Potato salad is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses. The key to a memorable potato salad lies in its dressing, which should be creamy, tangy, and well-seasoned. This dressing recipe combines mayonnaise, dijon mustard, and a few other ingredients to create a flavorful and balanced addition to your potato salad.
While most of the ingredients for this dressing are common pantry staples, you might need to pick up dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar if they are not already in your kitchen. These ingredients add a unique tang and depth of flavor that elevate the dressing.

Ingredients for Dressing for Potato Salad Recipe
Mayonnaise: Provides a creamy base for the dressing.
Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor.
Apple cider vinegar: Brings acidity and a subtle sweetness.
Sugar: Balances the acidity with a touch of sweetness.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dressing.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To enhance the flavor of your potato salad, let the dressing sit for at least 10 minutes after mixing. This allows the ingredients to meld together, creating a more cohesive and flavorful sauce. Additionally, make sure your potatoes are completely cooled before tossing them with the dressing to prevent the mayonnaise from becoming too runny.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture similar to mayonnaise but with fewer calories and added protein.
dijon mustard - Substitute with yellow mustard: Yellow mustard can be used as a milder alternative to dijon mustard, though it has a slightly different flavor profile.
apple cider vinegar - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar offers a similar acidity and tanginess, making it a good substitute for apple cider vinegar.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a bit of complexity to the dressing, though it may slightly alter the flavor.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in place of regular salt, providing a similar level of salinity with a slightly different mineral content.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar spiciness but with a slightly different flavor, and it won't add black specks to the dressing.
Other Alternative Recipes
How to Store / Freeze This Recipe
- Ensure the dressing is completely cooled before storing. This helps maintain its texture and flavor.
- Transfer the dressing to an airtight container. Glass jars or BPA-free plastic containers work best.
- Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
- Store the container in the refrigerator. The dressing will stay fresh for up to one week.
- For longer storage, consider freezing the dressing. Pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
- When ready to use, thaw the dressing in the refrigerator overnight. Stir well before using to recombine any separated ingredients.
- Avoid refreezing the dressing once it has been thawed, as this can affect the texture and flavor.
- If you notice any changes in color, smell, or texture, discard the dressing to ensure food safety.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Gently warm the dressing in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent separation. This method ensures the mayonnaise doesn't break and maintains a smooth consistency.
If you prefer using a microwave, transfer the dressing to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on low power in 15-second intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming and prevent curdling.
For a more controlled reheating, use a double boiler. Place the dressing in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Stir continuously until it reaches the desired temperature, ensuring the dressing stays smooth and creamy.
If you have a sous-vide machine, place the dressing in a vacuum-sealed bag and heat it in a water bath set to a low temperature (around 140°F or 60°C). This method gently warms the dressing without altering its texture.
For a quick fix, you can also let the dressing sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. This won't heat it up but will take the chill off, making it more palatable when mixed with the potatoes.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Mixing bowl: A large container used to combine all the dressing ingredients together.
Whisk: A utensil used to blend the ingredients until smooth and well combined.
Measuring cups: Tools used to measure the mayonnaise accurately.
Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure the dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper precisely.
Spatula: A tool used to scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
Serving spoon: A utensil used to pour the dressing over the cooked and cooled potatoes and to toss them to coat evenly.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure out the mayonnaise, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper ahead of time to streamline the process.
Use a large mixing bowl: This allows you to whisk the dressing more efficiently and ensures even mixing.
Cook potatoes ahead: Boil and cool the potatoes the day before to save time on the day you make the salad.
Whisk vigorously: Whisking the dressing thoroughly ensures a smooth and well-combined mixture quickly.

Dressing for Potato Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Dressing Ingredients
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Pour over cooked and cooled potatoes, then toss to coat.
Nutritional Value
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