Potato Mayonnaise Salad: Creamy, Cool, and Crowd-Pleasing

Potato mayonnaise salad is a chilled, creamy side dish that brings comfort and simplicity to the table. With tender potatoes, crunchy vegetables, and a rich, tangy mayo dressing, this recipe is a timeless favorite for cookouts, potlucks, and weekday meals alike. Easy to prepare and even easier to love, it’s a go-to dish that never goes out of style.

This guide will walk you through how to make classic potato mayonnaise salad using simple ingredients and easy steps. From prepping the perfect potatoes to balancing flavor with crunchy add-ins, we’ll show you how to make it just right every time.

How to Make Potato Mayonnaise Salad

This recipe features fork-tender potatoes tossed in a creamy mayo-based dressing with onions, celery, and just the right touch of seasoning. Perfect for picnics, BBQs, or as a refreshing side.

Ingredients

Salad Base:

• 4 cups boiled and diced potatoes (Yukon gold or red preferred)

• ½ cup chopped celery

• ¼ cup finely chopped red onion

• ¼ cup chopped pickles or relish (optional)

• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)

Dressing:

• ¾ cup mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp yellow mustard (or Dijon for a twist)

• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

• Salt and pepper to taste

• ½ tsp paprika (optional, for garnish)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Chill Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Preparing Instructions

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Potatoes
Peel and cube the potatoes, then boil in salted water for 10–12 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain and let them cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Combine and Chill
Add the cooled potatoes, celery, onions, pickles, and eggs (if using) to the bowl with the dressing. Mix gently to coat. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour for best flavor.

Servings

Serves: 6–8 as a side dish

Presentation & Decoration

Garnish Ideas:

• Sprinkle paprika or chopped chives on top

• Add a few extra slices of hard-boiled egg

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with grilled meats, sandwiches, or burgers

• Excellent side for picnic baskets or BBQs

Best Time to Eat

Summer Staple: Perfect for outdoor meals and hot-weather dinners
Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better the next day
Family Gatherings: Always welcome at potlucks and reunions

Portion Guide

• Individual: About ¾ cup per person

• Group: Double the recipe for a party or large family dinner

Storage & Shelf Life

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days

• Freezing: Not recommended due to the mayo-based dressing

• Transport Tips: Keep chilled in a cooler for outdoor events

Allergy Guide

• Egg-Free: Use eggless mayo

• Low-Fat: Swap full-fat mayo for light or Greek yogurt

• Vegan: Use vegan mayo and skip the eggs

More Creamy Potato Recipes

• Classic German Potato Salad: Warm, with vinegar and bacon

• Herbed Red Potato Salad: With dill, parsley, and olive oil

• Loaded Baked Potato Salad: Bacon, cheese, and sour cream included!

Tag your creations with  and show us how you serve this creamy crowd-pleaser—we might feature your salad in our next summer collection!