The Best Easy Red Skin Potato Salad Recipe with Egg: A Classic Summer Side Dish
There are certain recipes that become family traditions, passed down through generations, always bringing joy and deliciousness to any gathering. For over four decades, my signature red skin potato salad recipe has been that dish for countless meals, consistently earning rave reviews and requests for more. This isn’t just another potato salad; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined with a straightforward approach, can create a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
Potato salad is the quintessential side dish, complementing everything from a casual backyard barbecue to a festive holiday spread. Yet, many people shy away from making it from scratch, intimidated by overly complicated recipes and the perceived effort involved. But what if I told you that a truly exceptional, creamy, and flavorful potato salad could be incredibly easy to prepare?
My philosophy for the perfect potato salad is rooted in simplicity and maximizing flavor with minimal fuss. We start with vibrant red skin potatoes, eliminating the tedious task of peeling. Crisp celery adds a delightful crunch, while hard-boiled eggs contribute a rich texture and savory depth that elevate the salad beyond the ordinary. The secret truly lies in our uncomplicated, two-ingredient dressing – a creamy, tangy combination that brings all the elements together into a harmonious symphony of taste. This streamlined method ensures that you’ll achieve delicious results every time, quickly transforming you into a potato salad master!
Ready to discover the easiest and most delicious homemade potato salad? Let’s dive in!
Why This Red Skin Potato Salad Recipe Shines
This isn’t just a recipe; it’s your new go-to for summer gatherings, potlucks, and weeknight dinners. Here’s what makes this easy red skin potato salad truly special:
- **Unbeatable Classic Flavor:** This recipe delivers that beloved, homemade potato salad taste everyone craves. It’s comforting, familiar, and utterly delicious – the kind of classic creamy potato salad that disappears quickly from any serving bowl.
- **No Peeling Required: The Magic of Red Skin Potatoes:** Forget the laborious task of peeling. Red skin potatoes have a thin, tender skin that not only adds beautiful color and rustic charm to your salad but is also perfectly palatable. This simple trick saves you significant time in the kitchen, allowing you to enjoy more moments with friends and family. Their waxy texture also holds up incredibly well to boiling and mixing, preventing a mushy outcome.
- **Effortless Customization:** While the base recipe is perfect as is, it’s also wonderfully versatile. Feel free to unleash your culinary creativity! Add finely diced carrots for a touch of sweetness and color, chopped green onions for a mild oniony bite, or thinly sliced radishes for an extra peppery crunch. Fresh dill, chives, or parsley can also brighten the flavors beautifully.
- **Simple, Creamy Dressing:** The secret to this salad’s addictive quality lies in its straightforward yet incredibly flavorful two-ingredient dressing. Made with light mayonnaise and a touch of Italian dressing, it provides the perfect balance of creaminess and tang without being overly heavy or complicated.
- **Ideal for Any Occasion:** Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, planning a picnic, or simply looking for a fantastic side dish for your weeknight meal, this red skin potato salad fits the bill perfectly. It’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of main courses.
Gather Your Ingredients: What You’ll Need for the Best Potato Salad with Egg
One of the best aspects of this classic red skin potato salad is its short and simple ingredient list. You likely have most of these staples in your pantry and refrigerator already! Choosing quality ingredients, even for such a simple dish, makes a significant difference in the final flavor.
- **Red Potatoes:** The star of our show! Their thin skins and waxy texture make them perfect for potato salad, holding their shape well after cooking.
- **Eggs:** Hard-boiled eggs add a creamy texture and savory richness, a classic addition to many beloved potato salad recipes.
- **Celery:** Provides that essential crisp texture and a subtle, refreshing flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dressing.
- **Light Mayonnaise:** Forms the creamy base of our dressing. Using light mayonnaise helps keep the salad a bit lighter without sacrificing flavor.
- **Italian Dressing:** This is the secret ingredient that adds a fantastic tangy, herb-infused flavor to the dressing, simplifying the need for multiple seasonings.
- **Salt:** Essential for seasoning both the potatoes during boiling and the finished salad.
- **Pepper:** Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle kick and enhances all the other flavors.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make the Best Red Skin Potato Salad with Egg
Making this potato salad is incredibly straightforward, even for beginner cooks. Follow these simple steps for a truly delightful outcome.
