A Crowd-Pleasing Side Dish That’s Easy, Creamy, and Delicious
There’s nothing quite like a creamy potato salad to bring everyone together at a summer gathering. This No.1 recipe is smooth, tangy, and perfectly seasoned, making it the ultimate side dish for barbecues, picnics, and family parties. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a dish that both kids and adults will love.
⏱️ Recipe Time & Servings Guide
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes Servings: 6–8
Ingredients You Will Need
🥔 Potatoes
- 1.2 kg (about 6 medium) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes
- Peeled and cut into 2–3 cm chunks
🥛 Creamy Base
- 1 cup (240 g) mayonnaise
- ½ cup (120 g) sour cream (optional, for extra tanginess)
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
🥒 Vegetables & Add-Ins
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced (about 1 cup / 120 g)
- 3 green onions, sliced (about ½ cup / 50 g)
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped (optional, about ½ cup / 60 g)
- 2 medium pickles or 3 tablespoons relish (about 40 g)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
🥚 Eggs (Optional but Recommended)
- 3 large eggs, boiled and chopped
🧂 Seasonings
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for garnish)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for depth)
🌟 Optional Toppings
- Extra parsley or chives for garnish
- A sprinkle of smoked paprika for flavor and color
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Potatoes
- Place the peeled and chopped potatoes into a large pot.
- Cover them with cold water and add 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the potatoes for 10–12 minutes until they are fork-tender (soft but not falling apart).
- Drain the potatoes and let them cool for about 10 minutes.
2. Boil the Eggs (Optional but Recommended)
- While the potatoes are cooking, place the eggs in a small pot.
- Cover with water and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Drain, cool under cold water, peel, and chop the eggs.
3. Prepare the Creamy Dressing
Em uma tigela grande, misture:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream (if using)
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- Whisk everything until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using).
4. Add the Crunchy Ingredients
- Stir in the chopped celery, green onions, red onion (if using), pickles or relish, and parsley.
- Mix gently so the vegetables are coated with the dressing.
5. Combine Potatoes with Dressing
- Add the cooled potatoes to the bowl.
- Gently fold them into the creamy mixture, making sure each piece is coated.
- Add the chopped boiled eggs and mix again carefully.
6. Adjust the Seasoning
- Taste the salad and adjust salt, pepper, or mustard as needed.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of paprika inside the mix.
7. Chill Before Serving
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate the potato salad for at least 1 hour before serving (this allows the flavors to blend).
8. Garnish and Serve
- Before serving, sprinkle paprika and fresh parsley on top for a colorful finish.
- Serve chilled as a side dish at barbecues, picnics, or family parties.
🥗 Serving Tips for the Best Creamy Potato Salad
1. Serve It Chilled
Potato salad always tastes best when it’s served cold. After making it, let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 1–2 hours before serving. This helps the flavors blend together and gives the salad a refreshing taste.
2. Garnish Before Serving
Add a final touch just before placing it on the table:
- Sprinkle paprika for a pop of color.
- Add fresh parsley or chives for freshness.
- For a party, you can decorate the top with sliced boiled eggs or pickle slices to make it look more inviting.
3. Perfect Pairings
This creamy potato salad pairs wonderfully with:
- Grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
- Barbecue ribs or burgers.
- Other summer sides like coleslaw or corn on the cob.
4. Serving Size
Plan for about 1 cup (200 g) per person if serving as a side dish. If it’s the main side at a gathering, prepare extra because it disappears fast!
🧊 Storage Tips for the Best Creamy Potato Salad
1. Refrigeration
- Store leftover potato salad in an airtight container.
- Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 a 4 dias.
- Always keep it cold and never leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours (especially at outdoor summer parties).
2. Freezing (Not Recommended)
Potato salad does not freeze well. The mayonnaise and sour cream will separate after thawing, and the potatoes will turn mushy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge only.
3. Refreshing Leftovers
If the salad looks a bit dry after a day or two in the fridge:
- Add 1–2 tablespoons of mayonnaise or sour cream.
- Mix gently to bring back the creamy texture.
4. Safe Transport for Parties
- If you’re taking potato salad to a picnic or BBQ, keep it in a cooler with ice packs.
- Serve it in small batches and keep the rest chilled to maintain food safety.
Nutrition Information (per serving, about 1 cup)
This may vary slightly depending on the exact ingredients you use.
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Potassium: 620 mg
- Vitamin C: 15% of Daily Value
- Iron: 8% of Daily Value
👉 This salad is filling and comforting, but it can be high in calories and fat if you use only full-fat mayonnaise. That’s why adding some healthy swaps can make it lighter while keeping the creamy taste.
Healthy Substitutions
1. Swap the Mayo
- Use iogurte grego instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, protein-rich base.
- Try a 50/50 mix of mayo and Greek yogurt to keep creaminess while cutting fat.
- You can also use light mayonnaise to reduce calories.
2. Add More Veggies
- Mix in cucumbers, carrots, or bell peppers for extra crunch and vitamins.
- Adding peas or corn gives natural sweetness and fiber.
3. Healthier Potatoes
- Escolher sweet potatoes for a boost of Vitamin A and natural sweetness.
- Leave some potato skins on for extra fiber and minerals.
4. Lower the Salt
- Use fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives instead of extra salt.
- A splash of lemon juice or vinegar brightens flavor without sodium.
5. Make it Egg-Free
- If you don’t want eggs, replace them with chickpeas or edamame for plant-based protein.
Tips for a Lighter Salad
- Chill the salad before serving: flavors blend better and you’ll eat smaller portions because it feels more filling.
- Serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or veggies to balance the meal.
- Use smaller portions: potato salad is rich, so half a cup can be enough alongside other dishes.
🎉 Final Thoughts
This Best Creamy Potato Salad Recipe for Summer Parties No.1 is more than just a side dish – it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings people together. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, packing a picnic, or simply enjoying a family dinner, this creamy potato salad will always steal the spotlight.
So grab your fork, share it with your loved ones, and don’t forget – the secret to a perfect summer gathering is always a bowl of creamy potato salad made with love. 💛
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