Hellmann’s Potato Salad

I’ve been making Hellmann’s Potato Salad for years, and it’s a dish that never fails to remind me of summer picnics and family gatherings.

One tip I always share is to dress the potatoes while they’re still warm; they absorb the flavors like a dream.

I take pride in the balance of textures, from the tender potatoes to the satisfying crunch of celery and onions.

How to Make Hellmann’s Potato Salad

Ingredients List

For this classic potato salad recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 pounds medium potatoes
• 1 cup Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise
• 1-1/2 tsp white vinegar
• 1-1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 cup thinly sliced celery
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped (optional)

Step-by-step process

Step 1

Begin the process by cooking the potatoes.

Place the potatoes in a medium pot and cover them with cold water.

Step 2

Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, prepare the dressing for the potato salad by combining the following:

• 1 cup Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise
• 1-1/2 tsp white vinegar
• 1-1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Mix the dressing until all the ingredients are blended well.

Step 4

Add the cooked potatoes, sliced celery, chopped onion, and chopped hard-cooked eggs (optional) to the dressing in the large mixing bowl.

Gently toss the ingredients together, ensuring that the potatoes and other components are coated evenly with the dressing.

Step 5

Once the potato salad is mixed, allow it to rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

Transfer the potato salad to an airtight container for storage.

To store leftover Hellmann’s potato salad, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

It is not advisable to freeze this potato salad, as the texture may be compromised upon thawing.

Enjoy!

Side Dishes for Hellmann’s Potato Salad

When enjoying Hellmann’s Potato Salad, you might be looking for some classic side dishes to complete your meal.

Below, you will find a list of side dishes that complement this simple yet flavorful potato salad as the main attraction.

Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables are a versatile and healthy option to pair with your Hellmann’s Potato Salad.

You can choose from an array of vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus.

Their smoky flavor contrasts nicely with the creamy richness of the potato salad.

Coleslaw

Another classic side dish to accompany your Hellmann’s Potato Salad is coleslaw.

It adds a refreshing crunch and tangy taste to your meal.

The cabbage-based dish can be homemade or store-bought, and it offers a light balance to the potato salad.

BBQ Chicken or Ribs

For a protein-packed addition to your meal, consider serving BBQ chicken or ribs.

Their sweet and savory flavors complement the creamy potato salad well.

You can cook them on the grill or in the oven, and you will enjoy a satisfying and complete meal.

Ingredients Substitutes

Ground Black Pepper substitutes 

Feel free to switch ground black pepper for other spices, such as chili flakes or freshly ground white pepper, depending on your personal preference.

Vinegar substitutes 

Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used in place of regular white vinegar.

This will give a more complex flavor to your potato salad dressing.

You can also add a splash of dill pickle juice for extra tang.

How to Store Hellmann’s Potato Salad

Storing Hellmann’s potato salad properly is important to maintain its freshness, texture, and flavor.

When done correctly, you can enjoy this delicious side dish for an extended period of time.

Refrigerate:

To store Hellmann’s potato salad in the refrigerator, place it in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap.

Keep the potato salad in the coldest part of the fridge to prevent temperature fluctuations, which can affect its quality.

The salad should last for up to 3-4 days when stored appropriately in the refrigerator.

Freeze:

While it’s not recommended to freeze potato salad due to its mayonnaise-based dressing, it is possible if necessary.

To freeze Hellmann’s potato salad, transfer it to a freezer-safe airtight container or a resealable freezer bag.

Squeeze out any excess air and seal tightly. The salad can last in the freezer for up to 1 month.

However, be aware that the texture might change upon thawing due to the mayonnaise separating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using the Wrong Type of Potato

When making a traditional potato salad, it’s crucial to use potatoes that hold their shape after being boiled.

Waxy potatoes such as red or Yukon gold work best.

Avoid using starchy potatoes like russets, which tend to break down and become mushy.

Overcooking the Potatoes

Cook the potato mixture until they’re fork-tender but not overly soft.

Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and cook for about 10-15 minutes.

Overcooked potatoes will result in a mushy salad, while undercooked potatoes are too hard to enjoy.

Inadequate Seasoning During Cooking

Season your potatoes with salt while boiling them to ensure they absorb the flavor properly.

As a rule of thumb, add about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 cups of water used.

Additionally, consider adding a pinch of cayenne, onion powder, or garlic salt to the potatoes before cooking them to enhance their taste.

Not Letting the Potato Salad Rest

For best results, allow the potato salad to rest in the fridge for at least an hour or more, allowing the flavors to meld.

This helps the potatoes fully absorb the dressing and other ingredients.

If you serve the salad right away, it may not taste as good.