Growing up, my grandma’s Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad was the star of every family barbecue and picnic. The rich, creamy texture, the perfect balance of tangy mustard and sweet sugar, and the satisfying crunch of celery and onion – it was a flavor explosion that took me right back to carefree summer days. Even now, just the sight of those golden cubes of potatoes and flecks of fresh parsley takes me on a trip down memory lane.

Why This Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

The Secret Behind Perfect Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad

What sets this Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad apart is the careful attention to detail in every step of the process. From the perfectly cooked and seasoned potatoes to the just-right ratio of creamy mayonnaise to tangy mustard, every element works in harmony to create a potato salad that’s truly a cut above the rest. The secret lies in the perfect balance of flavors and textures – the creaminess is grounded by the crunch of celery and onion, while the mustard and vinegar provide a delightful zing that makes your taste buds sit up and take notice.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 3 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes: These hearty, starchy potatoes hold their shape beautifully when cooked, creating the ideal texture for a classic potato salad.
  • 4 hard boiled eggs, peeled and chopped: The eggs add a lovely richness and heft to the salad, creating a more substantial, satisfying dish.
  • 1 cup mayonnaise: This creamy base is the glue that holds the salad together, lending a luxurious mouthfeel.
  • 1/4 cup yellow mustard: The tangy, slightly sweet mustard is the star of the show, providing the signature flavor that makes this potato salad so irresistible.
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar: The vinegar adds a bright, acidic note that balances out the richness of the mayo and potatoes.
  • 1 tablespoon sugar: Just a touch of sweetness helps to round out the flavors and create a harmonious balance.
  • 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: These classic seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the other ingredients.
  • 1 cup diced celery and 1/2 cup diced onion: The crunchy vegetables provide a delightful textural contrast and add a fresh, aromatic element.
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: The vibrant green herbs lend a pop of color and a subtle, herbal note that ties everything together.

Step-by-Step Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad Instructions

Preparing Your Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad

With a total preparation and cooking time of just 35 minutes, this Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad comes together quickly, making it the perfect side dish for any summer gathering. You’ll need a large pot for boiling the potatoes, a cutting board and sharp knife for prepping the vegetables, and a large bowl for mixing everything together.

1- Start by peeling and cutting the Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes into 1-inch cubes, ensuring they’re all uniform in size for even cooking.

2- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then carefully add the potato cubes. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender but still hold their shape.

3- Drain the cooked potatoes in a colander and allow them to cool slightly while you prepare the remaining ingredients.

4- In a large bowl, combine the chopped hard boiled eggs, diced celery, onion, and fresh parsley. The potatoes should be warm, but not piping hot, when you add them to the mix.

5- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until well combined. Pour this creamy dressing over the potato mixture and gently fold everything together until the salad is evenly coated.

6- Serve your Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad chilled or at room temperature, garnished with a sprinkle of additional fresh parsley. This recipe yields a generous 8 servings, making it the perfect side dish for your next backyard barbecue or picnic.

Pro Tips for Success

  1. Be sure to cut the potatoes into evenly sized 1-inch cubes so they cook at the same rate. This ensures the perfect texture throughout the salad.
  2. Don’t overcook the potatoes – you want them to be tender but still hold their shape. Overcooked potatoes can become mushy and compromise the overall texture.
  3. Letting the potatoes cool slightly before adding the other ingredients helps to prevent the mayonnaise-based dressing from becoming watery or separated.
  4. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding a bit more salt, pepper, or vinegar to suit your personal preferences.
  5. For an extra flavor boost, try roasting the diced onions and celery before adding them to the salad. This brings out their natural sweetness.

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 versatile side dish, pairing perfectly with grilled burgers, barbecued chicken, or juicy hot dogs. It’s also a fabulous accompaniment to a refreshing summer salad or crisp coleslaw. And of course, no picnic or backyard bash is complete without a big scoop of this creamy, tangy potato salad. As this recipe serves 8 generous portions, it’s the perfect crowd-pleasing side for your next outdoor gathering.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best things about this Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad is that it actually improves in flavor the longer it sits. The potatoes soak up all the delicious dressing, and the flavors meld together beautifully. For best results, make the salad a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. It will keep for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

If you’d like to get a head start, you can boil the potatoes and hard-boil the eggs a day or two ahead of time. Store them separately until you’re ready to assemble the salad. When you’re ready to serve, simply mix everything together and you’ll have a flavorful, homemade potato salad in no time.

Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad

Creative Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad Variations

While the classic version is truly hard to beat, there are plenty of fun ways to put your own spin on this Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad:

  • For a zestier twist, try adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard along with the yellow mustard.
  • Swap in sweet pickle relish or diced dill pickles for a brighter, tangier flavor.
  • Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle hint of heat.
  • Mix in some crumbled crispy bacon or diced ham for a heartier, more substantial salad.
  • For a herbaceous note, stir in some chopped fresh dill or chives along with the parsley.

Making Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad Diet-Friendly

To make this Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad more diet-friendly, you can try a few simple swaps:

  • Use Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the mayonnaise for a tangier, lower-fat dressing.
  • Opt for low-fat or reduced-calorie mayonnaise to cut back on the overall fat and calories.
  • For a gluten-free version, simply omit the sugar or use a gluten-free sweetener instead.
  • To make it vegan, replace the mayonnaise with your favorite plant-based mayo alternative and skip the hard boiled eggs.
  • For a low-carb twist, swap the potatoes for cauliflower florets or halved Brussels sprouts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of potato in this recipe?
A: While Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are the traditional choices, you can certainly experiment with other varieties. Red-skinned or fingerling potatoes would also work well, though they may have a slightly different texture.

Q: How long does it take to make this Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad?
A: This recipe has a total time of 35 minutes, with 20 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking time. The quick prep and cook times make it an easy, hassle-free side dish.

Q: Can I make this potato salad ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, the flavors tend to meld and improve the longer the salad sits. You can make it up to 4 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Q: How much does this recipe serve?
A: This Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad recipe yields 8 generous servings, making it the perfect side dish for your next backyard barbecue or potluck.

Q: What if I don’t like onions or celery – can I leave them out?
A: You can definitely omit the onions and celery if you prefer. The salad will still be delicious, though you may want to consider adding in some other crunchy veggies like diced bell peppers or radishes to add a little texture.

Conclusion

This Old Fashioned Mustard Potato Salad is a true summertime classic that will have your family and friends raving. With its irresistible blend of creamy, tangy, and crunchy elements, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a staple at your backyard barbecues and picnics.

What are you waiting for? Gather up the simple ingredients, follow the easy step-by-step instructions, and get ready to enjoy a taste of nostalgic summertime bliss. I can’t wait to hear how much you and your loved ones enjoy this old-fashioned potato salad masterpiece. Be sure to leave a comment and let me know!