Old-Fashioned Potato Salad | A Mind „Full” Mom

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Simple is best when it comes to recipes like this Old-Fashioned Potato Salad! Made with mayonnaise, eggs, and potatoes, this classic potato salad is just like Grandma’s! It is a must-make for potlucks, picnics and BBQs.

Old-Fashioned Potato Salad dished in large bowl topped with crushed pepper and parsley.

I love Ranch Potato Salad and Italian Potato Salad. But when it comes to mayonnaise-based potato salads, I only want my Papa’s version!

That’s right, this is another recipe inspired by my Papa’s recipe! Just like his recipes for 5-Ingredient Crockpot Pot Roast, Old-Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie, and Famous Baked Beans, this Old-Fashioned Potato Salad is simple, comforting, and delicious!

My Papa claimed his recipe for Potato Salad came from a jar of Hellmann’s Mayonnaise circa 1930. Made with mayonnaise (and ONLY Hellmann’s mayonnaise in my Papa’s opinion), celery, onions, and russet potatoes, this potato salad is creamy with a bit of crunch, and perfectly flavored. It is the BEST potato salad recipe ever!

Ingredients for Classic Potato Salad

Ingredients for classic potato salad.Ingredients for classic potato salad.
  • Potatoes: My Papa always used russet potatoes because they were affordable and easy to find. Either russet or Yukon gold potatoes work well. If you only have red potatoes, I would suggest trying my Bacon Ranch Potato Salad.
  • Mayonnaise: While my Papa would have told you Hellmann’s mayonnaise was a must for this recipe, you can use any brand of mayonnaise, even light mayonnaise, to make this potato salad. But I beg you, don’t use Miracle Whip–the flavor is just not the same.
  • For Flavor: White vinegar for tang and salt and pepper for flavor. Simple!
  • For Crunch: A bit of diced yellow onion and celery.
  • Hard-Boiled Eggs: It is classic to add diced hard-boiled egg to old-fashioned potato salad. Use my Instant Hard-Boiled Eggs for perfect results.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Potato Salad

The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Cook Potatoes Until Fork-Tender

Start this recipe by placing peeled, cubed potatoes in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Don’t be tempted to speed up the process by starting in warm water, as this will cause the potatoes to cook unevenly. Bring the water to a boil and simmer until the potatoes are just fork-tender. If you overcook the potatoes, they will fall-apart and be more suitable for mashed potatoes.

Peeled diced potatoes in a saucepan covered with water.Peeled diced potatoes in a saucepan covered with water.

Make Potato Salad Dressing

It is important to mix the dressing together before adding the potatoes so that everything is evenly combined and well seasoned. The dressing is as easy as mixing together mayonnaise, vinegar, and salt together.

Hellmann's mayonnaise mixed with vinegar and salt in large mixing bowl.Hellmann's mayonnaise mixed with vinegar and salt in large mixing bowl.

Fold in Eggs and Potatoes

Fold in the chopped hard boiled eggs, diced celery, and minced onion into the dressing and then GENTLY fold in the potatoes. This order will ensure the potatoes don’t fall apart once mixed into the dressing.

Potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, celery, and onions mixed into mayonnaise based dressing.Potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, celery, and onions mixed into mayonnaise based dressing.

Chill Before Serving

In order for the potato salad to have the best flavor, it is best to chill potato salad for at least 4 hours (overnight is best) prior to serving. This will allow the potatoes to absorb the flavor of the mayonnaise-based dressing.

Hellmann's Potato Salad in large serving bowl topped with fresh parsley.Hellmann's Potato Salad in large serving bowl topped with fresh parsley.

Speed It up

This Old-Fashioned Potato Salad is a really simple recipe. But to make it even easier, use my recipe for Instant Pot Potato Salad. It is made with the same classic ingredients, but cooks the potatoes and eggs together, making this dish that much easier.

More Picnic-Worthy Salad Recipes

If you gave this recipe a try, I would appreciate for you to leave a review and comment below.

Hellmann's Potato Salad dished in large bowl topped with crushed pepper and parsley.Hellmann's Potato Salad dished in large bowl topped with crushed pepper and parsley.

Potato Salad

Simple is best when it comes to recipes like this Old-Fashioned Potato Salad! Made with mayonnaise, eggs, and potatoes, this classic potato salad is just like Grandma’s! It is a must-make for potlucks, picnics and BBQs.