Potato Salad

A classic potato salad made with russet potatoes, mayo, celery, red onion, mustard, and pickles, with a tangy, creamy finish.

Prep
20 minutes
Cook
10 minutes
Inactive
1 hour
Total
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cover image for Potato Salad recipe

Ingredients

Serves/makes 8

Potatoes

Salad

Instructions

  1. 1.

    Add 2 quarts water to a large saucepan. Add potatoes, 2 tablespoons kosher salt, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 2 tablespoons vinegar. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes.

  2. 2.

    Drain potatoes and transfer to rimmed baking sheet. Spread into even layer, then sprinkle with 2 tablespoons vinegar. Allow to cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.

  3. 3.

    In a large bowl, combine remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, remaining 2 tablespoons vinegar, celery, onion, scallion (if using), parsley (if using), pickles, mustard, and mayonnaise. Stir with rubber spatula to combine.

  4. 4.

    Fold in potatoes.

  5. 5.

    Season to taste with salt and pepper.

  6. 6.

    Cover and rest in fridge for at least 1 hour and up to 3 days before serving.

Notes

  • Salad can be prepared 3 days in advance. Store in refrigerator.
  • Cornichons are small salty pickles that can be found in most grocery stores. If unavailable, regular dill pickles or pickle relish can be used in its place.

Adapted from J. Kenji Lopez Alt on June 19, 2026