Homestyle Potato Salad
Embrace the comforting taste of Granny's Homestyle Potato Salad. This homemade dish features a delightful blend of potatoes and a tangy dressing, topped with hard-boiled eggs and fresh celery. It's a perfect side dish for any family gathering or picnic.
Whether you're hosting a barbecue or preparing a family dinner, this potato salad is sure to be a hit. The tangy dressing perfectly complements the hearty potatoes, while the hard-boiled eggs and fresh celery add a satisfying crunch. So why wait? Try Granny's Homestyle Potato Salad today and bring a touch of homestyle cooking to your table.
Ingredients
3 pounds Yukon Gold, Russet, or red potatoes, cut into 3/4-inch cubes 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1 1/4 cups mayonnaise 1/3 cup dill pickle relish (optional) 1 teaspoon celery salt 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 4 hard-boiled eggs, diced 2 celery stalks, diced Half of a small red onion, thinly sliced Sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper Optional toppings: smoked paprika or Old Bay seasoning, chopped fresh chives, (extra) sliced hard-boiled eggs
Method
- 1. Submerge the cubed potatoes in a large pot, ensuring they are covered by an inch of water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Then, adjust the heat to medium to maintain a simmer, and continue cooking the potatoes for 5-8 minutes or until they are easily pierced with a fork.
- 2. Drain the potatoes using a colander. Return the potatoes to the pot, drizzle evenly with the vinegar, and let them rest for 20-30 minutes or until they are cool enough to handle.
- 3. In the meantime, whisk together the mayo, celery salt, mustard, and pickle relish in a medium bowl until evenly combined.
- 4. Once the potatoes are ready, add in the mayo mixture, diced eggs, celery, and onion. Toss gently until evenly combined.
- 5. Taste and season with salt and pepper, to taste. You may also add in a tablespoon or two of pickle juice if you wish. Transfer the potato salad to a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to chill.
- 6. Serve chilled, or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
Homestyle Potato Salad: A Classic Dish with a Twist
Granny's Homestyle Potato Salad is more than just a side dish; it's a testament to the rich tapestry of American culinary history. This comforting dish, loved by people of all ages, carries with it the spirit of old-fashioned family traditions and the pioneering spirit of the earliest settlers who ventured west into the American heartland.
Like many American classics, the Homestyle Potato Salad is an immigrant dish, brought to the new nation by settlers and gradually adapted to local tastes. Its roots can be traced back to the German kartoffelsalat, which uses vinegar and mustard to create a tangy dressing. This basic formula, with its hearty potatoes and tangy dressing, provided the foundation for a wide variety of potato salads.
As farmers settled in the American Midwest, they applied their expertise to the production of these salads, creating an array of flavors that catered to the diverse palates of the growing nation. However, the addition of hard-boiled eggs and fresh celery was a uniquely American twist, adding a satisfying crunch to the dish.
The rise of the Homestyle Potato Salad mirrors the growth of the American middle class. As ingredients became more accessible, so too did the salad, transforming from a luxury item into a beloved staple in American households. Today, Granny's Homestyle Potato Salad is not just a side dish, but a symbol of American resilience and innovation, a dish that has evolved with the nation and continues to be a favorite at family gatherings and holidays.
But Potato Salad is loved the world over, in a variety of forms. The true beauty of potato salad lies in its versatility and adaptability. Across different regions and cultures, there are countless variations to the classic recipe, each bringing its own unique twist and flavor profile. Here are a few notable variations:
Potato Salad Variations
The beauty of potato salad lies in its versatility and adaptability. Across different regions and cultures, there are countless variations to the classic recipe, each bringing its own unique twist and flavor profile. Here are a few notable variations:
German Potato Salad (Kartoffelsalat)
As the ancestral recipe of the American Homestyle Potato Salad, the German version is distinctively tangy and often served warm. It typically uses vinegar and mustard to create a zesty dressing, and it may also include bacon for a smoky flavor. Unlike its American counterpart, German potato salad usually does not contain mayonnaise.
Southern-Style Potato Salad
A staple in the American South, this version is known for its creamy texture, thanks to the generous use of mayonnaise. It often includes hard-boiled eggs, celery, and sweet pickles or relish for added crunch and sweetness. A dash of mustard gives it a tangy kick.
French Potato Salad (Salade de Pommes de Terre)
This variation is lighter and more delicate. It typically uses small, waxy potatoes and is dressed with a vinaigrette made from Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, and fresh herbs like parsley and tarragon. It's often served at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics and outdoor gatherings.
Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad)
This is a hearty, meal-like salad that includes not only potatoes but also carrots, peas, pickles, and often proteins like chicken or ham. It's dressed with mayonnaise and is a popular dish for celebrations and holidays in Russia and other Eastern European countries.
Vegan Potato Salad
For those following a plant-based diet, a vegan potato salad can be made by substituting the mayonnaise with a vegan alternative made from plant-based ingredients. Additions like fresh herbs, capers, and a variety of vegetables can add flavor and complexity to the dish.
Japanese Potato Salad
This version features partially mashed potatoes mixed with sliced cucumbers, carrots, onions, and sometimes ham. It's dressed with Japanese mayonnaise, which is slightly sweeter and tangier than its Western counterpart, and is often served chilled.
These variations showcase the global appeal of potato salad and the endless possibilities for creativity in the kitchen. Whether you prefer it tangy, creamy, light, or hearty, there's a potato salad for every palate and occasion.