The Best Creamy Old Fashioned Potato Salad: A Classic Family Favorite with Eggs & Sour Cream

Prepare to fall in love with a truly timeless classic: the best Old Fashioned Potato Salad recipe. This isn’t just any potato salad; it’s a nostalgic journey back to grandma’s kitchen, where simple ingredients transform into something incredibly delicious and comforting. Creamy, rich, and bursting with flavor, this recipe is lovingly crafted with a delightful blend of mayonnaise, tangy sour cream, and hearty hard-boiled eggs. It’s the quintessential side dish, perfect for any occasion, from casual backyard barbecues to festive holiday gatherings, especially when enjoying the great outdoors!

Grandma’s Secret for the Ultimate Potato Salad

If you’ve been on a quest for that authentic, old-fashioned potato salad taste, your search ends here. This particular recipe comes straight from my grandma’s handwritten collection, and with every bite, it transports me back to my childhood days spent at her house. There’s something truly special about a dish that evokes such warm memories, and her potato salad is a prime example. It’s more than just a side; it’s a staple, a must-have that graces our tables year-round, proving its timeless appeal.

This creamy potato salad is especially perfect for holidays, family reunions, and those wonderful outdoor picnics. Its rich texture and balanced flavors make it an ideal complement to warm weather meals, holding up beautifully against grilled meats and fresh vegetables. While some classic potato salad recipes might skip the eggs, trust me, you absolutely will not regret including the hard-boiled eggs in this version. They add an incredible depth of flavor and a satisfying heartiness that elevates this dish from good to truly outstanding, making it wonderfully well-rounded and extra satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Old Fashioned Potato Salad

This isn’t just another potato salad recipe; it’s a crowd-pleaser that consistently earns rave reviews. Here’s why this creamy, old-fashioned delight will quickly become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection:

• Quick & Easy Prep: From start to finish, you’re looking at only about 40 minutes of active time, making it a fantastic option for busy days or last-minute potlucks.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With just 9 core ingredients, this recipe proves that you don’t need a complicated list to achieve rich, memorable flavors. Each component plays a crucial role in creating its iconic taste.
• Incredibly Flavorful & Easy: The balance of creamy dressing, tender potatoes, and savory additions results in a highly flavorful dish that is surprisingly simple to assemble. No advanced culinary skills required!
• Feeds a Crowd: This recipe yields a generous batch, making it ideal for serving at large gatherings, family picnics, or holiday feasts. You’ll have plenty to go around!
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday meal, a casual backyard BBQ, a neighborhood potluck, or a sunny picnic in the park, this potato salad is always a welcome addition and a guaranteed hit.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Sour Cream Potato Salad

The secret to a truly outstanding potato salad lies in the quality and balance of its ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what makes this sour cream potato salad so special:

• POTATOES: For this specific recipe, my go-to choice is always red potatoes. Their naturally buttery flavor is simply irresistible, and their firm, waxy texture holds up beautifully when boiled, preventing them from becoming mushy. This ensures your potato salad has that desirable tender-yet-structured bite. You can leave the skins on for extra nutrition and a rustic look, or peel them if you prefer.
• EGGS: Don’t underestimate the power of hard-boiled eggs! They are crucial for adding richness, texture, and a classic, comforting flavor profile to this old-fashioned potato salad. Make sure they are perfectly hard-boiled, cooled, and chopped into bite-sized pieces before you begin assembling. This simple prep step will make your life much easier and ensure even distribution throughout the salad.
• SOUR CREAM: The addition of sour cream is what truly sets this recipe apart, contributing a delightful tang and an unparalleled creaminess that traditional mayo-only versions can’t quite match. Any good quality sour cream will work wonders here, creating a luxurious, velvety dressing.
• MAYONNAISE: For the most authentic and robust flavor, I highly recommend using a high-quality, full-fat real mayonnaise. It provides the foundational creaminess and binds all the ingredients together, creating that luscious texture we all crave in a good potato salad. You can even try making your own homemade mayonnaise for an extra fresh touch!
• ONION: A finely chopped yellow or white onion adds a subtle but essential bite and aromatic freshness to the salad. It’s best to chop it very finely to ensure its flavor blends seamlessly without overpowering the other ingredients.
• PICKLE: Oh, the magic of a good dill pickle! This is my grandma’s secret ingredient, and it truly transforms the entire potato salad. The briny, tangy crunch of finely chopped dill pickles adds an incredible layer of flavor that brightens the whole dish and offers a wonderful textural contrast. Don’t skip this one!
• GARLIC POWDER: A simple yet powerful flavor enhancer, garlic powder adds a hint of savory depth without being too aggressive. It’s a pantry staple that you likely already have on hand, making this recipe even more convenient.
• CELERY SALT: This is another “secret weapon” ingredient that provides a unique and irresistible savory note. Celery salt offers a more complex flavor than just plain salt, bringing a subtle celery essence that complements the potatoes and eggs beautifully. It’s a must-have for that authentic old-fashioned taste!
• PEPPER: A generous crack of freshly ground black pepper at the end is always best for maximum aroma and flavor. However, pre-ground pepper will also work if that’s what you have. Adjust to your taste preferences for a little extra kick.

