Creamy Summer Yukon Gold Potato Salad
Inspired by the legendary Julia Child, this creamy Yukon Gold potato salad is a go-to dish for all your summer gatherings. Combining the buttery texture of Yukon Gold potatoes with the tangy zest of cider vinegar, crispy bacon, and a medley of fresh vegetables, this potato salad is anything but ordinary. The mixture of mayonnaise and sour cream creates a luscious dressing that clings beautifully to each potato slice, making it a dish that leaves a lasting impression. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or family reunions, this recipe is sure to win hearts and palates alike. And watch out—once you serve it, your friends may never want to taste another potato salad again!
6
Servings
200
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Yukon Gold potatoes
2 lbs (peeled and sliced)
cider vinegar
2 tablespoons (n/a)
potato water
1/3 cup (reserved from cooking)
onion
1/3 cup (finely chopped)
celery or peas
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
bacon
3 slices (cooked and crumbled)
sweet pickle relish
3 tablespoons (finely chopped)
hard-boiled eggs
2 (peeled and sliced thin)
fresh chives or scallions
3 tablespoons (finely chopped)
salt
to taste (n/a)
fresh ground white pepper
to taste (n/a)
mayonnaise
1 cup (homemade if possible)
sour cream
to taste (optional)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling the Yukon Gold potatoes. Slice each potato lengthwise in half, then cut into half-round or quarter-round slices, about 1/2 inch thick.
2
Place the potato slices in a large saucepan, covering them with cold water and adding 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt per quart of water. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 to 6 minutes or until the potatoes are just tender but still hold their shape. Taste a slice to check for doneness.
3
Once cooked, drain the potatoes in a colander, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Transfer the warm potatoes to a mixing bowl, and while they are still warm, drizzle the mixture of cider vinegar and 1/3 cup of the reserved potato water over them. Gently toss to coat, allowing the potatoes to soak up the flavor. Let them sit for about 10 minutes.
4
In the meantime, prepare the other ingredients: finely chop the onion, celery (or peas), and chives (or scallions), and crumble the bacon. Add these to the bowl with the potatoes, along with the sweet pickle relish and sliced hard-boiled eggs.
5
Top the mixture with 2/3 cup of mayonnaise (or a blend of mayonnaise and sour cream) and gently fold everything together using a large rubber spatula, ensuring everything is well-coated and combined. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with salt, fresh ground white pepper, and additional mayonnaise as desired.
6
Cover the potato salad and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, let it return to room temperature before serving. Finally, taste one more time for seasoning adjustments and serve chilled.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
14g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of potatoes are used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses Yukon Gold potatoes for their buttery texture.
Who inspired this potato salad recipe?
The recipe is inspired by the legendary chef Julia Child.
How should the potatoes be sliced?
Slice each potato lengthwise in half, then cut into half-round or quarter-round slices about 1/2 inch thick.
How long do the potatoes need to cook?
The potatoes should be simmered for 5 to 6 minutes until they are just tender.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Yes, the instructions begin by peeling the Yukon Gold potatoes.
What is the ratio of salt to water for boiling the potatoes?
Use 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt per quart of cold water.
Why should I reserve the potato cooking water?
You reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid to mix with cider vinegar and drizzle over the warm potatoes for extra flavor.
What kind of vinegar is recommended?
The recipe calls for cider vinegar.
When should the vinegar mixture be added to the potatoes?
Drizzle the vinegar and reserved water over the potatoes while they are still warm.
How long should the potatoes sit after adding the vinegar?
Let them sit for about 10 minutes to soak up the flavor.
What can be used if I do not want to use celery?
You can use peas as an alternative to celery in this salad.
What is the alternative to fresh chives?
Scallions can be used in place of fresh chives.
How is the bacon prepared for the salad?
The bacon should be cooked and crumbled before being added.
What type of pickle relish is used?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of finely chopped sweet pickle relish.
How should the hard-boiled eggs be prepared?
The eggs should be peeled and sliced thin.
What ingredients make up the creamy dressing?
The dressing consists of mayonnaise or a blend of mayonnaise and sour cream.
Is homemade mayonnaise recommended?
Yes, the recipe suggests using homemade mayonnaise if possible.
Is sour cream a mandatory ingredient?
No, sour cream is listed as an optional ingredient to be added to taste.
What is the best tool to use for mixing the salad?
A large rubber spatula is recommended to gently fold the ingredients together.
What type of pepper is best for seasoning?
Fresh ground white pepper is recommended for seasoning the salad.
How long should the salad be refrigerated?
Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
What is the ideal temperature for serving?
For best results, let the salad return to room temperature before serving.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 200 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 15g of fat.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 14g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of this potato salad?
The salad contains 5g of protein per serving.
Should the potatoes be started in hot or cold water?
The potatoes should be placed in a saucepan and covered with cold water before heating.
Can I adjust the seasoning after chilling?
Yes, the instructions suggest tasting one more time for seasoning adjustments just before serving.
What events is this dish suitable for?
It is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or family reunions.