Memorial Day is upon us, and you know what that means—grilling outdoors and potato salad! Imagine creamy potatoes mingling with crunchy veggies while the scent of burgers wafts through the air. This Memorial Day Classic Potato Salad is not just a side; it’s the culinary star of your holiday spread.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What type of potatoes are best for Memorial Day Classic Potato Salad?
- Can I make potato salad ahead of time?
- How long can I store potato salad?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Now, let’s get serious for a moment. Nothing says “I love summer” quite like a bowl of this creamy goodness sitting beside your favorite grilled meats. This dish has been a staple at our family gatherings for years, often eliciting laughter as we argue over who makes it best. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Memorial Day Classic Potato Salad is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for any skill level in the kitchen.
- It bursts with flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds and thirds.
- The vibrant colors from fresh vegetables make this dish visually stunning on your picnic table.
- Perfectly versatile, it pairs well with almost any main course or can be enjoyed on its own!
Ah, the memories! I remember one year when my aunt brought her famous potato salad to our family reunion. By the end of the day, it was mysteriously gone—only to be found in my cousin’s cooler days later.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Potatoes: Choose starchy varieties like Russets or Yukon Golds for a fluffy texture that’s ideal for mashing.
- Mayonnaise: Use good-quality mayonnaise for creamy richness; homemade is even better if you have time!
- Mustard: A splash of yellow mustard adds tanginess and depth; feel free to experiment with Dijon for more kick.
- Celery: Fresh celery brings crunch; pick firm stalks that snap easily when bent.
- Red Onion: For a hint of sweetness and color; soak in water before mixing if you prefer milder flavors.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: These add protein and creaminess; ensure they’re well-cooked but still tender.
- Fresh Dill: A sprinkle of chopped dill gives a fresh herbal note; dried dill works too in a pinch.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning to elevate all flavors; adjust according to taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
First things first: let’s peel those potatoes!
Prep the Potatoes: Begin by peeling about 2 pounds of potatoes. Cut them into uniform chunks so they cook evenly—think bite-sized pieces but not too tiny.
Boil Until Tender: Place the potato chunks in a large pot of cold water with salt. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender—around 15-20 minutes should do it!
Cool Them Down: Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them cool completely before mixing—this prevents that gooey texture we all dread.
Create the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together about 1 cup of mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons of mustard until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Add Veggies & Eggs: Chop your celery, red onion, and hard-boiled eggs into bite-sized pieces. Gently fold these into the cooled potatoes along with fresh dill.
Toss & Chill: Carefully mix everything until well combined but don’t mash those potatoes! Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to let those flavors meld beautifully.
And voilà! Your Memorial Day Classic Potato Salad is ready to shine at your next cookout!
This dish isn’t just about taste; it’s also about nostalgia and good times spent with loved ones around the grill. As you scoop servings into bowls this holiday weekend, remember that each bite holds stories waiting to be told—just like my cousin’s sneaky cooler escapade!
With its creamy texture and zesty flavor profile, this potato salad will become your go-to dish every summer season. Just be prepared for friends asking for your secret recipe—it happens every time! Enjoy!
You Must Know
- The secret to creamy potato salad is using Yukon Gold potatoes; they hold their shape and flavor beautifully.
- Chill your potato salad for at least an hour before serving to enhance flavors.
- Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice just before serving for a zesty kick
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Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling your potatoes until fork-tender, then mix in your ingredients while they’re still warm for better absorption of flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or add diced pickles for extra crunch and zing.
Storing & Reheating
Store your potato salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. No need to reheat; serve it chilled for the best taste!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use freshly chopped herbs like dill or parsley for vibrant flavor.
- Avoid overcooking potatoes to maintain perfect texture.
- Experiment with various veggies for added crunch and color.
Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of family barbecues where everyone fought over seconds—especially when my aunt would sneak in her secret ingredient: love!
FAQ
What type of potatoes are best for Memorial Day Classic Potato Salad?
Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal due to their creamy texture and excellent flavor.
Can I make potato salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day in advance for flavors to meld beautifully.
How long can I store potato salad?
You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days without losing quality.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Memorial Day Classic Potato Salad
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8
Description
Memorial Day Classic Potato Salad is a creamy, flavorful dish that perfectly complements your summer gatherings. Easy to make and packed with vibrant flavors, it’s sure to be a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 cup diced celery
- ½ cup diced red onion
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Peel and cut the potatoes into bite-sized chunks.
- Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and cool completely.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Add chopped celery, red onion, hard-boiled eggs, and dill to the cooled potatoes.
- Gently fold the dressing into the potato mixture until well combined.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to let flavors meld.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add diced pickles or bell peppers.
- Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Enhance flavor just before serving with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 90mg