Catch the scent of creamy potatoes mingling with crisp celery, tangy pickles, and a whisper of mustard. That’s what makes Memorial Day Classic Potato Salad the highlight of any gathering. Imagine plopping down on a sun-kissed picnic blanket as you dive into a bowl of this chilled delight. Yes, my friends, this is not just a side dish; it’s an experience!
the laughter of loved ones fills the air while your taste buds revel in the creamy goodness of this classic dish. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a lakeside gathering, this potato salad is bound to steal the show and leave everyone asking for seconds – or thirds if you’re feeling daring!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Memorial Day Classic Potato Salad is super easy to whip up and requires minimal prep time.
- The delightful blend of flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
- Its vibrant colors are sure to brighten up your picnic table.
- Plus, you can easily adapt it to suit different dietary preferences!
I once made this classic potato salad for a family reunion where my cousin unexpectedly challenged me to a “who-can-make-the-best-side-dish” duel. Spoiler alert: I emerged victorious—thankfully!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: Creamy with a buttery flavor; they hold their shape well after boiling.
- Mayonnaise: Use full-fat mayo for creaminess; you can also substitute Greek yogurt for tangy flavor.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle kick; opt for smooth varieties for better mixing.
- Celery Stalks: Crunchy and refreshing; chop finely for even distribution in the salad.
- Red Onion: Adds color and sharpness; soak in cold water briefly to mellow its flavor.
- Sweet Pickles or Relish: Provides sweetness that balances the savory elements; choose your preference!
- Fresh Dill: For an aromatic touch; use fresh when possible for vibrant flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings; adjust to taste for that perfect balance.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preparation begins with boiling those beautiful Yukon Gold potatoes.
Boil Potatoes: Place peeled and diced Yukon Gold potatoes in a pot filled with cold water. Add salt and bring it to a boil over medium heat until fork-tender—about 15-20 minutes.
Prepare Dressing: In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh dill. Whisk together until smooth and creamy—this is where the magic happens.
Add Veggies: Fold in the finely chopped celery, red onion, and sweet pickles into your dressing mixture. The colors should pop like confetti at a party!
Toss Everything Together: Drain the boiled potatoes and add them gently into the bowl with the dressing mixture. Fold carefully to avoid mashing those precious potatoes—nobody wants mashed potato salad!
Chill Out: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. This allows all those fabulous flavors to mingle beautifully.
Savor Every Bite: Once chilled, serve your Memorial Day Classic Potato Salad on a lovely platter alongside your favorite grilled dishes. Enjoy those compliments rolling in!
Now go ahead—make this classic potato salad part of your next sunny celebration! It’s simple yet memorable—a perfect pairing with laughter and sunshine.
You Must Know
- Memorial Day Classic Potato Salad is not just a side dish; it’s a celebration of summer flavors.
- The creamy texture and tangy notes will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Remember, the right potatoes make all the difference in achieving the perfect consistency.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling your potatoes until fork-tender, then cool them before chopping. This ensures they don’t turn mushy when mixed with dressing.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different veggies like bell peppers or add some diced hard-boiled eggs for extra protein. Customize it according to your taste!
Storing & Reheating
Store your potato salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. No reheating necessary; it’s best served cold!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best flavor, let your potato salad chill in the refrigerator before serving.
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for creaminess that won’t fall apart.
- Always season your dressing first to maximize flavor absorption.
Creating my Memorial Day Classic Potato Salad always brings back memories of family gatherings. Everyone loved my secret ingredient—a dash of pickle juice that made it unforgettable!
FAQ
What type of potatoes should I use for Memorial Day Classic Potato Salad?
Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best due to their creamy texture and flavor.
How long can I store potato salad in the fridge?
You can safely keep it in the fridge for up to three days.
Can I make potato salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making it a day in advance enhances flavor as it chills.
Memorial Day Classic Potato Salad
Memorial Day Classic Potato Salad is a creamy, crowd-pleasing side that blends Yukon Gold potatoes with crisp veggies and a zesty dressing—perfect for your summer gatherings.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup sweet pickles or relish, diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the diced Yukon Gold potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and fresh dill until smooth.
- Fold in the chopped celery, red onion, and sweet pickles into the dressing mixture.
- Gently add cooled potatoes to the bowl and fold carefully to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Customize your salad by adding diced bell peppers or hard-boiled eggs for extra flavor and protein.
- For a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
