The tangy aroma of freshly boiled potatoes, mingling with creamy dressing and crunchy bits of celery, is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Creamy Tangy Memorial Day Potato Salad isn’t just a side dish; it’s an experience that takes you back to sun-drenched afternoons, laughter echoing under sprawling oak trees, and the inevitable race to snag the first helping before it disappears.

As we gather around the grill, the anticipation builds not just for burgers and hot dogs but for that bowl of potato salad that seems to have a magnetic pull. This dish has been a staple at our family gatherings for years, often debated over who makes it best—spoiler: it’s me. Each bite is a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds dance like nobody’s watching at your next picnic or barbecue.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This creamy potato salad is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings
- The combination of tangy dressing with tender potatoes creates a flavor explosion in your mouth
- Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing on any table setting
- Versatile enough for barbecues, potlucks, or even as a comforting side during family dinners
Ingredients for Creamy Tangy Memorial Day Potato Salad
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Potatoes: Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for the best texture; they hold up well in salads.
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Mayonnaise: Choose a good quality mayo for creaminess; or use Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.
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Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy kick that balances out the richness of the mayonnaise.
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Celery: Chopped finely for crunch and freshness; it’s also a low-calorie way to add volume.
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Red Onion: Diced small for a bit of zing; soak it in water first if you want to tone down the sharpness.
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Hard-Boiled Eggs: They add protein and creaminess; remember to cool them before mixing into the salad.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors in your potato salad.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Creamy Tangy Memorial Day Potato Salad
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Start by washing about two pounds of your chosen potatoes thoroughly. Cut them into quarters and place them in a large pot filled with cold salted water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until fork-tender, which usually takes around 12-15 minutes. Drain and set aside until they are cool enough to handle.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together one cup of mayonnaise with two tablespoons of Dijon mustard. Add salt and pepper to taste; feel free to sneak in some garlic powder if you’re feeling adventurous! This combination will be your creamy base that ties everything together.
Step 3: Mix in Vegetables
Once your potatoes have cooled completely (we don’t want mushy salad here), gently fold them into your large mixing bowl containing the dressing. Then add one cup of chopped celery and half a cup of finely diced red onion. Stir until each potato piece is coated in that luscious dressing.
Step 4: Add Hard-Boiled Eggs
Carefully peel three hard-boiled eggs and chop them into small pieces. Fold them gently into your potato mixture—these little gems bring extra creaminess and protein!
Step 5: Chill Out
Cover your potato salad with plastic wrap or transfer it into an airtight container. Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving; this allows all those wonderful flavors to mingle beautifully.
Step 6: Serve It Up!
When you’re ready to serve, give the salad another gentle stir and taste it one last time—add more salt or pepper if needed! Transfer it into a pretty bowl, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and watch as everyone heads straight for this crowd-pleaser.
This Creamy Tangy Memorial Day Potato Salad isn’t just another recipe; it’s an invitation to create memories filled with laughter around the grill while enjoying every creamy bite on warm summer days. So go ahead—whip up this classic side dish that promises smiles at every gathering!
You Must Know
- This creamy tangy Memorial Day potato salad is not just a side dish; it’s a celebration in a bowl
- With its delightful flavors and easy preparation, it can be the star of your picnic or barbecue
- Get ready for compliments and requests for the recipe!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
For more inspiration, check out this helpful cooking tips recipe.
Start by boiling your potatoes until tender but firm. While they cool, whip up the dressing and chop any add-ins. Once the potatoes are ready, combine everything for a perfect creamy tangy memorial day potato salad.
Add Your Touch
Mix in some crispy bacon for crunch, or swap out dill for parsley if you prefer. You can even toss in some chopped hard-boiled eggs or sweet pickles for an extra zing to your creamy tangy memorial day potato salad.
Storing & Reheating
Store your creamy tangy memorial day potato salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you need to reheat it, microwave briefly, but serve chilled for best flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes—they hold their shape better
- Allow the potatoes to cool completely before mixing to avoid mushiness
- Taste and adjust seasoning; sometimes an extra pinch of salt makes all the difference!
I remember my first attempt at making a creamy tangy memorial day potato salad—let’s just say my friends had a good laugh when I mistakenly added too much mustard! It turned into a funny story that still gets shared at gatherings.
FAQs:
What makes the Creamy Tangy Memorial Day Potato Salad unique?
The Creamy Tangy Memorial Day Potato Salad stands out due to its perfect blend of flavors and textures. This dish combines tender potatoes with a rich, creamy dressing that includes mayonnaise, sour cream, and a hint of vinegar for tanginess. The addition of fresh herbs, celery, and red onions adds crunch and freshness, making it a delightful side dish perfect for any summer gathering. Its vibrant taste profile pairs beautifully with grilled meats and other picnic favorites.
Can I make Creamy Tangy Memorial Day Potato Salad in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Creamy Tangy Memorial Day Potato Salad a day ahead of your event. In fact, allowing it to chill in the refrigerator overnight enhances the flavors as they meld together. To maintain freshness, store it in an airtight container. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing, and feel free to adjust the seasoning if needed.
What are some variations for this potato salad recipe?
There are many delicious variations for Creamy Tangy Memorial Day Potato Salad. You can add ingredients like diced pickles or relish for extra flavor. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise. For added nutrition, consider mixing in cooked bacon bits or chopped hard-boiled eggs. Each twist adds a unique touch while keeping the essence of this classic dish intact. For more inspiration, check out this delicious side dishes recipe.
How should I store leftover potato salad?
To properly store leftover Creamy Tangy Memorial Day Potato Salad, transfer it into an airtight container and refrigerate immediately after serving. It will stay fresh for up to three days when stored correctly. Before consuming leftovers, check for any off smells or changes in texture. If everything seems fine, give it a good stir; you may want to add a splash of vinegar or additional seasoning to revive its flavors.
Conclusion for Creamy Tangy Memorial Day Potato Salad:
In summary, Creamy Tangy Memorial Day Potato Salad is a perfect side dish that enhances any summer gathering with its delicious flavors and comforting texture. Preparing this salad ahead of time allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, resulting in a standout dish that everyone will love. With easy variations and simple storage options, you can enjoy this classic potato salad throughout the season while impressing your guests at every barbecue or picnic.

Creamy Tangy Memorial Day Potato Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Experience the ultimate summer delight with Creamy Tangy Memorial Day Potato Salad. This refreshing dish features tender Yukon Gold potatoes mixed with a zesty dressing, crisp celery, and hard-boiled eggs, all coming together to create a vibrant flavor explosion. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or barbecues, this classic side will have everyone reaching for seconds and reminiscing about cherished memories under the sun.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Boil the Potatoes: Wash and quarter the potatoes. Place in a pot filled with cold salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for 12-15 minutes until tender but firm. Drain and let cool.
- 2. Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- 3. Mix in Vegetables: Once cooled, fold the potatoes into the dressing along with chopped celery and red onion until well-coated.
- 4. Add Hard-Boiled Eggs: Gently mix in chopped hard-boiled eggs.
- 5. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld.
- 6. Serve: Give a gentle stir before serving, adjusting seasoning if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (210g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg