Red Skin Potato Salad – The Best Creamy Side for Any Meal

Looking for a flavorful side dish that steals the show at picnics, cookouts, or weekday dinners? This Red Skin Potato Salad is your answer. Creamy, tangy, and full of texture, it’s a classic recipe with a twist of freshness. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, prepping a meal for the week, or just craving something hearty yet refreshing, this potato salad delivers on taste and simplicity.

At FlashMealsClub, we believe in bold flavors and effortless prep—and this red skin potato salad checks both boxes.

Love easy sides? Don’t miss our 7 Coleslaw: The best Guide to Refreshing Dish

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Bowl of creamy red skin potato salad with herbs1

Red Skin Potato Salad

A classic American side dish—tender red-skinned potatoes tossed in a creamy, tangy dill-mustard dressing with celery, onion, and fresh herbs. Perfect for picnics and barbecues!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 cups
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 260

Ingredients
  

Potatoes
  • 3 lbs red skin potatoes cut into 1-inch pieces
Dressing
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey or sugar
  • 1 tsp dill fresh, chopped
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
Mix-ins & Garnish
  • 2 stalks celery finely chopped
  • ½ cup red onion finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Serving bowl

Method
 

  1. Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold salted water, bring to a boil, and simmer until just tender (~12–15 minutes). Drain and let cool slightly.
  2. While potatoes cook, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon, vinegar, honey, dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  3. Gently fold the warm potatoes, celery, onion, and parsley into the dressing until evenly coated.
  4. Transfer salad to a serving bowl, cover, and chill for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
  5. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning or add more fresh herbs. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature.

Notes

Make-ahead tip: Potato salad tastes even better when made a few hours ahead or the day before. For a lighter version, swap half the mayo with Greek yogurt. Add chopped hard-boiled eggs, pickles, or bacon for variation.

Why Red Skin Potatoes?

Red-skinned potatoes are ideal for salads thanks to their waxy texture and slightly sweet flavor. They hold their shape after boiling, giving you a firm bite and great structure. Plus, the skin adds a pop of color and nutrients—no need to peel!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This red skin potato salad recipe blends creamy dressing with crisp veggies and just the right touch of tang. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Salad:

  • 2½ lbs red skin potatoes, cut into bite-size chunks
  • 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional, for richness)
  • ½ cup celery, finely chopped
  • ⅓ cup red onion or scallions, diced
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or dill (for brightness)

For the Dressing:

  • ¾ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter twist)
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Ingredients for red skin potato salad
Fresh, simple ingredients for red skin potato salad

How to Make Red Skin Potato Salad

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Place chopped potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until fork-tender but not mushy. Drain and let them cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

Whisk the mayo or yogurt with Dijon, vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well blended. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 3: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the warm (not hot) potatoes with the dressing. Add celery, onions, chopped eggs (if using), and herbs. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the salad, covered, for a minimum of 1 hour to let the ingredients marry. Garnish with chopped herbs or a dash of paprika to finish.

Flavor Variations

VariationIngredient Swap
Light & FreshUse Greek yogurt instead of mayo
Tangy TwistAdd chopped pickles or capers
Sweet TouchMix in a spoonful of sweet relish
Spicy KickAdd cayenne or diced jalapeños
HerbyUse tarragon or basil for a gourmet vibe

What to Serve With Red Skin Potato Salad

This side dish pairs perfectly with:

  • Grilled chicken, burgers, or steak
  • Veggie skewers or portobello mushrooms
  • Classic picnic fare like baked beans and corn on the cob

Make it a meal: Serve with boiled eggs and greens for a light lunch.

Red skin potato salad served with grilled food
Red skin potato salad paired with summer grilling favorites

Storage Tips

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Do Not Freeze: The creamy dressing doesn’t hold up well in the freezer.
  • Make-Ahead: You can prepare it a day in advance for best flavor.

Nutrition Snapshot (Per ¾ Cup Serving)

NutrientApprox. Value
Calories220 kcal
Protein4g
Carbs25g
Fat12g
Fiber3g

Tips for the Perfect Potatoes Salad

TipWhy It Matters
Start potatoes in cold waterEnsures even cooking
Don’t overcookPrevents mushy texture
Dress while warmHelps absorb flavor
Use fresh herbsBoosts freshness
Chill before servingAllows flavors to blend

FAQs For Red Skin Potatoes Salad

Can I make red skin potato salad ahead of time?

Yes! It’s even better the next day once the flavors have settled. Chill overnight for best results.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

Nope! The red skins are tender and full of nutrients, so leave them on for extra color and texture.

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Waxy varieties like Yukon Gold or fingerlings work well too, but red potatoes offer the best combo of texture and visual appeal.

Is it better served cold or warm?

While you can serve it slightly warm, most people enjoy this salad cold or chilled from the fridge.

How can I make it dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free mayo or plant-based yogurt to suit dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

This Red Skin Potato Salad is more than a side dish—it’s a flavor-packed staple you’ll want to bring to every gathering. With creamy dressing, crisp vegetables, and zippy notes of mustard and vinegar, it’s simple yet satisfying.

Easy to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser—this is the kind of recipe FlashMealsClub stands behind.

Looking for more saucy, crowd-pleasing recipes?
Don’t miss our Bang Bang Chicken and Bang Bang Salmon Bites!

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