1. Perfectly Cook Your Potatoes and Eggs
The foundation of any great potato salad lies in perfectly cooked potatoes. Begin by thoroughly cleaning your red skin potatoes under cool running water. Since we’re keeping the skins on, ensuring they are free of dirt is important. Next, cut the potatoes into roughly equal-sized pieces. The goal here isn’t necessarily bite-sized yet, but rather uniform pieces that will cook evenly. A good rule of thumb is to take the smallest potato in your batch and cut it in half; then, aim to cut all other potatoes to a similar approximate size. Small potatoes can be halved, while larger ones might need to be quartered or even cut into sixths.
Place the cut potatoes into a large pot and cover them with cold water. It’s crucial to start with cold water so the potatoes cook evenly from the outside in. Add about 1 tablespoon of salt to the water; this seasons the potatoes from within as they cook, enhancing their flavor. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Continue to simmer for approximately 15 minutes.
To check for doneness, carefully pierce a few of the larger potato pieces with a sharp knife or fork. The knife should slide in easily with minimal resistance, indicating they are cooked through but still firm. If there’s still a slight resistance, continue simmering for another 3-5 minutes. You want the potatoes to be tender, but not mushy, as they will be mixed later.
Simultaneously, hard-boil your eggs in a separate saucepan. Place the eggs in a single layer, cover with water, bring to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to a gentle simmer for exactly 10 minutes. This method helps prevent overcooked, rubbery whites and green rings around the yolk.
Once the potatoes are perfectly cooked, drain them immediately in a colander. To halt the cooking process and prevent them from becoming mushy, transfer the drained potatoes into a large bowl filled with very cold water, ideally with a handful of ice cubes. This “ice bath” shock helps them cool down quickly while maintaining their texture. You can also submerge your hard-boiled eggs in this ice water. Not only does it cool them down rapidly, but it also makes them significantly easier to peel.
2. Prepare the Simple Potato Salad Dressing
While your potatoes and eggs are cooling, you can whip up our incredibly simple yet flavorful dressing. In a small bowl, combine the light mayonnaise, Italian dressing, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth and well-combined. The Italian dressing adds a delightful tang and a blend of herbs that eliminates the need for individual spices, making this dressing truly effortless. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary; remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away. Set this creamy dressing aside.
3. Assemble Your Delicious Potato Salad
Once the potatoes are cool enough to comfortably handle (this is important to prevent the dressing from separating), drain them from the ice water and cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Transfer these perfectly cooked potato chunks into a large mixing bowl. Peel the hard-boiled eggs and chop them into bite-sized cubes. Finely dice the celery, ensuring small pieces for even distribution and optimal crunch. Add the chopped eggs and diced celery to the bowl with the potatoes.
Now for the grand finale! Pour the prepared creamy Italian dressing over the potato, egg, and celery mixture in the bowl. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently stir all the ingredients. Be careful not to mash the potatoes; you want to thoroughly coat everything while keeping the potato pieces intact. Continue to mix until all components are evenly distributed and glistening with the rich, tangy dressing. For best results, cover the bowl and refrigerate the potato salad for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen, making it even more delicious.
Serving Suggestions: Enjoying Your Creamy Potato Salad
This red skin potato salad is a versatile dish, perfect for almost any occasion. It’s an absolute staple for backyard barbecues, summer picnics, family potlucks, and any celebration where good food is shared. Its creamy texture and classic flavors make it a universally loved side that pairs beautifully with a wide array of main courses.
Imagine a warm summer evening, the grill sizzling, and a big bowl of this potato salad on the table. It’s the perfect accompaniment to juicy Wisconsin style brats, flavorful beef kabobs fresh off the grill, or tender grilled chicken legs. Its refreshing coolness provides a wonderful contrast to hot, grilled meats. Don’t limit it to just summer; this recipe is fantastic year-round, adding a touch of homemade comfort to any meal. You’ll find yourself reaching for this easy recipe all summer long, and beyond!
For an extra touch, garnish your potato salad with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a dash of paprika just before serving. This not only adds a pop of color but also hints at the fresh flavors within. Serve it chilled for the best experience.
Storage Tips: Keeping Your Potato Salad Fresh
Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious potato salad for days. Once prepared, transfer any leftover red skin potato salad into an airtight container. This will protect it from absorbing other odors in your refrigerator and help maintain its freshness and creamy texture. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, give it a gentle stir to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed and the flavors are re-awakened. The flavors often deepen and meld even more after a day or two in the fridge, making it an excellent make-ahead dish!
Can You Freeze Red Skin Potato Salad?
