This classic Red Skinned Potato Salad is a creamy, tangy side dish that’s perfect for any BBQ, cookout, or family gathering. With a rich blend of mayo, sour cream, vinegar, and seasonings, it’s a simple, customizable recipe everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats, enjoying it at a picnic, or preparing it for a special occasion, this potato salad is a crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This red-skinned potato salad is a classic for a reason. The creamy dressing made with mayo and sour cream, combined with tangy mustard and vinegar, creates the perfect balance of flavors. The potatoes hold their shape well, giving the salad a hearty and satisfying texture. It’s easy to make, can be made ahead of time, and tastes even better as it sits in the fridge. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit your taste!
Ingredients
-
3 pounds red potatoes, unpeeled and cubed
-
½ small red onion, diced
-
⅔ cup mayonnaise
-
½ cup sour cream
-
2 tablespoons white vinegar
-
1 tablespoon yellow mustard (or Dijon)
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
1 teaspoon celery seed
-
1 teaspoon dried dill
-
½ teaspoon pepper
-
Fresh parsley or fresh dill (optional garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Cook the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 10–12 minutes.
-
Cool the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and set them aside to cool for about 15 minutes. This ensures the salad won’t be too warm when mixed with the dressing.
-
Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the diced onion, mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper, celery seed, and dried dill.
-
Combine the Potatoes and Dressing: Gently stir in the cooled potatoes and mix until evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the potatoes—this should be a chunky, creamy salad.
-
Chill the Salad: Cover the potato salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. The flavors meld together beautifully as it sits.
-
Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the salad with fresh parsley or dill, if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
-
Prep Time: 15 minutes
-
Cook Time: 20 minutes
-
Chill Time: 2 hours
-
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
-
Servings: 8
Variations
-
Add Pickles: Diced pickles or relish can be added to enhance the tanginess of the salad.
-
Make it Spicy: Add a little hot sauce or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
-
Use Greek Yogurt: For a healthier twist, substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a creamier texture.
Storage
-
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This salad keeps well and is even better the next day!
-
Make-Ahead: This potato salad is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it up to 2 days in advance and let it chill in the fridge before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of potatoes for this salad?
While red potatoes are ideal for this salad because they hold their shape well, you can also use Yukon Gold or baby potatoes if you prefer.
2. Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with dairy-free versions to make it dairy-free.
3. Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar as a substitute for white vinegar for a slightly different flavor.
4. Can I add more vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! You can add chopped celery, bell peppers, or even peas for added texture and flavor.
5. How can I make this salad a little healthier?
To make this salad lighter, you can use a light mayonnaise or a yogurt-based dressing in place of regular mayonnaise and sour cream.
6. Can I add mustard seeds or other spices to this salad?
Yes! You can experiment with mustard seeds, paprika, or even a bit of garlic powder to add a different flavor to the dressing.
7. Can I freeze potato salad?
Potato salad doesn’t freeze well because the potatoes can become mushy upon thawing. It’s best served fresh or within a few days of making it.
8. Can I add cheese to this potato salad?
Yes, adding grated cheddar cheese or crumbled feta could be a delicious option for a cheesy twist.
9. How can I make the salad creamier?
To make the salad creamier, add a little extra sour cream or mayonnaise. You can also mash some of the potatoes for a creamier consistency.
10. Can I add boiled eggs to the salad?
Yes, chopped boiled eggs can add richness and protein to the salad. They complement the creamy texture of the potatoes perfectly.
Conclusion
This classic Red Skinned Potato Salad is a simple yet delicious side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture, tangy dressing, and crunchy vegetables, it’s sure to be a favorite at your next BBQ, picnic, or family gathering. Easy to make and packed with flavor, this salad is a true crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy!

Red Skinned Potato Salad
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
No reviews
This classic Red Skinned Potato Salad is a creamy, tangy side dish that’s perfect for BBQs, cookouts, or any summer gathering. With a blend of mayo, sour cream, and seasonings, it’s a customizable and easy-to-make recipe that everyone will love.
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 3 pounds red potatoes, unpeeled and cubed
- ½ small red onion, diced
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (or Dijon)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- Fresh parsley or fresh dill (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 10–12 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and set them aside to cool for about 15 minutes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the diced onion, mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper, celery seed, and dried dill.
- Gently stir in the cooled potatoes and mix until evenly coated.
- Cover the potato salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or dill, if desired, before serving.
Notes
- You can customize this salad by adding ingredients like hard-boiled eggs, bacon, or pickles for extra flavor.
- For a lighter version, try swapping the mayo and sour cream for Greek yogurt.
- Author: Olivia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sides, Salads, Comfort Food
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg