Print

Easy Creamy 3-Ingredient Potato Salad Recipe for Perfect BBQ Sides

easy creamy 3-ingredient potato salad - featured image

A quick and creamy potato salad made with just three simple ingredients, perfect for BBQ sides. This recipe is fuss-free, crowd-pleasing, and ready in about 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold or red potatoes, scrubbed and cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 1 cup mayonnaise (240 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard (30 ml)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: chopped fresh parsley or chives
  • Optional: finely diced celery
  • Optional: smoked paprika or black pepper
  • Optional: splash of milk or pickle juice to loosen texture

Instructions

  1. Rinse 2 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes under cold water and cut into roughly 1-inch cubes. No need to peel.
  2. Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by at least 1 inch. Add a generous pinch of salt.
  3. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat and cook for 12-15 minutes until tender but not mushy.
  4. Drain potatoes in a colander and let cool for about 10 minutes until warm but not hot.
  5. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons yellow mustard; stir until smooth.
  6. Gently fold warm potatoes into the mayo-mustard mixture using a wooden spoon or spatula, being careful not to mash the potatoes.
  7. Season with salt (start with ½ teaspoon) and freshly ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon), adjusting to taste.
  8. Add optional smoked paprika or fresh herbs if desired.
  9. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor. Can be served warm or at room temperature if needed.
  10. If salad is too thick, add a splash of milk or pickle juice to loosen the texture.

Notes

Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes to hold shape. Avoid overcooking to prevent mushy texture. Mix gently to keep potatoes intact. Chill for at least 1 hour for best flavor. Optional add-ins include fresh herbs, celery, smoked paprika, or spicy elements. For vegan version, use plant-based mayo and mustard without honey.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato salad, BBQ side dish, creamy potato salad, easy potato salad, 3-ingredient potato salad, summer side dish, picnic recipe