Grandma’s Potato Salad is a recipe straight from my beautiful Grandma! It’s an easy side dish that is perfect for entertaining!
Today would be my grandmother’s birthday. She passed away in April and we all miss her so much! She was a super special woman, that did so many great things but most of all, she was filled with so much love for her family! Every time we spoke on the phone or on Facetime she’d give me a “two arm hug” and then more to give to my kids and my husband! I think that today should be known as Two Arm Hug Day!
My Grandma came from a big family and then had a big family of her own and the love in her heart just grew with every addition to the family. When her time was winding down we all flew down to Florida to spend the last few days and hours with her that we could. The house was filled with her brothers and sisters, her 5 kids, all her grandchildren, great grandchildren and even a great-great grand-daughter. There were over 30 people with her, filling the house with love, joy and appreciation for this wonderful woman we got to have in our lives!
A few years ago Grandma flew out to Arizona to celebrate my youngest son’s birthday with us. I made my Macaroni Salad and we were talking about the recipe. The secret ingredient in that dish is dill pickle juice. I mix it into the mayo and it’s fantastic! She told me that’s what she puts in her potato salad too! It was fun to talk cooking with her!
My Grandma with my Dad walking down the aisle at my brother’s wedding in 2014. In this picture she had pneumonia but we didn’t know. She was determined to make sure she was at her grandson’s wedding!
So, I decided I wanted to have that recipe and share it with you all and tell you about my beautiful grandmother, Marie Sheridan Drew. She’s one of my namesakes and one of the role models I have in my life. I want to make sure that I hug my kids as often as they’ll let me (and maybe more than that) and I want to make sure that I fill this world with all the love I can while I’m here, just like she did!
I love dinner out back with my family in the summer!
Grandma’s Potato Salad is a classic recipe that will be your go to this summer I’m sure! I love it with burgers, hot dogs or even BBQ chicken! Happy cooking and here’s a “Two Arm Hug” to all of you!!
Ingredients
- 5 pounds Russet potatoes peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- ¾ cup pickle juice
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 medium yellow onion peeled and chopped (1 cup)
- 3 stalks celery ends removed and chopped
- 8 large hard-boiled eggs peeled and chopped
- fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Place 5 pounds Russet potatoes into a large pot and cover with cold water. Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, about 20-25 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes using a colander. Transfer the potatoes back into the pot and allow them to cool slightly.
- In a large serving bowl, whisk together 2 cups mayonnaise, 3/4 cup pickle juice, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon onion powder until smooth.
- Add the potatoes, 1 medium yellow onion, 3 stalks celery, and 8 large hard-boiled eggs to the serving bowl. Gently toss to coat everything in the dressing.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour for the best flavor, or until ready to serve. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish and enjoy!
Notes
- Cool the potatoes before dressing for the creamiest texture.
- Use dill or sweet pickle juice, depending on your taste.
- Best made a few hours ahead or the day before.
- Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
Sinea says
Aubrey, this recipe is an answer to my prayers, I kid you not! My mom and grandma both made great potato salad but I lost the recipe. Try as I may to replicate it, something was missing. I don’t know for sure but I am thinking that pickle juice is the little “zing” that was left out. I am going to make this for our next family gathering. I know it will be a big hit!
BTW….seeing those Peonies in your photo really made my “potato salad” memories complete. My parents’ house had a long garden by the driveway that was filled with those lovely flowers of the same color.
Blessings
Sinea
Aubrey Cota says
Sinea,
Thank you so much for bringing this memory back around. Being able to look back at the picture’s of my grandmother has completely warmed my heart as I miss her so much.
I’m so glad you found this recipe I know you will love it!