Potato Salad Recipe

Prep potatoes

Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by about 1 inch. Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt. Bring to a gentle boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until potatoes are just tender when pierced with a fork, about 10–12 minutes depending on cube size.

Cook eggs

During the last 8–10 minutes of potato cooking (or in a separate small saucepan), place eggs in cold water, bring to a gentle boil, then cover and remove from heat. Let sit 9–10 minutes for hard-cooked yolks. Transfer eggs to an ice bath to stop cooking, then peel and chop when cool.

Drain and cool potatoes

Drain potatoes in a colander and immediately rinse briefly with cool water to stop cooking. Spread on a tray or return to the warm pot off heat for 1–2 minutes to let steam escape so they aren't waterlogged. Let cool slightly (warm but not hot) before mixing with dressing to avoid breaking apart.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and black pepper until smooth. Taste and add salt as needed (start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust). The dressing should be creamy and slightly tangy-sweet.

Dice the cooled potatoes into slightly smaller pieces if desired so pieces are roughly bite-sized (about 1/2–3/4 inch). Place potatoes in a large mixing bowl.

Add the chopped hard-cooked eggs, diced celery, finely diced red onion, chopped pickles, and chopped parsley to the bowl with potatoes.

Pour the dressing over the potato mixture. Gently fold with a wide spatula or wooden spoon until everything is evenly coated and ingredients are distributed. Fold rather than stir vigorously to avoid mashing the potatoes. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed.

Transfer salad to a serving bowl, cover, and chill for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld (can be served immediately if desired, but chilling improves texture and flavor).

Before serving, sprinkle paprika over the top and additional chopped parsley if desired.