Potato and Egg Salad: A Classic Comfort Food Recipe
This delightful potato and egg salad is a perfect side dish for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to summer barbecues. It's easy to make, delicious, and incredibly versatile. This recipe provides a simple base that you can easily customize to your taste preferences.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best)
- 6 large eggs, hard-boiled and chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (use your favorite brand)
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (red onion adds a nice bite)
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional additions: chopped fresh dill, paprika, chives, bacon bits, or a dash of hot sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Boil the potatoes: Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the eggs: While the potatoes are boiling, hard-boil the eggs. Once cooked, peel and chop them.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the cooled potatoes, chopped eggs, mayonnaise, pickle relish, mustard, vinegar, onion, celery, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly but avoid mashing the potatoes too much. You want some texture remaining.
- Add optional ingredients: If desired, stir in your chosen additions, such as fresh dill, paprika, or bacon bits.
- Chill and serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This also helps the salad firm up nicely. Serve chilled.
Tips for the Perfect Potato and Egg Salad:
- Don't overcook the potatoes: Overcooked potatoes will become mushy. Aim for tender but still slightly firm potatoes.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality mayonnaise make a big difference in the flavor.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, mustard, or vinegar to your liking.
- Get creative with additions: Experiment with different herbs, spices, and vegetables to create your own unique potato and egg salad variations. Consider adding chopped bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even some cooked crumbled sausage.
- Make it ahead: This salad tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Serving Suggestions:
This versatile salad is perfect as a side dish with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a filling for lettuce wraps. It's also a great addition to picnics and potlucks.
This recipe is sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy! Remember to share your creations and tag us in your photos on social media using #PotatoAndEggSalad. Let's see your delicious variations!
