Red Potato Salad

This red potato salad is a creamy, flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a summer barbecue, picnic, or family gathering, it’s a great choice for impressing your guests. The addition of hard-boiled eggs, fresh veggies, and a tangy mustard dressing brings a fresh twist to the traditional potato salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This red potato salad is not only delicious, but it’s also easy to prepare. The red potatoes give the dish a vibrant color and a slightly waxy texture, which holds up well when mixed with the creamy dressing. With the combination of sour cream, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard, it delivers a perfect balance of creaminess and tang. The crunch from the celery and green onions adds freshness, while the pickles provide a nice zesty bite. It’s a great way to elevate your summer meals or enjoy a comfort food favorite any time of year.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds red potatoes, cut into chunks

• 4 large hard-cooked eggs, chopped

• 1 cup low-fat sour cream

• ½ cup light mayonnaise

• ⅓ celery stalk, chopped

• 2 green onions, chopped

• 1 dill pickle, chopped

• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

• 1 dash hot sauce

• 1 tablespoon dried dill weed

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 dash onion salt

• Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Begin by placing the potatoes in a large pot and adding enough water to cover them. Bring the water to a boil, then cook the potatoes for about 10 minutes or until easily pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a large bowl to cool.

2. While the potatoes cool, prepare the dressing by mixing the hard-cooked eggs, sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped celery, green onions, pickles, Dijon mustard, vinegar, and hot sauce in a separate bowl. Season with dill weed, garlic powder, onion salt, and adjust the salt and pepper to your taste.

3. Once the potatoes have cooled, gently toss them with the dressing until well coated.

4. Refrigerate the salad for at least 3 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Additional Time: 3 hours (chilling)

• Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes

Variations

• Swap the Sour Cream: For a tangy twist, replace some or all of the sour cream with fat-free plain yogurt. This will cut down on calories while still providing creaminess.

• Add Fresh Herbs: Consider adding fresh parsley, chives, or tarragon for extra flavor.

• Make It Vegan: To make this salad vegan, swap the mayonnaise and sour cream with plant-based versions and use egg replacers like tofu or chickpea salad for texture.

• Spicy Kick: Add a bit more hot sauce or a diced jalapeño for those who enjoy spicy foods.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: This potato salad is best served chilled and is not ideal for reheating. However, if you’d like it to warm up a bit, you can let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of potatoes for this salad?

Yes, you can use other types of potatoes, but red potatoes hold up best in potato salads due to their waxy texture. Yukon Gold potatoes are another great alternative.

2. How can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can make this salad up to 24 hours ahead. Just make sure to refrigerate it and give it a good stir before serving.

3. Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of light mayonnaise?

Absolutely! You can substitute regular mayonnaise for a richer flavor if you prefer.

4. Is it okay to skip the hard-boiled eggs?

While the eggs add texture and flavor, you can skip them if you’re looking for a lighter version or if you have dietary restrictions.

5. How can I make this potato salad spicier?

If you like a spicy kick, increase the amount of hot sauce or add some diced jalapeños or chili flakes.

6. Can I use store-bought potato salad dressing?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought dressing, but homemade dressing adds a fresh, personalized touch.

7. How do I ensure the potatoes cook properly?

Be sure to cook the potatoes until they are tender enough to be pierced with a fork, but not too soft. Overcooking them may cause them to fall apart when mixed.

8. How can I make this salad more flavorful?

Adding fresh herbs such as dill, parsley, or chives can enhance the flavor of the salad. You can also add more mustard or pickles for a tangier taste.

9. Can this potato salad be frozen?

While potato salad is not typically recommended for freezing due to the texture change of the potatoes and dressing, it can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days.

10. Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Yes, you can add vegetables like red bell pepper, carrots, or peas to increase the texture and color of the salad.

Conclusion

This red potato salad is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tangy dressing, crunchy vegetables, and smooth potatoes, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering. Easy to make and customizable with different ingredients, it’s a great go-to side dish for barbecues, picnics, or family dinners. Make it ahead of time, chill it, and enjoy a refreshing, satisfying addition to your meal.