Wash and peel the potatoes (leave the skins on if you prefer a rustic texture). Cut them into bite-sized chunks for even cooking.
Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until fork-tender.
Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. For the best results, let them cool completely before assembling the salad to avoid a watery texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.
Set the dressing aside to let the flavors meld.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the cooked potatoes with the celery, red onion, pickle relish, and chopped hard-boiled eggs.
Pour the dressing over the potato mixture and gently fold everything together, ensuring each piece is coated without mashing the potatoes.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better!) to let the flavors develop.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley or dill over the salad for a touch of color and freshness.
For a nostalgic finish, dust the top lightly with paprika or arrange extra slices of hard-boiled eggs on top.
Tips for Perfect Potato Salad
Choose the right potato: Yukon Golds or red potatoes are creamy and hold their shape well, making them ideal for potato salad. Avoid starchy potatoes like russets, which can become mushy.
Add a personal twist: Some families swear by adding crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, or even chopped apples for a sweet crunch.
Don’t skip the chill time: Potato salad tastes best when the flavors have time to meld in the fridge.
The Legacy of a Simple Dish
This isn’t just a recipe—it’s a connection to the past, a way to honor the gatherings and the person who always brought her best to the table. Potato salad is more than the sum of its parts; it’s about love, laughter, and the memories shared around a bowl.
Whenever you make this dish, take a moment to remember the gatherings, the smiles, and the stories that came with it. It’s amazing how a humble dish can hold so much meaning.
Now, it’s your turn to create memories. Whether you’re serving it to your family or taking it to a gathering, let this potato salad be your legacy, just as it was hers.
Let me know if you’d like to add a specific family twist to the recipe! 😊
