Updated: July 17, 2025 • Reading time ≈ 20 min (optimized, family-friendly, no-fuss recipe).
1. Why make homemade potato salad ?
You're probably familiar with classic potato salad, a simple yet comforting and convivial dish. Whether it's for a barbecue with friends, an impromptu picnic, or a family meal, it's always a hit.
But the real magic is when you make it yourself, with good ingredients, a personal touch, and no hassle. What if I told you that this recipe is super simple, quick, and the result is downright better than at a bakery or supermarket?
Plus, you can choose your potatoes—real ones, like the Ratte du Touquet , super firm and fragrant. Put all the odds in your favor for a salad that rocks!
2. Ingredients & alternatives
2.1 The essentials
- 1 kg of firm-fleshed potatoes (#Complete file on potatoes)
- 3 hard-boiled eggs
- 1 red onion or shallot
- 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 6 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of strong mustard
- A few sprigs of fresh chives or parsley
- Salt, pepper from the mill
2.2 Alternatives and tips
- No red onion? Shallot is great too.
- No apple cider vinegar? White balsamic vinegar or lemon juice will do the trick.
- You can replace the chives with chervil or even a little basil.
Want to spice up your salad? Add pickles, capers, or even small pieces of Granny Smith apple for a tangy twist.
potatoes
hard-boiled eggs
red onion
olive oil
apple cider vinegar
mustard
chopped chives
salt
pepper
3. Calories per serving
4. Step-by-step preparation
- 🥔 Cook the potatoes : wash them well, then cook them in their skin in a pan of salted water for 25 minutes (test with the tip of a knife).
- 🥚 Hard-boil the eggs : Place them in cold water, bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes, then immerse them in cold water.
- 🧅 Prepare the other ingredients : peel and finely slice the red onion or shallot, chop the chives.
- 🍽️ Peel and cut : once lukewarm, peel the potatoes then cut them into large pieces or slices as you wish.
- 🥚 Peel and cut the eggs : into quarters or small pieces, as you prefer.
- 🥄 Prepare the vinaigrette : In a bowl, mix the mustard with the vinegar, then gradually add the olive oil while whisking to obtain a nice emulsion. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 🥗 Assemble : In a salad bowl, gently mix the potatoes, eggs, onions, and chives. Pour in the vinaigrette and mix again gently so as not to crush the potatoes.
- 🕒 Let stand : cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, the potato salad will be even tastier.
5. Nice and tasty variations
5.1 Alsatian-style potato salad
Add diced pan-fried bacon and replace the vinaigrette with a sauce made with crème fraîche and white wine vinegar. The result is to die for, perfect for lovers of gourmet dishes.
5.2 Mediterranean version
Add pitted black olives, halved cherry tomatoes, and a few capers. Sprinkle with fresh basil for an explosion of Southern flavors.
5.3 Pimp your salad with the barbecue
Grill the potatoes cut in half directly on the barbecue ([you will find our Air Fryer guide here](https://neary.fr/blogs/comparatifs/meilleurs-air-fryer-2025)), it gives a crazy smoky taste, then follow the recipe normally.
6. Conservation & anti-waste tips
You can store your potato salad in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. It's perfect for a last-minute meal, quick and easy.
And if you have extra potatoes, remember to check out our article Everything you need to know about potatoes , where you'll find plenty of anti-waste tips and recipe ideas.
7. Quick ideas for serving your potato salad
- As an accompaniment to summer grills, a real classic barbecue vibes .
- Alone with a green salad, for a light meal.
- In a sandwich or wrap, for a homemade brunch.
- By adding a slice of raw or smoked ham.
8. Potato Salad FAQ
Can you use floury potatoes?
It's best to choose firm-fleshed potatoes to avoid sticky mash. Ratte, Amandine, or Charlotte are perfect.
How to prevent salad from being too dry?
The key is a well-emulsified vinaigrette and a gentle mix. You can also add a dash of extra oil to taste.
Can the salad be prepared the day before?
Yes, it's even recommended because the flavors blend better. Just be careful not to add too much salt to prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy.
9. Tips & mistakes to avoid
- Do not salt the potato cooking water. ➜ Otherwise, they will become too soft.
- Drain your potatoes well before seasoning them. ➜ Too much water will dilute the dressing.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. ➜ It changes everything about the taste!
- Try to choose fresh eggs, you will see the difference in taste and peeling.
10. Smart budget & useful links
A homemade potato salad will cost a fraction of the price of a ready-to-eat meal. When in season, choose local, quality potatoes like our Ratte du Touquet . The taste is incomparable.
To make things even easier this summer, check out our selection of the best Air Fryers in 2025 for quick and healthy cooking of potatoes!
Finally, to learn more about this wonderful tuber, head to lespommesdeterre.com , the official reference which is teeming with information.
Comments (0)
There are no comments for this article. Be the first one to leave a message!