There’s nothing quite like a classic simple potato salad—creamy, comforting, and bursting with herby flavor. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, preparing for a picnic, or looking for a tasty side dish for your weeknight dinner, this easy potato salad recipe is the perfect addition to your table.
Made with tender new potatoes, creamy mayo, salad cream, chives, dill, and a touch of seasoning, this potato salad strikes the right balance between tangy and savory. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a no-fuss dish you’ll come back to again and again.
📌 Why You’ll Love This Potato Salad
- ✅ Quick & Easy – Prep and cook in under 30 minutes.
- ✅ Versatile – Pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or even on its own.
- ✅ Make-Ahead Friendly – Stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- ✅ Customizable – Swap or add ingredients to suit your taste.
Whether you’re preparing for a potluck or simply need a comforting side, this potato salad never disappoints.
🧂 Ingredients for Simple Potato Salad
This recipe is made with wholesome, everyday ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
🛒 Ingredients:
- 1 kg new potatoes, scrubbed clean and cut into bite-sized chunks
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise (full-fat or light)
- 3 tablespoons salad cream (full-fat or light)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- 2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
💡 Tip: You can also use sour cream or Greek yogurt in place of salad cream for a tangier twist.
🍴 Recommended Tools
To make this dish a breeze, here’s what you’ll need:
- Large saucepan or pot (for boiling potatoes)
- Strainer or colander (for draining)
- Large mixing bowl (for assembling the salad)
- Cutting board & knife
- Measuring spoons/cups
👩🍳 How to Make Simple Potato Salad – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Add the chopped potatoes to a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 2 tsp of salt to the water to enhance flavor. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until fork-tender (about 10–15 minutes).
✅ Don’t overcook! The potatoes should be tender but not mushy.
Step 2: Drain and Cool
Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. You want them warm, not hot, so the dressing clings nicely without becoming watery.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, salad cream, chopped chives, dill, and black pepper.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Transfer the cooled potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Gently fold in the creamy dressing until all the potatoes are well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Serve or Chill
Serve immediately for a slightly warm salad, or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for a chilled version. It tastes even better after the flavors meld!
📌 Helpful Tips for the Best Potato Salad
- Use waxy potatoes like new potatoes, baby reds, or fingerlings—they hold their shape better.
- Season the boiling water well—this infuses the potatoes with flavor from the start.
- Don’t skip the cool-down—hot potatoes will absorb too much dressing and may turn mushy.
- Chop potatoes evenly for uniform cooking.
- Make it ahead—it keeps well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day.
🥗 Serving Suggestions
This classic potato salad goes beautifully with:
- 🍗 Grilled chicken or BBQ ribs
- 🐟 Pan-seared salmon or fish fillets
- 🍔 Burgers, hotdogs, and sandwiches
- 🥬 Green salads or roasted vegetables
You can also enjoy it on its own as a light meal!
🥄 Recipe Variations
Want to customize this potato salad to fit your cravings or pantry ingredients? Try these tasty ideas:
🧀 Cheesy Potato Salad
Add shredded cheddar cheese or crumbled feta for extra richness.
🥒 Pickle Lovers
Chop in some dill pickles or capers for a tangy, briny burst.
🧅 Onion Upgrade
Swap chives for finely chopped red onions or spring onions for a sharper flavor.
🥚 Classic Touch
Add sliced boiled eggs for a traditional, filling touch.
🥑 Make It Fit Your Diet
This recipe is already pretty light, but here are some dietary adjustments:
- Low-Calorie: Use low-fat mayo and salad cream or substitute Greek yogurt.
- Dairy-Free: Choose vegan mayo and a dairy-free salad cream alternative.
- Vegan: Use vegan-friendly mayo and omit any animal-based additions like eggs.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free! Just check your condiments’ labels.
🧊 Storage Instructions
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavor develops more over time.
- Freezing: Not recommended. Mayonnaise-based dressings can separate and become watery after thawing.
- Leftovers Tip: Serve leftover potato salad as a spread in sandwiches or wraps.
Use them in your headings, meta description, image alt tags, and throughout the text naturally for the best results.
❤️ Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a no-fuss, absolutely delicious side dish, this simple potato salad recipe is a total winner. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Plus, it’s always a hit at BBQs, picnics, holiday dinners, or weekday lunches.
From its creamy texture to the fresh herbs and slight tang from the salad cream, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
