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sam's potato salad

Sam's Potato Salad Recipe – Creamy, Easy & Crowd-Pleasing

A creamy, classic version of Sam's potato salad that’s easy to make, perfect for picnics, potlucks, and family dinners & lunch.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Side Dish, Appetizer, Lunch
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the salad:
  • 4 large Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 celery stalk finely chopped
  • ¼ red onion or 2 tbsp chopped green onions
  • Optional: 1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley chopped
  • For the dressing:
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons sweet relish
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for extra zing

Notes

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

  1. Wash and peel the potatoes (or leave the skin on for extra texture).
  2. Cut into ½-inch cubes for even cooking.
  3. Place in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt.
  4. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer.
  5. Cook for 12–15 minutes until tender but not mushy (a fork should easily pierce them).
  6. Drain well and let cool slightly for about 10 minutes.
 

Step 2: Boil the Eggs

  1. Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water.
  2. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let sit for 10 minutes.
  3. Transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
  4. Once cooled, peel and finely chop the eggs.
 

Step 3: Chop Vegetables

  1. Finely dice the celery and red onion (or use green onions if preferred).
  2. If using herbs, finely chop them now.
 

Step 4: Make the Dressing

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and sweet relish.
  2. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  3. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Optional: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for brightness.
 

Step 5: Combine Everything

  1. In a large bowl, add the cooled potatoes, chopped eggs, celery, onion, and herbs.
  2. Pour the dressing over the top.
  3. Gently stir everything together until evenly coated.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
 

Step 6: Chill & Serve

  1. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  2. Before serving, give it a quick stir and garnish with paprika or fresh herbs if desired.