Creamy Classic Potato Salad
This Creamy Classic Potato Salad is a family favorite that never fails to impress! Each time I prepare this dish for my brother or friends, they rave about it, especially since it holds a special appeal for those who shy away from mustard-based salads. The combination of tender diced potatoes, a medley of fresh vegetables, and a rich, creamy dressing make it a delightful side dish for any gathering. Don't let the absence of mustard fool you; once you taste this salad, you'll be hooked! It's perfect for picnics, barbecues, or holiday gatherings. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, and be prepared for compliments when you serve it up!
N/A
Servings
160
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
potatoes
6-8 cups (cooked, peeled and cubed)
onion
1 whole (chopped (preferably red onion))
celery
4 stalks (finely chopped)
hard-boiled eggs
6 (diced)
sweet gherkins
8 small (chopped)
Miracle Whip
3 cups (used as a dressing)
white vinegar
3 tablespoons (used in the dressing)
white sugar
3 tablespoons (used in the dressing)
salt
3 teaspoons (seasoning for the dressing and salad)
Instructions
1
Start by boiling the potatoes whole with their jackets on until a fork easily pierces through them. This ensures a fluffy texture.
2
Once cooked, allow the potatoes to cool on the counter for about an hour. This prevents the dressing from becoming warm, which could alter its consistency.
3
After they have cooled, peel and cube the potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
4
While the potatoes are boiling, prepare the dressing by mixing the Miracle Whip, white vinegar, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Once mixed, cover and refrigerate the dressing until you're ready to combine it with the other ingredients.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped onion, finely diced celery, diced hard-boiled eggs, sweet gherkins, and cubed potatoes.
6
Gradually add the chilled Miracle Whip dressing to the potato mixture. Start with a small amount and mix thoroughly until you achieve your desired creaminess.
7
You may have some dressing left over, which is not a problem, as the potatoes will absorb more of the dressing while chilling.
8
Once all ingredients are combined, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor. This allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully.
9
Taste the potato salad before serving; if it seems salty, or if you want more tang or sweetness, adjust the flavors with additional salt, vinegar, or sugar as needed, adding little by little until it suits your palate.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
24g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this potato salad unique?
This recipe is a creamy, mustard-free classic that relies on a tangy Miracle Whip base, making it perfect for those who do not enjoy mustard-based salads.
How many potatoes should I use?
You will need approximately 6 to 8 cups of cooked, peeled, and cubed potatoes for this recipe.
Should I peel the potatoes before boiling?
No, the recipe recommends boiling the potatoes whole with their jackets on to ensure a fluffy texture.
How long should the potatoes cool after boiling?
Allow the potatoes to cool on the counter for about an hour to prevent the dressing from melting or changing consistency.
What is the base of the dressing?
The dressing is made from a combination of Miracle Whip, white vinegar, sugar, and salt.
Can I substitute mayonnaise for Miracle Whip?
While you can use mayonnaise, the specific tangy flavor profile of this recipe comes from Miracle Whip. If using mayo, you may need to adjust the sugar and vinegar.
What type of onion is recommended?
The recipe suggests using one whole chopped red onion for the best flavor and color.
How many eggs are included in this salad?
This recipe calls for 6 large hard-boiled eggs, diced.
What kind of pickles are used?
The recipe uses 8 small sweet gherkins, chopped, to add a bit of sweetness and crunch.
How much sugar is in the dressing?
There are 3 tablespoons of white sugar in the dressing mixture.
Should the dressing be refrigerated before mixing?
Yes, it is recommended to mix the dressing and refrigerate it while the potatoes are boiling and cooling.
How long does the salad need to chill before serving?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 4 hours, though overnight is preferred for the best flavor development.
What should I do if the salad tastes too salty?
You can adjust the flavor by adding small amounts of additional sugar or vinegar to balance out the saltiness.
Can I add all the dressing at once?
It is best to add the chilled dressing gradually to the potato mixture until you reach your desired level of creaminess.
Why are the potatoes boiled with the skin on?
Boiling them in their jackets helps maintain a better, fluffier texture compared to boiling peeled cubes which can become waterlogged.
What vegetables are in this potato salad?
This salad features chopped red onion, finely diced celery, and chopped sweet gherkins.
Is this recipe suitable for a BBQ?
Yes, this is an ideal side dish for barbecues, picnics, and holiday gatherings.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 160 calories per serving of this potato salad.
What is the fat content?
Each serving contains approximately 8g of fat.
Does this recipe contain protein?
Yes, there are about 3g of protein per serving, largely from the hard-boiled eggs.
How many carbohydrates are per serving?
There are 24g of carbohydrates per serving.
How should I prep the celery?
The 4 stalks of celery should be finely chopped to ensure an even distribution and a pleasant crunch.
Can I use white vinegar?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 3 tablespoons of white vinegar for the dressing.
Is it okay if I have leftover dressing?
Yes, having leftover dressing is fine as the potatoes tend to absorb more liquid as they chill in the refrigerator.
What is the best way to dice the potatoes?
After cooling and peeling, the potatoes should be cut into bite-sized cubes.
Can this recipe be made a day in advance?
Absolutely, making it a day ahead allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully and often results in better flavor.
What should I do if I want more tang?
You can add a little extra vinegar at the end of the process, tasting as you go until it reaches your preference.
Is there any salt in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 3 teaspoons of salt, primarily for seasoning the dressing.
What is the texture of the finished salad?
The texture is rich and creamy with a slight crunch from the fresh celery, onions, and gherkins.
How do I know when the potatoes are done boiling?
The potatoes are ready when a fork can easily pierce through the center without resistance.