Creamy Potato Salad
I love sharing my signature potato salad! It's a potluck favorite at work—everyone insists I bring it. Thanks for all the amazing reviews! I skip the eggs and raw onions, but I know that's not traditional. Check out my other recipes for more tasty ideas!
Steps for Creamy Potato Salad
Here's a step-by-step instructions for making Creamy Potato Salad:
- Cook potatoes in boiling, salted water until tender.
- Drain well.
- Peel and cube potatoes.
- Transfer to a large bowl.
- Add celery, onion, sweet relish and bacon bits.
- Combine mayo, sugar, celery seed, vinegar, mustard, and salt.
- Add mayo mixture to potatoes.
- Toss lightly to coat potato mixture.
- Carefully fold in the chopped eggs.
- Cover and chill thoroughly.
- Bacon bit tip: Partially freeze your package of bacon. Use a sharp knife and cut the frozen bacon into long strips about 1/4 inch wide. Turn the bacon and cut the strips into pieces also about 1/4 in wide. You now have perfect raw bacon pieces to fast fry. No need to separate. They will separate during cooking. Perfect bacon bits.
Why you'll love Creamy Potato Salad
- Rich and Satisfying Flavor: Creamy potato salad combines tender potatoes with a luscious dressing, often made from mayonnaise, sour cream, or yogurt, providing a delightful balance of creaminess and tang. This rich flavor profile makes it a popular side dish for barbecues, picnics, and potlucks, appealing to a wide range of taste preferences.
- Versatile Ingredient Options: This dish can be customized with a variety of ingredients to suit different tastes and dietary needs. You can add ingredients like chopped celery, onions, pickles, or hard-boiled eggs for added texture and flavor. Additionally, for a healthier twist, you can substitute traditional dressings with lighter alternatives or even explore vegan options, making it a versatile choice for diverse gatherings.
- Easy to Prepare and Make Ahead: Creamy potato salad is simple to prepare, requiring minimal cooking skills and just a few ingredients. It can be made in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together over time, making it an ideal dish for meal prep or when planning a large event. Its convenience and ability to serve a crowd make it a go-to option for busy hosts.
Creamy Potato Salad
Ingredients
- 6 medium potatoes (2 pounds)
- 1⁄2 lb bacon, prepared as in Homemade Fresh Bacon Bits
- 1 cup thinly sliced celery
- 1⁄2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1⁄3 cup sweet pickle relish
- 1 1⁄4 cups mayonnaise or 1 1/4 cups salad dressing
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons celery seeds
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons prepared mustard
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
- 2 hardboiled egg, coarsely chopped
Instructions
-
Cook potatoes in boiling, salted water until tender.
-
Drain well.
-
Peel and cube potatoes.
-
Transfer to a large bowl.
-
Add celery, onion, sweet relish and bacon bits.
-
Combine mayo, sugar, celery seed, vinegar, mustard, and salt.
-
Add mayo mixture to potatoes.
-
Toss lightly to coat potato mixture.
-
Carefully fold in the chopped eggs.
-
Cover and chill thoroughly.
-
Bacon bit tip: Partially freeze your package of bacon. Use a sharp knife and cut the frozen bacon into long strips about 1/4 inch wide. Turn the bacon and cut the strips into pieces also about 1/4 in wide. You now have perfect raw bacon pieces to fast fry. No need to separate. They will separate during cooking. Perfect bacon bits.
Notes
- Ensure that the potatoes are cooked until just tender but not mushy; this helps maintain their shape and texture in the salad, resulting in a more appealing and satisfying dish.
- Balance the creaminess of the dressing with acidity from ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice; this enhances flavor and prevents the salad from being overly rich, making it more refreshing and enjoyable.
