Picnic-Perfect Potato Salad Recipe
Description:
This Picnic-Perfect Potato Salad recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s a cherished family recipe passed down from my mom. Despite its simple ingredients, preparing it is a labor of love due to the meticulous dicing and chopping involved, which adds to its flavor and texture. The key lies in finely chopping the pickles, celery, and olives, especially the pickle, to ensure every bite bursts with tangy goodness. It’s perfect for summer picnics or alongside barbecued chicken and corn for a complete and satisfying meal. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that magically improves in flavor when allowed to meld in the fridge overnight.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 250.4 per serving
- Fat: 16.6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.2g
- Cholesterol: 195.6mg
- Sodium: 756.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 18.2g
- Fiber: 2.3g
- Sugar: 2.7g
- Protein: 7.6g
Cooking Times:
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | 15 minutes | 1 hour 15 minutes |
Ingredients:
- 3 potatoes
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup chopped hard-boiled eggs
- 2 tablespoons chopped ripe olives
- 1/4 cup diced dill pickle
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
Instructions:
-
Prepare Potatoes:
- Start by cooking the potatoes in boiling water until tender. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of your potato chunks.
-
Prepare Vinegar Mixture:
- While the potatoes are cooking, dissolve the salt into the white vinegar. This step helps infuse the potatoes with flavor right from the start.
-
Dice and Toss Potatoes:
- Once the potatoes are cooked and tender, drain them and allow them to cool slightly. Then, dice them into bite-sized pieces. While still warm, toss them with the vinegar-salt mixture, pepper, and a drizzle of salad oil. This step ensures that every piece of potato is seasoned evenly.
-
Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced hard-boiled eggs, chopped olives, diced pickle, celery, and onion.
-
Mix Everything Together:
- Gently fold the mayonnaise into the potato mixture. Then, add the combined ingredients from the mixing bowl to the potatoes. Toss everything lightly with a long fork to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
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Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the potato salad for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. It can even be made a day or two in advance, as it tends to taste even better after sitting in the fridge for a while.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve chilled as a delightful side dish at your next picnic, barbecue, or summer gathering. It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a standalone refreshing salad.
This Picnic-Perfect Potato Salad recipe is not just about the ingredients—it’s about the memories and traditions it carries. Each bite is a reminder of summers spent with family, enjoying good food and good company.
