Dairy-Free Classic Creamy Potato Salad

Prep: 20 minCook: 12 min6 servingsmediumAmerican
Classic Creamy Potato Salad with Hard-Boiled Eggs

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes tossed with a tangy mayonnaise dressing brightened by mustard and apple cider vinegar, then combined with red onion, celery, and hard-boiled eggs. Chilled for at least an hour to allow flavors to meld. The optional celery seed and pickle relish add subtle depth. Finished with a paprika garnish.

Ingredients

6 servings
  • 2 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
    Greek yogurt0.5creamytangyadds dairy

    lighter alternative

    Full guide →
  • ¼ cup yellow mustard
    Dijon mustard0.25different flavor profile

    sharper taste

    Full guide →
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    white vinegar2milder acidity
    Full guide →
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon celery seed(optional)
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
  • 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
    omit0vegetarianeggs-free
  • 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish(optional)
    dill pickle relish1different flavor

    2

  • paprika, for garnish(optional)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Place peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt.

  2. 2

    Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to a simmer.

  3. 3

    Cook until fork-tender but not falling apart, about 10-12 minutes.

  4. 4

    Drain potatoes and set aside to cool slightly.

  5. 5

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, and celery seed if using until smooth and well combined.

  6. 6

    Add cooled potatoes to the dressing and gently toss to coat evenly.

  7. 7

    Add red onion, celery, hard-boiled eggs, and sweet pickle relish if using, and stir gently until well mixed.

  8. 8

    Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

  9. 9

    Before serving, give a quick stir and sprinkle with paprika if desired.

  10. 10

    Serve chilled.

Tips

Tip 1

Ensure potatoes are fork-tender but still hold their shape to prevent a mushy salad.

Tip 2

Cooling potatoes slightly before mixing allows them to absorb dressing without becoming mushy.

Tip 3

Refrigerating for at least an hour is essential for flavor development.

Good to Know

Storage

Covered in refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before serving as dressing may separate.

Make Ahead

Prepare up to 1 day in advance. Assemble and refrigerate; flavors continue to develop.

Serve With

Chilled, as a side dish at picnics, barbecues, or potlucks.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Overcook potatoes to avoid mushy texture and salad becoming unappetizing.

Watch

Skip cooling potatoes to avoid them absorbing dressing unevenly and breaking apart.

Watch

Underchill before serving to avoid insufficient flavor melding.

Substitutions

hard-boiled eggs
omit0vegetarianeggs-free
mayonnaise
Greek yogurt0.5creamytangyadds dairy

lighter alternative

Full guide →
sweet pickle relish
dill pickle relish1different flavor

2

yellow mustard
Dijon mustard0.25different flavor profile

sharper taste

Full guide →
apple cider vinegar
white vinegar2milder acidity
Full guide →
Find more substitutions →