Old-fashioned Potato Salad

Old-fashioned Potato Salad Recipe from Canada

Region / culture: Canada | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Old-fashioned Potato Salad is a classic side dish that is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any gathering. This creamy and flavorful salad is a crowd-pleaser and is sure to be a hit at any event.

History

Potato salad has been a popular dish for centuries, with variations of the recipe found in many different cultures. The old-fashioned version of potato salad typically includes potatoes, onions, celery, and a creamy dressing. This recipe has been passed down through generations and is a beloved favorite for many.

Ingredients

9 cups cubed unpeeled round red potatoes (about 3 lb or 1.36 kg) or another potato of your choice
0.5 cup diced onion
0.5 cup diced celery
0.5 cup diced radishes
0.25 cup sweet or dill pickle relish (optional)
3 hard-cooked eggs, mashed
0.33 cup mayonnaise (or more to make it creamy)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp prepared mustard (I use other mustards at times - i.e Dijon)
0.75 tsp salt
0.25 tsp pepper
0.25 tsp garlic salt

How to prepare

Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover them with water, and bring to a boil. Cook until they are tender.
Drain and let them cool, then cut them into cubes. Place the cubes in a bowl along with the next 5 ingredients, and toss them gently.
Combine the mayonnaise and the next 5 ingredients, and stir well.
Pour the mixture over the potato cubes, and toss them to coat them evenly.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a while.

Variations

Add in some chopped pickles or pickle relish for a tangy twist.
Mix in some crispy bacon or diced ham for added flavor.
Try using different types of mustard, such as Dijon or whole grain, for a unique taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the potatoes until they are tender but not mushy. Overcooked potatoes can become too soft and fall apart in the salad.

- For added flavor, try adding in some crispy bacon or diced pickles to the salad.

- To make the salad ahead of time, prepare the ingredients separately and combine them just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Serving Suggestions

Old-fashioned Potato Salad pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a side dish for any meal. Serve it alongside your favorite barbecue dishes for a classic summer meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the potatoes until they are tender is the key technique for this recipe. Be sure to not overcook them to prevent them from becoming too soft.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have radishes, you can substitute with diced pickles or bell peppers for added crunch. You can also use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise for a lighter version of the salad.

Make Ahead Tips

Old-fashioned Potato Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to mix the ingredients together just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with some extra chopped parsley or paprika for a pop of color. Serve it in a decorative bowl or on a platter for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Old-fashioned Potato Salad pairs well with grilled chicken, burgers, hot dogs, or any barbecue dishes. Serve it alongside coleslaw, baked beans, or corn on the cob for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply let the salad come to room temperature or enjoy it cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Old-fashioned Potato Salad contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Old-fashioned Potato Salad contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Old-fashioned Potato Salad contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Old-fashioned Potato Salad contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. The addition of onions, celery, and radishes also adds a variety of vitamins and minerals to the salad.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and mayonnaise, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before serving.

Summary

Old-fashioned Potato Salad is a delicious and satisfying side dish that is relatively low in calories and provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

Old-fashioned Potato Salad is a classic side dish that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With its creamy dressing and flavorful ingredients, this salad is perfect for any occasion and is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately captivated. It was a warm summer day, and I had been invited to a potluck picnic by a dear friend of mine. As I perused the various dishes spread out on the picnic table, my eyes landed on a bowl of creamy, old-fashioned potato salad. It looked absolutely delicious, with chunks of tender potatoes, crisp celery, and tangy pickles all coated in a rich, creamy dressing. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make it.

I approached the owner of the dish, an elderly woman with a twinkle in her eye and a warm smile on her face. She introduced herself as Mrs. Jenkins and told me that the recipe for the potato salad had been passed down in her family for generations. She graciously offered to share the recipe with me and even invited me to her home to watch her make it.

I eagerly accepted her offer and soon found myself in Mrs. Jenkins' cozy kitchen, surrounded by the comforting aromas of home cooking. She began by peeling and boiling the potatoes until they were just tender, then she diced them into bite-sized pieces and placed them in a large mixing bowl. Next, she added finely chopped celery, hard-boiled eggs, and sweet pickles to the bowl, creating a colorful and flavorful mixture.

For the dressing, Mrs. Jenkins combined mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl, whisking them together until they formed a smooth and creamy sauce. She poured the dressing over the potato mixture, gently tossing everything together until it was evenly coated.

As I watched Mrs. Jenkins work, I couldn't help but be struck by her skill and expertise in the kitchen. She moved with a grace and confidence that only comes from years of experience, and I knew that I was in the presence of a true culinary master.

After the potato salad was finished, Mrs. Jenkins scooped some into a small bowl and handed it to me with a smile. I took a bite and was immediately transported back to my childhood, to lazy summer days spent picnicking with my own family. The flavors were familiar and comforting, and I knew that I had just discovered a recipe that would become a staple in my own kitchen.

I thanked Mrs. Jenkins profusely for sharing her recipe with me and left her home feeling inspired and excited to recreate the dish for my own family and friends. Over the years, I have made the old-fashioned potato salad countless times, each batch reminding me of that fateful day in Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen and the invaluable lesson she taught me about the power of sharing recipes and traditions.

As I sit here now, at my own kitchen table, writing down the recipe for old-fashioned potato salad to pass on to future generations, I can't help but feel grateful for the journey that brought me to this moment. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with others, to share stories and create memories, and I know that this recipe will continue to do just that for many years to come.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a delicious and comforting side dish for a picnic or gathering, look no further than this old-fashioned potato salad recipe. I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be the one sharing it with someone who is just as captivated as I was all those years ago.