This Red Skinned Potato Salad is a must-have for any gathering. Its creamy texture and vibrant colors make it an appealing side dish for BBQs, picnics, or family dinners. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to customize with your favorite herbs or veggies, making it a versatile addition to your meal lineup.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Salad
- For the Dressing
- For Garnish (Optional)
- How to Make Red Skinned Potato Salad
- Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
- Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Step 4: Chill Before Serving
- How to Serve Red Skinned Potato Salad
- As a BBQ Side
- In a Picnic Platter
- With Fresh Herbs
- As Part of a Potluck Spread
- How to Perfect Red Skinned Potato Salad
- Best Side Dishes for Red Skinned Potato Salad
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Red Skinned Potato Salad
- Reheating Red Skinned Potato Salad
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I make my Red Skinned Potato Salad creamier?
- Can I customize my Red Skinned Potato Salad?
- What is the best way to serve Red Skinned Potato Salad?
- How long does Red Skinned Potato Salad last?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip this salad up in no time.
- Creamy and Delicious: The combination of mayonnaise and sour cream creates a rich and satisfying flavor.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Perfect for summer cookouts, holiday meals, or casual weeknight dinners.
- Easily Customizable: Add in your favorite herbs, veggies, or even a hint of spice to suit your taste.
- Feeds a Crowd: This recipe makes 8 servings, ideal for sharing with friends and family.
Tools and Preparation
To make this flavorful red skinned potato salad, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment ensures smooth preparation and cooking.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: This is essential for boiling the potatoes evenly, ensuring they cook through without getting mushy.
- Colander: Perfect for draining the potatoes after boiling, allowing them to cool properly before mixing.
- Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl makes it easier to combine all your ingredients without making a mess.

Ingredients
This easy red potato salad is the perfect potato salad for any BBQ or cookout. This is a classic recipe everyone should know and it is so easy to customize!
For the Salad
- 3 pounds red potatoes (unpeeled and cubed)
- ½ small red onion (diced)
For the Dressing
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 Tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon yellow mustard (or dijon)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon pepper
For Garnish (Optional)
- fresh parsley or fresh dill
How to Make Red Skinned Potato Salad
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
- Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water.
- Bring the pot to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes using a colander and set aside to cool for about 15 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together diced onion, mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper, celery seed, and dill until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Gently stir in the cooled potatoes into the dressing mixture until evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
- Cover the potato salad with plastic wrap or a lid.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Enjoy this delightful Red Skinned Potato Salad at your next event!
How to Serve Red Skinned Potato Salad
This red skinned potato salad is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with many meals. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or simply enjoying a family dinner, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
As a BBQ Side
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or turkey for a classic summer meal.
- Pair with veggie skewers for a colorful and healthy option.
In a Picnic Platter
- Include it in a picnic basket with sandwiches and fresh fruit for a delightful outdoor feast.
- Add some crunchy vegetable sticks to balance the creamy texture of the salad.
With Fresh Herbs
- Garnish with fresh parsley or dill to enhance the flavor and presentation.
- Sprinkle additional celery seeds for an extra pop of taste and texture.
As Part of a Potluck Spread
- Bring it to gatherings, where its creamy goodness will be sure to please the crowd.
- Offer it next to other sides like coleslaw or baked beans for variety.
How to Perfect Red Skinned Potato Salad
To ensure your red skinned potato salad is always a hit, consider these helpful tips. With just a few adjustments, you can make this dish even more delightful.
- Choose fresh potatoes: Look for firm, unblemished red potatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcook: Boil until fork-tender but not mushy to keep the salad from becoming gloppy.
- Chill before serving: Allowing it to chill enhances the flavors as they meld together beautifully.
- Customize your flavors: Feel free to add in chopped celery, bell peppers, or pickles for added crunch and taste.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed for your palate.
Best Side Dishes for Red Skinned Potato Salad
When planning your meal, consider pairing your red skinned potato salad with these delicious side dishes. Each complementing dish brings something special to the table.
- Grilled Vegetables: A mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus lightly seasoned and grilled adds great flavor.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter is a delightful contrast to the creamy potato salad.
- Coleslaw: A tangy cabbage slaw provides crispness that balances well with the richness of the salad.
- Baked Beans: Smoky baked beans offer depth and heartiness that rounds out any cookout plate perfectly.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful peppers filled with rice and veggies make for a nutritious side that’s visually appealing too.
- Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumber slices dressed in vinegar provide a light counterpart to the heavier potato salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making red skinned potato salad can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Bold potatoes: Using the wrong type of potato can lead to a mushy salad. Stick to red potatoes for their waxy texture and flavor.
- Bold overcooking: Overcooking the potatoes makes them fall apart. Boil until fork-tender but firm enough to hold their shape.
- Bold skipping cooling: Not allowing the potatoes to cool before mixing can lead to a watery salad. Let them rest for 15 minutes after draining.
- Bold neglecting seasoning: Under-seasoning can make your salad bland. Taste and adjust the seasoning before refrigerating for best results.
- Bold rushing refrigeration: Serving immediately after mixing may not allow flavors to meld. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours for optimal taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It will keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Red Skinned Potato Salad
- Freezing is not recommended as it affects texture and flavor.
- If necessary, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
Reheating Red Skinned Potato Salad
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in a covered dish until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Gently heat in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making red skinned potato salad:
How do I make my Red Skinned Potato Salad creamier?
To enhance creaminess, increase the amount of mayonnaise or sour cream. You can also add a touch of Greek yogurt for tanginess.
Can I customize my Red Skinned Potato Salad?
Absolutely! Add chopped celery, bell peppers, or hard-boiled eggs for added texture and flavor.
What is the best way to serve Red Skinned Potato Salad?
Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side dish at BBQs, picnics, or potlucks. Garnish with fresh herbs for extra flair.
How long does Red Skinned Potato Salad last?
Properly stored in the fridge, it lasts about 3 days. Always check for freshness before serving.
Final Thoughts
This red skinned potato salad is delicious and versatile, perfect for any gathering or meal. It’s easy to customize with your favorite add-ins and flavors that suit your taste. Try this recipe at your next event and enjoy the compliments!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Red Skinned Potato Salad
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 8 people 1x
Description
Red Skinned Potato Salad is a delightful, creamy dish that brings vibrant flavors and texture to any gathering. Perfect for BBQs, picnics, or family dinners, this easy-to-make salad features tender red potatoes enveloped in a rich dressing made from mayonnaise and sour cream. You can easily tailor it with your favorite herbs or vegetables, making it a versatile side dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a casual meal at home, this potato salad is sure to impress your guests and become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds red potatoes (unpeeled and cubed)
- ½ small red onion (diced)
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 Tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes: Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until fork-tender. Drain and cool for about 15 minutes.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together diced onion, mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper, celery seed, and dill until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently stir the cooled potatoes into the dressing mixture until evenly coated.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg