This classic potato salad recipe is perfect all year round. You can add any extras that you like and the homemade potato salad dressing is the best!
When I was at university and I had to take a salad to a BBQ, I would always take potato salad. I was soooo fancy back then - cook some spuds, chop them up and throw in a jar of potato salad dressing. Genius!
I'm happy to say things have changed a little bit since then. Not only are we making our own mayonnaise we are turning that into an epic homemade potato salad dressing that is being added to potatoes, bacon, peas and whatever else you like adding to your potato salad.
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The great thing about potato salad as a side dish is that it can be made in advance! In fact, I think it is one of those rare salads that actually tastes better if it's been left in the fridge for at least a few hours, if not overnight.
I also love cooking extra potatoes anytime we are eating them with dinner and keeping a container in the fridge, especially over summer. This way I can throw this recipe together in 10 minutes or we can slice them and fry them up for another great side dish!
No need to be in a mad panic right before you leave, or fussing with taking dressings in jars and making sure that they get stirred through at the exact right moment before the lettuce wilts - this is a strong salad that will stand up to transportation and not being treated like a baby. Perfect!
Potato salad is such a simple dish that it's important to get the 2 main components right - the potatoes and the dressing.
The type of potatoes you use is important here. For potato salad you want to use a hard or waxy potato. If you are buying them at the supermarket they will specify that they are good for boiling or salads. Look for varieties such as Jersey Benne or Nadine in New Zealand or Yukon Gold if you are not in NZ. You want to avoid floury potatoes that are better suited for mashing such as Agria, as these tend to crumble and not hold their shape as well.
The dressing is super simple but packs a flavour punch which is what takes this salad to the next level - homemade mayonnaise if you feel like it, otherwise use your favourite store bought one, add apple cider vinegar, dijon and wholegrain mustard and salt & pepper and shake together. So easy!
Like I said before, I like adding peas and bacon to my potato salad - personally, I also love adding corn or our favourite homemade gherkins, but my family all have different preferences, so I often put some in small containers and serve alongside the salad - that way everyone can add what they like! I also know some people who also add hard boiled eggs to their potato salad and they would most definitely be welcome here!
Make this potato salad next time you need to take a salad to a potluck or if you are just having sausages or burgers on the BBQ for a lazy summer dinner!
Made this recipe? Tag me on Instagram @thekiwicountrygirl and hashtag it #thekiwicountrygirl.
Easy Potato Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 800 grams cooked, cooled and cubed potatoes (choose a waxy variety such as Jersey Benne or Nadine)
- ⅓ cup cooked bacon or ham
- ⅓ cup peas (can be frozen)
- 1 Tablespoon fresh chives (finely chopped)
Potato Salad Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise (bought or try homemade)
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon wholegrain mustard
- Salt & pepper
- 1 Tablespoon honey (optional, but is nice for a touch of sweetness)
Instructions
- Add potatoes, bacon or ham, peas and chives (plus any other add-ins) to a large mixing bowl.
- Add all potato salad dressing ingredients to a small jar, tightly screw on the lid and shake together. Pour over the potatoes and mix together well.
- Serve immediately or cover and store in the fridge for a few hours before serving. Salad will keep in the fridge for a few days.
Notes
Sarah says
Absolutely delicious, never had so many compliments on a dish before 🙂
d says
great recipe - only note i will make is that it isn’t clear the potatoes should be cooked. or at least it wasn’t clear to me making it for the first time!
Laura says
I have amended this on the recipe card, thanks for pointing that out!