This Creamy Red Onion Potato Salad is a classic side dish featuring tender potatoes, crisp red onions, and a rich, tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, potlucks, or family dinners, it’s easy to make and even better after chilling.

⏱️ Recipe Information

🛒 Ingredients

For the Salad

• 2 pounds Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced or finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (optional)

For the Creamy Dressing

• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika

Optional Garnishes

• Chopped chives
• Extra paprika
• Fresh dill
• Crispy bacon bits

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

1. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold, salted water.
2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Cook for 12–15 minutes, or until fork-tender.
4. Drain well and let the potatoes cool for about 10–15 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• Dijon mustard
• Apple cider vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Sugar (if using)
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Add the cooled potatoes, red onion, celery, chopped eggs (if using), parsley, and dill to the bowl with the dressing.

Gently fold everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated.

Step 4: Chill

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend.

Step 5: Serve

Garnish with extra parsley, dill, paprika, or bacon bits if desired, and serve chilled.

💡 Tips for Success

• Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a naturally creamy texture.
• Let the potatoes cool slightly before mixing to prevent the dressing from becoming too thin.
• Slice the red onion thinly for a milder bite, or soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce their sharpness.
• Chill the salad before serving for the best flavor.

🌿 Variations

Lighter Version

Replace half (or all) of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.

Bacon Potato Salad

Add ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon.

Herb Lover’s Salad

Mix in fresh chives, parsley, dill, and tarragon.

Loaded Potato Salad

Add shredded cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions.

Mediterranean Style

Swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt and add cucumbers, feta cheese, olives, and fresh oregano.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Grilled chicken
• Barbecue ribs
• Burgers
• Fried chicken
• Grilled steak
• Baked fish
• Corn on the cob

🥡 Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing: Not recommended, as the creamy dressing may separate after thawing.

🥣 Nutrition (Per Serving)

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.

🧀 Weight Watchers (Estimated)

Estimated points may vary depending on the brands of mayonnaise, sour cream, and other ingredients used.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best potatoes for potato salad?

Yukon Gold and red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well after cooking and have a naturally creamy texture.

Can I make potato salad ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it’s even better when made a few hours or a day ahead, allowing the flavors to develop.

How can I make the dressing lighter?

Use plain Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the mayonnaise and sour cream for a lighter, higher-protein option.

Why did my potato salad become watery?

This usually happens if the potatoes are mixed while too hot or aren’t drained well. Let them cool slightly and drain thoroughly before adding the dressing.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Chopped pickles, cucumbers, bell peppers, peas, or green onions all make delicious additions to this creamy potato salad.