in the fridge.
What type of potatoes are best for potato salad?
Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold hold their shape well and absorb flavors nicely.
How can I make this potato salad healthier?
Substituting Greek yogurt for mayonnaise reduces calories while adding protein.
Memorial Day Classic Potato Salad
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Memorial Day Classic Potato Salad is a creamy and refreshing dish, perfect for summer picnics and barbecues. This crowd-pleaser will bring joy to your outdoor gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup diced celery
- ½ cup chopped red onion
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, diced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and Dijon mustard.
- While the potatoes cool, chop the celery and red onion.
- Once cooled, dice the potatoes and add them to the bowl with dressing. Include diced eggs, celery, red onion, salt, and pepper.
- Gently fold ingredients together until well combined; avoid mashing the potatoes.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- For added crunch, mix in chopped pickles or relish.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a healthier option.
- Let the salad chill for at least two hours for optimal flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 90mg