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 mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
30 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins
Course Side Dish, Appetizer, Lunch
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 600 kcal
- 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
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
- Wash and peel the potatoes (or leave the skin on for extra texture).
- Cut into ½-inch cubes for even cooking.
- Place in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook for 12–15 minutes until tender but not mushy (a fork should easily pierce them).
- Drain well and let cool slightly for about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Boil the Eggs
- Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water.
- Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
- Once cooled, peel and finely chop the eggs.
Step 3: Chop Vegetables
- Finely dice the celery and red onion (or use green onions if preferred).
- If using herbs, finely chop them now.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
- In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and sweet relish.
- Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Optional: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for brightness.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- In a large bowl, add the cooled potatoes, chopped eggs, celery, onion, and herbs.
- Pour the dressing over the top.
- Gently stir everything together until evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 6: Chill & Serve
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Before serving, give it a quick stir and garnish with paprika or fresh herbs if desired.