This creamy potato salad is a classic comfort dish, packed with tender potatoes, crunchy celery, and zesty pickles. It’s sure to make your taste buds dance!
I love how easy it is to whip up for barbecues or family gatherings. Plus, it’s always a hit when I bring it along. Who doesn’t love a good potato salad? 🥔😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes have a lovely creamy texture, perfect for salads. If you don’t have them, red potatoes or russets work too, though they may give a different texture.
Mayonnaise: For creaminess, I prefer using full-fat mayonnaise. You can use Greek yogurt or a mayo substitute for a lighter option.
Mustard: Yellow mustard adds tang, but you could use Dijon or honey mustard for a fancier flavor. Each gives a slightly different kick!
Sweet Pickle Relish: If you’re not a fan of sweetness, you can skip it or add dill relish instead for a tangy twist.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: They’re traditional and add richness. If you’re avoiding eggs, consider adding more chopped celery or pickles for crunch.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Potatoes for Potato Salad?
Cooking potatoes properly is key! Start by placing peeled and cut potatoes in cold water with a pinch of salt. This helps them cook evenly. Here’s how:
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let them cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Check by piercing with a fork; they should be soft but not mushy.
- Drain and cool slightly before mixing with other ingredients.
This method ensures the perfect potato salad without any soggy spuds! Enjoy making your salad!
Easy Soul Food Potato Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potato Salad:
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Paprika or additional black pepper (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes of prep time, plus at least 2 hours to chill in the fridge. So, make sure to plan ahead!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Potatoes:
Start by placing the peeled and cut Yukon Gold potatoes in a large pot and covering them with cold water. Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt! Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and cook the potatoes until they are tender when pierced with a fork, which should take about 10-15 minutes.
2. Cool the Potatoes:
After cooking, drain the potatoes and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Let them cool slightly so they aren’t too hot when you mix in the other ingredients.
3. Make the Dressing:
While the potatoes are cooling, grab a separate small bowl and combine the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything together until smooth to create a delicious dressing.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to add the chopped celery, onion, and hard-boiled eggs to the bowl with the potatoes. Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture, and gently fold everything together until the potatoes are well coated and everything is nicely mixed.
5. Taste and Adjust:
Give your potato salad a taste test! Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt and pepper if needed.
6. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, then place it in the refrigerator. Let the potato salad chill for at least 2 hours, so the flavors meld beautifully.
7. Final Touch:
When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle the top with a little paprika or extra black pepper for garnish if desired. Your creamy, flavorful soul food potato salad is ready to enjoy!
Dig in and savor the taste of this comforting dish with friends and family!
FAQ for Easy Soul Food Potato Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold potatoes are preferred for their creamy texture, you can use red potatoes or even russets. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different with each variety.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Your potato salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as the dressing may thicken a bit over time.
Can I Make This Potato Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, this potato salad actually tastes better when made ahead! You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance, allowing the flavors to meld in the fridge. Just make sure to give it a quick stir before serving.
What Can I Use Instead of Mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for a lighter option or want to avoid mayo, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo alternative. Both options will still provide a creamy texture!
