Best Creamy Potato Salad Recipe for BBQs and Picnics

If you’re looking to master the perfect creamy potato salad, you’re in the right place. This dish is more than just a BBQ side, it’s a classic comfort food that blends tangy, rich, and fresh flavors with a delightful texture that never fails to please.

In this detailed guide, you’ll learn:

• Which potatoes are best
• How to get that super creamy texture
• Tips from pros
• The best ingredient combinations
• Variations and make-ahead strategies
• And answers to common FAQs

Looking to round out your summer meal? Pair your salad with a crispy fried pickle appetizer or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the richness.

Why This Is the Best Creamy Potato Salad Recipe

There are hundreds of potato salad recipes out there, but this one stands out for all the right reasons.

• Perfectly Balanced Flavors
  The combination of tangy mustard, rich mayonnaise, and cool sour cream creates a dressing that’s creamy without being heavy.
• Ideal Potato Texture
  Using Yukon Gold or red potatoes gives the salad a soft, buttery bite while still holding its shape no mushy mess here.
• Fresh, Crunchy Add-Ins
  Crisp celery, chopped pickles, and red onion bring in just the right amount of texture and contrast.
• Foolproof Every Time
  This recipe is easy to follow, even for beginners, and produces consistent, delicious results every single time.
• Loved by Everyone
  Whether you serve it at a cookout, family dinner, or potluck, this salad disappears fast and earns rave reviews.

If you’re searching for the go-to potato salad recipe that becomes a permanent part of your meal rotation, this is it.

Best Ingredients for Creamy Potato Salad

The secret to unforgettable potato salad is choosing the right ingredients:

Best Potatoes to Use:

• Yukon Gold potatoes – ideal for their buttery texture and waxy structure
• Red potatoes – hold shape well and look beautiful
• Avoid Russets – they can become too soft and mealy

Other Key Ingredients:

• Hard-boiled eggs – optional, but classic
• Celery – adds a satisfying crunch
• Dill pickles or sweet pickles – for acidity and flavor
• Red onion – soak in cold water to “de-flame” it
• Fresh herbs – like dill, parsley, chives, or tarragon

Building the Creamy Dressing

This is where the magic happens. The dressing makes or breaks the dish.

Classic Ingredients:

• Mayonnaise – the base of the creaminess
• Sour cream – lightens the texture and adds a tangy twist
• Yellow mustard – adds zing and a pop of color
• Apple cider vinegar or pickle juice – gives the salad brightness

Optional Add-ins:

• Greek yogurt – as a lighter substitute for sour cream
• Dijon mustard – for a more refined flavor
• A pinch of sugar or paprika – for depth

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make your creamy potato salad turn out perfect every time.

1. Boil the Potatoes

• Scrub and rinse 2 lbs of small potatoes
• Place them in salted cold water
• Boil until fork-tender (15–20 minutes)
• Transfer immediately to an ice bath
• Once cooled, peel and chop

2. Prep the Mix-ins

• Dice celery, pickles, and de-flame red onions
• Boil, peel, and chop 2 eggs ( For perfectly sliced eggs, a handy egg slicer
• Chop fresh herbs

3. Make the Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together:

• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp mustard
• Season with salt and pepper

4. Combine Everything

• Place chopped potatoes in a sturdy potato salad mixing bowl
• Sprinkle with apple cider vinegar while still warm
• Add all chopped mix-ins
• Pour over the dressing
• Gently fold until evenly coated

5. Chill Before Serving

• Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes
• This helps flavors mingle and deepen

Pro Tips for Perfection

Want to take your salad from good to unforgettable? Try these:

• Always use warm potatoes when adding vinegar, they absorb better
• Chill your salad before serving improves taste dramatically
• Go easy when mixing, you want chunks, not mash
• Fresh herbs make a huge difference

How to Serve Creamy Potato Salad

Serve your creamy potato salad with these recipes from Specialy Recipes:

• A grilled shrimp bowl for a summery surf-and-turf feel
• A crispy chicken Caesar salad for double salad action
• This hearty beef and potatoes dish for protein-packed comfort

Creative Variations to Try

Tired of the classic version? These fun spins add a new twist:

• Loaded Potato Salad: Add crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, and green onions
• Vegan Version: Use vegan mayo and skip the eggs
• No-Mayo Version: Swap mayo for Greek yogurt or olive oil
• Southern Style: Add chopped sweet pickles and a dash of paprika
• German Style: Serve warm with a vinegar-based dressing and bacon

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

This salad is make-ahead friendly and even better the next day.

Storage Guidelines:

• Store in an airtight container
• Keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days
• Do NOT freeze, the dressing will separate
• Stir gently before serving leftovers

Nutritional Info & Substitutions

A typical serving (~1 cup) of creamy potato salad contains:

• ~250 calories
• 29g carbs
• 6g protein
• 13g fat

Lighten it up:

• Use low-fat mayo or plain Greek yogurt
• Skip the eggs for lower cholesterol
• Add extra veggies for volume and fiber

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free! Just check your mustard and mayo brands to be safe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

Creamy potato salad is a must-know recipe that balances comfort, versatility, and crowd-pleasing power. Use it as a base, dress it up, or pair it with dishes like a grilled shrimp bowl or chickpea avocado salad for a perfect picnic-ready spread.

Best Creamy Potato Salad Recipe for BBQs and Picnics

---

• Author: MERIEM
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A rich and tangy creamy potato salad made with tender Yukon Gold potatoes, fresh herbs, and a smooth mayo-mustard dressing. Perfect for BBQs, picnics, and potlucks.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 lbs Yukon Gold or red potatoes, unpeeled
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
1 tbsp yellow or Dijon mustard
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or pickle brine
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
½ red onion, finely diced and soaked in cold water
2 celery stalks, diced
1 dill pickle, diced
¼ cup fresh herbs such as dill, parsley, or chives
Salt and black pepper to taste
Paprika and green onions for garnish

---

Instructions

Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender. Drain and allow them to cool slightly.

Peel if desired, then chop into bite-sized chunks and place in a large bowl.

While still warm, drizzle potatoes with vinegar or brine and let sit for five minutes.

In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Add celery, onion, pickle, eggs, and herbs to the potatoes. Pour dressing over and gently fold to combine.

 

Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with paprika and sliced green onions.

Notes

Soaking red onion in cold water reduces harshness and adds a mellow crunch.
This salad tastes better when made ahead and chilled.
Feel free to customize with bacon, shredded cheese, or extra herbs.
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Boil and mix
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 380mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Keywords: creamy potato salad, classic potato salad, picnic side dish, mayo potato salad