The ULTIMATE Potato Salad

 

This recipe requires a little more work than your average dump and stir potato salad, but it is so worth it. The zippy mustard dressing and fresh herbs lighten up this classic picnic side while the jammy soft-boiled eggs gently coat the potatoes when tossed together. For some added crunch, I double the spuds and finish the salad with a handful of crushed potato chips. This recipe is called the ULTIMATE potato salad for a reason.

 
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Makes 6 to 8

  • 2½ pounds baby Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed 

  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature

  • ½ cup mayonnaise

  • 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard

  • 1 Tablespoon whole grain mustard

  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest (about 1 lemon), plus 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice

  • 2 Tablespoons dill pickle brine, plus chopped dill pickles for garnish

  • Kosher salt and pepper

  • 2 celery ribs, finely chopped, plus ¼ cup light green celery leaves

  • ⅓ cup finely chopped red onion

  • ¼ cup small dill sprigs

  • ¼ cup snipped chives

  • Crushed potato chips, for garnish

     

    1. In a large pot, add the potatoes and cover with water. Season with a few generous pinches of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to moderately-low and simmer until the potatoes are tender, 15 to 20 minutes depending on the size. Drain well and let cool completely. Halve the potatoes, or quarter if large, and transfer to a large bowl.

    2. Meanwhile, prepare an ice bath. In a medium pot of boiling water, cook the eggs, stirring occasionally, until the whites are set and the yolks are still soft, about 7 minutes. Transfer to the prepared ice bath and let cool for 5 minutes. Drain and peel the eggs.

    3. In a medium bowl, whisk the mayonnaise with both mustards, lemon zest, lemon juice and pickle brine. Season with salt and pepper. 

    4. To the bowl with the potatoes, add the chopped celery and red onion. Pour half of the dressing over the potatoes and gently toss to coat. Add more dressing as desired. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the potato salad to a serving bowl or platter.

    5. Using a paring knife, cut the soft boiled eggs into quarters and arrange on top of the potato salad. Sprinkle with the celery leaves, dill and chives. Garnish with chopped pickles, crushed potato chips and more black pepper. Serve right away.