If you are searching for the perfect side dish that blends comfort with vibrant flavors, look no further than the Best Ever Potato Salad Recipe. This salad is anything but ordinary — it combines tender new potatoes with a luscious, herby garlic mayo and a refreshing hit of lemon. The mix of toasted pine nuts and fresh chives adds delightful texture and a burst of color. Whether you’re planning a picnic, a barbecue, or a family dinner, this potato salad will steal the show every time with its creamy, delightful goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in making this Best Ever Potato Salad Recipe truly unforgettable. From the creamy tang of sour cream to the freshness of mixed herbs, every element contributes to the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- 1.2kg new potatoes (Perlas recommended): Their waxy texture holds up beautifully when boiled, giving you tender but firm bites.
- 1 egg: The base for the creamy herby mayo, adding a smooth richness.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: Ensures a silky, rich dressing without overpowering flavors.
- ¼ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors gently without being too salty.
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice: Brings freshness and a bright zing that balances the creaminess perfectly.
- 1 tsp wholegrain mustard: Adds a subtle heat and a lovely depth of flavor.
- 1 clove garlic, crushed: Infuses the dressing with a delicate garlic aroma and taste.
- ½ cup mixed chopped herbs (parsley, sage, mint, basil): A fragrant blend that lifts the salad into something extraordinary.
- 100g sour cream: Gives a tangy creaminess that works wonders with the herbs.
- 2 Tbsp chives: Fresh and slightly oniony, perfect for sprinkling on top.
- 30g toasted pine nuts: A crunchy, nutty finish that’s pure magic in every bite.
How to Make Best Ever Potato Salad Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Start by boiling your new potatoes in a large pot of salted water until they are just cooked through. The key here is not to overcook them so they maintain a lovely firmness, which gives this salad its irresistible texture. Once done, drain and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Herby Mayo
This is where the magic begins. Using a stick mixer, blitz together the egg, vegetable oil, salt, lemon juice, mustard, crushed garlic, and the freshly chopped mixed herbs. The result is a creamy, vibrant dressing bursting with flavor and herbs, the heart of the Best Ever Potato Salad Recipe.
Step 3: Chop and Combine
Chop the boiled potatoes into bite-sized pieces and transfer them into a large serving bowl. This makes the salad easier to eat and ensures every mouthful gets coated with that delicious dressing.
Step 4: Mix in the Creamy Goodness
Gently fold the sour cream into the herby mayo and then mix this luscious blend through the chopped potatoes. This step adds extra creaminess and a subtle tang that perfectly complements the herbs and lemon.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Sprinkle the salad with freshly chopped chives and toasted pine nuts. These toppings add both color and texture, making your potato salad look as good as it tastes.
Step 6: Serve Warm or Chill
You can serve your potato salad warm straight away or chill it in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy it. Either way, the flavors meld beautifully, making this Best Ever Potato Salad Recipe flexible and crowd-pleasing.
How to Serve Best Ever Potato Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling extra fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or basil on top can brighten the presentation and flavor even further. Adding a few more toasted pine nuts or a light drizzle of olive oil just before serving brings a lovely finishing touch that guests will appreciate.
Side Dishes
This potato salad is a stellar companion to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even a light fish dish. It also pairs wonderfully with classic summer BBQ staples like burgers and hot dogs, elevating your meal with its complex, fresh flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stylish twist, try serving this Best Ever Potato Salad Recipe in individual mason jars or small bowls layered with additional greens. You could also use it as a filling for stuffed tomatoes or bell peppers to turn it into a delightful appetizer or light lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Potato salad keeps beautifully in the fridge, sealed in an airtight container for up to three days. The flavors tend to deepen as it rests, making leftovers even tastier. Just make sure to give it a gentle stir before serving again.
Freezing
Because of the sour cream and fresh herbs, freezing is not recommended for this recipe. The texture and flavor of the salad won’t hold up well after thawing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a short period.
Reheating
This salad is normally served cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer it slightly warm, gently heat it in a microwave-safe dish just until lukewarm. Avoid overheating, as this can affect the texture of the potatoes and dressing.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of new potatoes?
While new potatoes are preferred because of their waxy texture and thin skins, you can use regular potatoes. Just be sure to choose firm, waxy varieties like Yukon Gold to maintain the right consistency for the salad.
Is there a substitute for sour cream?
If sour cream isn’t available or you want a lighter option, Greek yogurt works beautifully. It gives the same tangy creaminess with a slightly different texture but still delicious.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the egg and sour cream for vegan mayonnaise and a plant-based yogurt or cream alternative. You can still use the fresh herbs and pine nuts for that irresistible flavor and texture combo.
How do I toast pine nuts without burning them?
Toast pine nuts in a dry pan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Keep a close eye on them, as they can go from golden to burnt quickly. You’ll know they’re ready once they smell fragrant and turn a light golden color.
What’s the best way to serve this potato salad at a party?
Serve the Best Ever Potato Salad Recipe in a beautiful bowl with extra herb garnishes and pine nuts on the side for guests to add as they like. Pair with a variety of grilled meats and fresh salads to create a festive, colorful spread.
Final Thoughts
This Best Ever Potato Salad Recipe truly deserves its name because of its vibrant flavors, rich creaminess, and fresh herbaceous notes. It’s a dish that invites smiles and second helpings every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy it alongside your favorite dishes, making every meal feel just a little more special and memorable.
PrintBest Ever Potato Salad Recipe
This best ever potato salad recipe combines tender boiled new potatoes with a creamy, herby garlic mayo and sour cream dressing, topped with fresh chives and toasted pine nuts for extra flavor and texture. It’s a versatile dish perfect for serving warm or chilled, ideal for picnics, barbecues, or as a comforting side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1.2kg new potatoes (perlas recommended)
- 1 egg
- ¼ tsp salt
Dressing
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp wholegrain mustard
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- ½ cup chopped mixed herbs (parsley, sage, mint, basil)
- 100g sour cream
Toppings
- 2 Tbsp chives, chopped
- 30g pine nuts, toasted
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Place the new potatoes in a large pot of salted water and boil until just cooked through but still firm. Drain thoroughly and let them cool slightly.
- Prepare Herby Mayo: Using a stick mixer, blend together the egg, vegetable oil, salt, lemon juice, wholegrain mustard, crushed garlic, and mixed herbs until the mixture becomes creamy and well combined.
- Cut Potatoes: Chop the boiled potatoes into bite-sized pieces suitable for easy serving and eating, then transfer them into a large serving bowl.
- Combine Dressing and Potatoes: Stir the sour cream into the herby garlic mayo, then mix this dressing gently through the chopped potatoes to ensure they are evenly coated.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the chopped chives and toasted pine nuts over the top of the salad to add fresh flavor and crunchy texture.
- Serve: You can serve the potato salad warm immediately or chill it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve it cold.
Notes
- Use perlas or other waxy new potatoes for the best texture that holds shape.
- To toast pine nuts, gently heat them in a dry pan over medium heat until golden and aromatic, stirring frequently.
- This salad can be made ahead and refrigerated for several hours to enhance the flavors.
- Adjust salt and lemon juice to taste depending on your preferred flavor balance.
- Feel free to substitute the mixed herbs with your favorite fresh herbs.
