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Classic Creamy Red Potato Salad

Tangy creamy red potato salad with fresh herbs and pickles. Potatoes boiled whole stay moist and tender in a rich sour cream dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course: Side Dishes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 240

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds small red potatoes about 907 g
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or dill pickle juice work as substitutes
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise try homemade if you have time
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard Dijon or whole grain mustard are great alternatives
  • 2 stalks celery, finely chopped about 1/3 cup
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped dill pickles about 1 to 2 medium pickles
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Place the potatoes in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover them by about 1 1/2 inches. Stir in 1 teaspoon of salt for every quart of water used.
  2. Set the pot over high heat and bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cooking at a simmer instead of a rolling boil keeps the potatoes from knocking into each other and breaking. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until a fork slides in easily.
  3. While the potatoes cook, prepare an ice bath by filling a medium bowl with ice and cold water. Set it aside.
  4. Drain the cooked potatoes and move them right away to the ice bath. Let them cool just until you can handle them, but they should still be warm inside. Cut the potatoes into bite-size chunks and put them in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the vinegar over the warm potatoes and season lightly with salt.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and mustard until smooth and creamy.
  6. Pour the dressing over the potatoes, then add the chopped celery, pickles, parsley, dill, and chives. Stir gently with a spatula so the potatoes stay chunky and don't turn to mush.
  7. Taste the salad and adjust with additional salt and pepper. If time allows, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend. The salad is even better after a short chill.

Nutrition

Calories: 240kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 4gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4g

Notes

To make ahead, prepare the salad up to one day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Stir before serving.
If you prefer a lighter dressing, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the sour cream or mayonnaise.
Small red potatoes work best because they hold their shape and stay moist. If using larger potatoes, chop them before cooking.
Dill pickle juice in place of vinegar adds an extra tangy punch with no extra effort.
Fresh herbs are essential here; dried herbs won't give the same bright flavor.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a spoonful of Dijon mustard.

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