Best Classic Potato Salad (with Bacon)

Best Potato Salad Ever!

I’m not sure I can properly convey how delicious this old fashioned potato salad is, but I guarantee it will be a winner on the menu. The flavor has depth while the tender potatoes and eggs are balanced with crunchy diced vegetables.

There’s also some ingredients like balsamic vinegar and chipotle mustard, that take it to the next level. Seriously, it’s so good!

When to Serve It

Here are some occasions that you’ll want to add this side dish recipe to your meal.

• Add it to your list of go-to summer side dish recipes.
• This is the perfect side dish for the ultimate hot dog bar.
• It’s a MUST for backyard bbq parties or a cookout party with friends.
• Add it to your 4th of July celebrations.
• It’s not just for summer outdoor parties. Serve it for a game day party or super bowl party too.
• Make-and-take this to potluck gatherings all year long.
• Serve it for a graduation party.

Key Ingredient Notes

Potatoes. This recipe calls for small red potatoes. They’re easy to cook and you don’t have to peel them because the skins is thin and tender and very tasty. For summer holidays you can use a colorful trio of red, white and blue potatoes.

Vinegar. Balsamic vinegar is used here and is a little different than what you may be used to but trust me, it works! Apple cider vinegar is a more traditional choice which you can use as a substitute if you want, but the balsamic adds a sweet tanginess.

Mustard. Here’s another ingredient that gets a twist. Use chipotle mustard for a spicy zing. I’ve also used Sriracha mustard with success. The flavor is more complex than yellow or Dijon mustard, and of course you could use either of those as a substitute.

Dressing. My creamy blend uses both mayonnaise and sour cream. The combination is a little lighter than using all mayo, and more flavorful than using all sour cream. It’s perfectly balanced.

Hard Boiled Eggs. Buy them already cooked and peeled in the refrigerator section of the grocery store if you want to save time and effort. Or you can cook and peel them several days ahead and refrigerate until ready to use.

Boil Potatoes for Potato Salad

Using small red potatoes saves you from having to cut them before cooking. There’s also no need to peel them! The skin is soft and thin and adds flavor to the salad.

Place potatoes in a stock pot and cover them with water. Heat on high to bring water to a boil and then lower the heat to medium so potatoes cook at a low steady boil.

Cook for about 15 or 20 minutes and check for doneness by piercing the center of a potato with a fork. It should be soft in the middle but firm enough so it doesn’t fall apart.

Drain and cool potatoes so you can handle them. Cut them into halves or fourths depending on the size, and then proceed with the recipe.

How to Make It

There are only 4 easy steps to making this dish.

1. Cook the potatoes.
2. Toss in seasonings and diced vegetables.
3. Mix the creamy dressing ingredients together and pour over potato mixture. Gently stir or fold in the dressing to coat everything.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but longer is better. Make it the night ahead!

Serving Suggestions

Here are some great main entrees to pair with classic potato salad.

• Best juicy burgers
• Italian style burgers
• Greek Burgers with Tzatziki sauce
• BBQ beef sandwiches
• Hot dog roast