Classic Red Potato Salad

This classic Red Potato Salad combines tender, quartered red potatoes with a creamy, tangy mayonnaise dressing for a classic, crowd-pleasing side dish that’s perfect for picnics, BBQs or holiday gatherings.

Simple to make and full of flavor, this Salad Recipe is sure to be a hit at any table.

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Why You’ll Love This Potato Salad

• Creamy and comforting: The mayonnaise coats tender red potatoes for a rich, satisfying flavor.
• Simple ingredients: Just red potatoes and mayo create a classic, no-fuss side dish.
• Perfect for gatherings: Easy to make in advance, it’s a hit at picnics, potlucks, or family meals.
• Versatile: Add herbs, onions, or spices to customize to your taste.

This potato salad combines creamy, tender potatoes with simple ingredients for a timeless, crowd-pleasing side.

What Pairs Well with Red Potato Salad

This creamy, herby potato salad pairs beautifully with savory mains and light sides that complement its tangy, fresh flavors:

• Grilled meats: Chicken, steak, or sausages balance the richness of the mayonnaise and yogurt dressing.
• Smoked or baked fish: The dill and parsley enhance delicate seafood flavors.
• Fresh green salads: Crisp greens or cucumber salads add a refreshing contrast.
• Crusty bread or rolls: Light breads soak up the creamy dressing and provide texture.
• Iced tea or crisp white wine: Refreshing beverages highlight the herbaceous, tangy notes.

These pairings make Red Potato Salad perfect for picnics, barbecues, or casual family meals.

Where Did Potato Salad Originate

Potato salad originated in Germany in the 16th-17th centuries, where boiled potatoes were mixed with vinegar, oil, onions and herbs to make a simple salad.

When German immigrants came to the United States, they brought their recipes with them, which eventually evolved into the mayonnaise-based potato salads popular in American cuisine today.

Classic Red Potato Salad

This red potato salad combines tender, fork-tender potatoes with a creamy, tangy dressing and fresh herbs for a flavorful, make-ahead side dish.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 3 minutes
Total time: 18 minutes
Servings: 6

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

For Red Potato Salad, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

• Large microwave-safe dish: to cook the potatoes until fork-tender
• Baking sheet: to spread and dry the potatoes
• Paper towels: to blot excess moisture from the potatoes
• Small mixing bowl: to combine mayonnaise, yogurt, shallot, mustard, and herbs
• Whisk or spoon: to mix the dressing ingredients
• Large mixing bowl: to toss potatoes with the dressing
• Measuring cups and spoons: for accurate ingredient measurements
• Knife and cutting board: to quarter the potatoes and chop herbs
• Spatula or spoon: to gently mix the potato salad without breaking the potatoes
• Plastic wrap or airtight container: to cover and refrigerate the salad

These tools make it simple to prepare a creamy, flavorful Red Potato Salad that holds its shape and flavor.

Ingredients

These ingredients come together to make a creamy and herb-filled red potato salad with a tangy, flavorful dressing.

• red potatoes
• mayonnaise
• plain Greek yogurt 
• medium shallot
• Dijon mustard
• fresh dill,
• fresh parsley
• salt and pepper

How To Make Red Potato Salad

Place cut potatoes in a large microwave-safe dish with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover and microwave 2–3 minutes, or until fork-tender (check at 2 minutes; potatoes should split with a fork but remain firm).

Remove potatoes and spread in a single layer on a baking sheet to dry, blotting gently with a paper towel if needed.

In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, yogurt, shallot, mustard, and fresh herbs. Place potatoes in a separate bowl and gradually toss with the mayonnaise mixture, adding only as much as desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cover and refrigerate for up to 1–2 days.

More Potato Recipes

Explore more potato recipes that bring comforting, versatile and flavorful dishes to your table.

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