Growing up, my grandma’s Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad was the star of every family gathering. I can still remember the aroma wafting through the house as she’d carefully prepare the creamy, tangy dish – it just wasn’t a true summer celebration without it! There was something so comforting and nostalgic about that Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad recipe. The way the cool, tender potatoes would soak up all the flavorful dressing, the perfect balance of crunchy celery and onions, and the just-the-right-amount-of-bite from the mustard…it was absolute perfection.
Why This Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
To this day, I haven’t found a potato salad that can quite compare to grandma’s Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad. It’s the perfect blend of classic flavors with a little twist that takes it to the next level. The secret is in the combination of ingredients and the simple, yet thoughtful preparation method. This recipe delivers a creamy, tangy, and utterly satisfying Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad every single time.
The Secret Behind Perfect Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad
What makes this Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad recipe so special is the way the flavors meld together. The key is letting the potatoes absorb the dressing while they’re still warm, which allows the tangy mustard and the creamy mayonnaise to really soak in. Then, the addition of just the right amount of crunchy celery and onion gives it the perfect texture contrast. It’s the kind of dish that’ll have your guests going back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Russet potatoes – These starchy potatoes hold their shape well and soak up the dressing beautifully.
- Mayonnaise – The creamy base that gives the Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad its signature texture.
- Dijon mustard – Provides the perfect balance of tanginess and heat.
- Apple cider vinegar – Adds a subtle acidity that brightens up the flavors.
- Celery – Provides a delightful crunch and fresh, vegetal notes.
- Onion – Red onion gives the Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad a nice bite.
- Hard-boiled eggs – For added creaminess and protein.
- Fresh parsley – The herbal notes complement the other flavors perfectly.
- Salt and pepper – To season and bring out the best in all the ingredients.
Step-by-Step Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad Instructions
Preparing Your Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad
This Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad is surprisingly easy to make, but the results are nothing short of impressive. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a showstopping dish that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any summer gathering. Let’s get started!
1- Begin by peeling and cubing the russet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water.
2- Bring the potatoes to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and allow them to cool slightly.
3- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4- Add the warm, drained potatoes to the dressing and gently toss to coat. You want the potatoes to absorb the flavors while they’re still hot.
5- Fold in the diced celery, red onion, hard-boiled eggs, and fresh parsley.
6- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad chilled or at room temperature.
Pro Tips for Success
To make the perfect Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad, a few key tips:
- Don’t overcook the potatoes – you want them tender but still holding their shape.
- Toss the warm potatoes with the dressing so they can soak up all the flavors.
- Chill the salad for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the celery and onion at the end to maintain their crunch.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – the amount of salt and pepper can vary.
Serving and Storing Your Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad
Perfect Pairings for Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad
This Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad is the ultimate summer side dish. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, fried chicken, or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, serve it alongside barbecue ribs, hot dogs, or hamburgers. And don’t forget the ice-cold lemonade or iced tea to cool things off!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, this Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad only gets better with time. You can make it up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In fact, I find the flavors really meld together after a day or two. When ready to serve, give it a gentle stir and you’re good to go. Leftovers will keep for up to 5 days, so you can enjoy this dish all week long.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad
Creative Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad Variations
While the classic Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad is hard to beat, there are plenty of fun ways to put your own spin on it. Try adding crispy bacon, diced dill pickles, or a sprinkle of paprika for a little extra flavor. You could also swap in Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture, or use Dijon mustard in place of the traditional yellow for a more pronounced tang.
Making Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad Diet-Friendly
For a gluten-free version of this Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad, simply use a gluten-free mayonnaise and mustard. To make it vegan, replace the mayonnaise with a plant-based version and omit the hard-boiled eggs. And for a low-carb twist, try swapping in steamed cauliflower florets for some of the potatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of potato besides russets?
A: While russets are the classic choice, you can certainly experiment with other varieties. Yukon Golds will give you a creamier texture, while red potatoes hold their shape better. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q: How long do I need to chill the Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad before serving?
A: I recommend chilling the salad for at least 2 hours, but it’s even better if you can let it sit overnight. This allows all the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Q: Can I make this potato salad ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad actually gets better with time. You can make it up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Q: How many people does this recipe serve?
A: This Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad recipe serves 6-8 people as a side dish. If you’re serving it as part of a larger spread, it can stretch to 10-12 servings.
Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad
- Total Time: 27
- Yield: 8
Description
Grandma’s classic old fashioned mustard potato salad is the ultimate summertime side dish. Creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced, this nostalgic recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any backyard BBQ or picnic.
Ingredients
– 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
– 3/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 2 hard boiled eggs, chopped
– 1/2 red onion, finely diced
– 2 stalks celery, finely diced
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tsp white vinegar
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. – Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. – Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10-12 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender. Drain and let cool.
3. – In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. – Add the cooled potatoes, hard boiled eggs, onion, celery, and parsley. Gently fold to combine.
5. – Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
Notes
– For a creamier texture, use a mixture of Yukon Gold and red potatoes.
– Customize with your favorite add-ins like pickles, bacon, or green onions.
– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: Snacks & Desserts
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s just something so comforting and nostalgic about a classic Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad. With its creamy dressing, tender potatoes, and perfect balance of flavors, it’s the ultimate summer side dish. I hope this recipe transports you back to those warm, carefree days of family gatherings and backyard barbecues, just like it does for me. Go ahead and give this Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad a try – I guarantee it’ll become your new go-to!