Old-Fashioned Potato Salad – Creamy, Tangy & Just Like Grandma Made!

Introduction

Few dishes carry as much comfort and nostalgia as a big bowl of old-fashioned potato salad. With its creamy texture, tender potatoes, chopped eggs, and crunchy celery, it’s the kind of classic side dish that shows up at every picnic, potluck, and family cookout — especially when Grandma’s in charge.

Made with simple ingredients like mayo, mustard, vinegar, and pickles, this old-fashioned potato salad strikes the perfect balance of tangy and creamy. And if you’re into vintage flavors, don’t miss this Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings Recipe — another timeless Southern staple.

Whether you’re serving burgers, BBQ, or fried chicken, this potato salad belongs on the table. It’s flavorful, fuss-free, and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Potato Salad

To recreate that nostalgic flavor, here’s what you’ll need:

• 3 lbs potatoes (peeled & cubed)

• 4 hard-boiled eggs (sliced or chopped)

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

• ½ cup chopped celery

• ¼ cup sweet relish or chopped pickles

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Paprika (optional, for garnish)

Tip: For extra creaminess, mash a few potato cubes when mixing. It gives the salad a smooth, cohesive texture.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Potato Salad

1. Boil the potatoes
   Place cubed potatoes in salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender (about 10–12 minutes), then drain and let cool.

2. Prepare the eggs
   While the potatoes cool, boil the eggs, peel, and slice or chop them.

3. Mix the dressing
   In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, relish (or pickles), celery, and seasonings. Mix until well blended.

4. Combine everything
   Add cooled potatoes and chopped eggs to the bowl. Gently fold until everything is coated in the dressing.

5. Chill and garnish
   Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Just before serving, sprinkle paprika on top for color and a mild kick.

Why This Old-Fashioned Potato Salad Stands Out

• Creamy & Chunky: Perfect balance of smooth dressing and firm potato bites.

• No unnecessary extras: Just clean, classic flavor — like Grandma made.

• Customizable: Add red onions, dill, or bacon for your own twist.

• Great for batch-making: Ideal for BBQs, potlucks, or next-day leftovers.

Craving a hot, comforting main to serve this with? Try Creamy Mushroom Soup or Homemade Tomato Sauce over roasted chicken and rice.

Storage Tips

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Do not freeze: Mayonnaise-based dressings separate when frozen.

• Make ahead: Tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge — it allows the flavors to deepen.

Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 12 minutes

• Chill Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: ~1 hour 35 minutes

• Servings: 6–8 portions

Tools Used

• Large pot

• Strainer

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk or spoon

• Egg slicer (optional)

• Knife & cutting board

Final Thoughts on Old-Fashioned Potato Salad

This old-fashioned potato salad is more than just a side dish — it’s tradition in a bowl. Whether it’s your first time making it or your hundredth, it never fails to satisfy. Creamy, tangy, comforting, and simple — just like Grandma made.

Serve it alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or fried chicken, and watch how quickly it disappears. For more comforting classics, check out the hearty Basic Vegetable Soup or browse AllRecipes’ Southern Potato Salad Collection for more variations.