While it might be tempting to freeze leftovers to extend their life, freezing potato salad is generally not recommended. The creamy mayonnaise-based dressing can separate and become oily or watery upon thawing, losing its smooth consistency. Furthermore, the texture of the potatoes can change dramatically, often becoming grainy, mealy, or unpleasantly mushy. It simply doesn’t hold up well to the freezing and thawing process, and the resulting texture and flavor won’t be nearly as enjoyable as fresh. For the best experience, stick to refrigeration and enjoy within the recommended timeframe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Potato Salad with Eggs
Here are answers to some common questions about making the perfect potato salad:
While some traditional methods might skip this step, I highly recommend rinsing potatoes in cold water and even submerging them in an ice bath after boiling. This serves two main purposes: it immediately stops the cooking process, preventing them from becoming overcooked and mushy, and it rapidly cools them down. Working with cooled potatoes ensures your creamy dressing doesn’t “break” or become oily when mixed. It’s a personal preference, but one that significantly contributes to the texture of your final salad.
Covering the pot while boiling potatoes helps to trap heat and bring the water to a boil faster, potentially reducing cook time slightly and saving energy. However, once the water is boiling and you’ve reduced it to a simmer, whether you keep the pot covered or uncovered won’t drastically affect the potatoes’ doneness. If you choose to cover, keep an eye on it to prevent boiling over, especially when simmering. The most important factor is maintaining a gentle, steady simmer until the potatoes are tender but not falling apart.
Waxy potatoes like red skin, new potatoes, or Yukon Golds are ideal for potato salad. They have a lower starch content, which means they hold their shape better after boiling and mixing, preventing a mushy texture. Russets or other starchy potatoes tend to break down too easily, making them less suitable for a creamy potato salad.
Absolutely! In fact, potato salad often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld and develop in the refrigerator. Prepare it a day in advance, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and give it a good stir before serving. This makes it a fantastic option for parties and gatherings.
More Delicious Summer Salad Ideas
If you’ve fallen in love with this easy red skin potato salad, you’ll be thrilled to discover other fantastic salad recipes perfect for any season. The world of salads is vast and exciting, offering endless possibilities for fresh, flavorful side dishes.
For a tangy and bacon-infused twist on potato salad, be sure to try some Bavarian potato salad – it’s a delightful departure from the creamy classic!
If you’re looking for a festive, patriotic option, you can easily adapt this red skin potato salad recipe into a vibrant Red White and Blue Potato Salad by adding specific ingredients for color.
For pasta lovers, we have a variety of enticing options. Whip up an Easy Pasta Salad for a quick and satisfying meal, or indulge in the fresh Italian flavors of Caprese Pasta Salad. For an elegant twist, the Tortellini Caprese Salad is always a hit. And for those who enjoy a heartier salad, meat lovers will go crazy for the savory Salami Pasta Salad!
If you prefer lighter, no-mayonnaise salads, we’ve got you covered. Explore the fresh flavors of a Mediterranean Chopped Salad, the earthy goodness of a Chickpea, Carrot and Arugula Salad, or the simple elegance of a Grape Tomato and Mozzarella Salad. And for a truly nutritious and delicious option, my broccoli kale salad will make you feel like you’re having a superfood feast in every single bite!
📖 Recipe: Classic Red Skin Potato Salad with Egg
Rate this recipe: ★★★★★ (5 from 41 votes)
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Potato Salad with Egg Recipe
20
20
Side Dish
American
8
141kcal
Sula
Ingredients
- 2 lb red potatoes
- 3 eggs
- 1 rib celery diced
- ½ c light mayonnaise
- 1 TB Italian dressing
- ½ teaspoon salt
- â…› teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Clean and cut 2 lbs red potatoes into uniform pieces. Place in a large pot, cover with salted cold water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender.
- In a separate pan, boil 3 eggs in water for 10 minutes for hard-boiled eggs.
- Drain the cooked potatoes and immediately immerse them in an ice water bath to stop the cooking process and cool them down quickly. Submerge the boiled eggs in the same ice bath to cool and aid in peeling.
- While potatoes and eggs cool, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup light mayonnaise, 1 TB Italian dressing, ½ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper until smooth. Set aside.
- Once potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them into bite-sized pieces and place in a large mixing bowl. Peel and chop the cooled eggs into bite-sized cubes. Dice 1 rib of celery. Add the chopped eggs and diced celery to the bowl with the potatoes.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients in the bowl. Gently stir until all ingredients are evenly coated and distributed. For best flavor, refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 141kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 312mg | Potassium: 539mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 105IU | Vitamin C: 9.7mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1.1mg
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.