How to Make This Delicious Old Fashioned Potato Salad: A Simple Guide

Crafting this incredible potato salad is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time:

1. BOIL THE POTATOES: Begin by placing your scrubbed and bite-sized red potato pieces into a large pot. Cover them with cold water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are just tender when pierced with a fork, typically 15-20 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, as mushy potatoes will lead to a less desirable texture in your salad. Once tender, drain them thoroughly and let them cool for at least 15 minutes. This cooling period is important; it allows the potatoes to firm up slightly and absorb the dressing more effectively.
2. PREPARE THE DRESSING & COMBINE: While your potatoes are cooling, it’s time to assemble the creamy, flavorful dressing. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped hard-boiled eggs, sour cream, mayonnaise, finely chopped onion, diced dill pickle, garlic powder, and celery salt. Stir these ingredients together until they are well blended and smooth. Once the potatoes have cooled slightly, gently add them to the bowl with the dressing. Use a large spoon or spatula to carefully fold all the ingredients together, ensuring the potatoes are evenly coated without breaking them apart too much. Season with seasoned salt and fresh black pepper to taste.
3. CHILL TO PERFECTION: This step is absolutely crucial for the best flavor! Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the creamy potato salad for at least two hours. For an even more enhanced flavor profile, chilling it overnight is highly recommended. This allows all the delicious ingredients to meld together, creating a harmonious and deeply flavorful salad.
4. SERVE & ENJOY: When you’re ready to serve, give the potato salad a gentle stir. Serve it cold as a refreshing and satisfying side dish. For an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal, consider garnishing with some freshly chopped parsley before presenting it to your guests. Enjoy every creamy, nostalgic bite!

Expert Tips for the Best Homemade Old Fashioned Potato Salad

Achieving potato salad perfection is easy with a few insider tips. Keep these in mind to ensure your homemade old-fashioned potato salad is consistently delicious:

• Ensure Potatoes Are Fully Cooked, Not Overcooked: The key to tender, not crunchy, potatoes is to boil them just until they are easily pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. Overcooked potatoes will turn to mush, while undercooked ones will be firm and unpleasant.
• Peel Potatoes Before Boiling (Optional, but Recommended for Creaminess): While red potatoes can be left unpeeled, for a truly creamy and smooth old-fashioned texture that absorbs the dressing perfectly, it’s often best to peel them before boiling. This also ensures a more uniform texture.
• Cool Potatoes Properly: After draining, let your potatoes cool slightly. Warm potatoes will absorb the dressing too quickly, potentially making the salad runny. Cool them to room temperature or even chill them slightly for better results.
• Layer Your Seasoning: Don’t just season at the end. Salt the water when boiling potatoes, and taste and adjust seasoning for the dressing before adding potatoes. Then, taste the finished salad and adjust again. This ensures every component is perfectly flavored.
• Don’t Skip the Chill Time: While you can eat it right away, the magic truly happens during the chilling phase. Allowing the potato salad to refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight, gives the flavors ample time to meld and deepen, resulting in a much richer and more harmonious taste.
• Garnish for an Extra Touch: For an elevated presentation and a burst of fresh flavor, garnish your potato salad with freshly chopped parsley, dill, or chives just before serving. A sprinkle of paprika also adds a lovely color.
• Keep Refrigerated: Potato salad with mayonnaise and sour cream should always be kept cold. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve to maintain its freshness and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Old Fashioned Potato Salad

Looking for More Delicious Recipes?

If you loved this classic potato salad, you’ll surely enjoy these other fantastic recipes from our collection:

• Pepperoni Pasta Salad
• Panzanella Salad with Mozzarella
• Beer Can Chicken
• BBQ Chicken
• Grilled Corn Salad with Tomato and Avocado

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Old Fashioned Potato Salad

This Old Fashioned Potato Salad is truly the best! Just like grandma’s cherished recipe, this traditional potato salad is incredibly creamy, made with the perfect blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, and tender hard-boiled eggs. It’s the ideal companion for any outdoor gathering or family meal!

Servings: 8 servings

Author: Malinda Linnebur

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 40 mins

Ingredients

• 3 pounds red potatoes, scrubbed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 1 cup sour cream
• ¾ cup real mayonnaise
• ¼-⅓ cup finely chopped onion (yellow or white)
• ¼ cup finely chopped dill pickle
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon celery salt
• Seasoned salt to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, boil the cut red potatoes just until they are tender when pierced with a fork. It’s important not to overcook them, as this can lead to a mushy texture. Once tender, drain the potatoes thoroughly and let them cool for about 15 minutes. This cooling period helps them absorb the dressing better and maintain their shape.
2. While the potatoes are cooling, prepare your creamy dressing. In a separate large bowl, combine the chopped hard-boiled eggs, sour cream, mayonnaise, finely chopped onion, dill pickle, garlic powder, and celery salt. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed and the dressing is smooth.
3. Add the cooled potatoes to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the potatoes too much. Taste and adjust seasoning with seasoned salt and pepper as needed.
4. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and chill the potato salad in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. For the absolute best flavor, allowing it to chill overnight is highly recommended, as this gives all the flavors time to meld beautifully. Serve cold and enjoy!

Notes

1. STORAGE: This delicious potato salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
2. POTATO CHOICE: While red potatoes are preferred for their ability to hold shape and buttery flavor, Yukon Gold potatoes also make an excellent substitute. Avoid starchy potatoes like Russets, which can become too mushy.
3. PREP AHEAD: For optimal flavor development, I highly recommend making this potato salad the day before you plan to serve it. This extra chill time allows the flavors to truly meld and deepen.

Nutrition

Calories:

273 kcal

Carbohydrates:

32g

Protein:

7g

Fat:

13g

Saturated Fat:

5g

Trans Fat:

1g

Cholesterol:

112mg

Sodium:

470mg

Potassium:

868mg

Fiber:

3g

Sugar:

4g

Vitamin A:

349IU

Vitamin C:

15mg

Calcium:

64mg

Iron:

2mg

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