My family called this the plain Jane potato salad because it was just that, it was plain ol’ potatoes with a special dressing that my grandmother made. I’ve featured many of her recipes on the blog, but this one in particular brings memories flooding back the moment I taste it. It’s unique just like she was. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family has!
This creamy potato salad is the ultimate side dish! Made with tender potatoes, mayo, sour cream, and a tangy twist of Thousand Island dressing, it’s perfect for BBQs, holidays, and weeknight dinners.
The Best Creamy Potato Salad Recipe
If you’re looking for a rich, creamy potato salad recipe that stands out from the classic version, this is it. This easy potato salad combines tender potatoes with a flavorful, tangy dressing made from mayo, sour cream, and a hint of Thousand Island dressing for a bold twist.
It’s the kind of recipe that shows up at every BBQ, potluck, and holiday table—and disappears fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 7–8 potatoes, cooked and diced
- 1 ½ cups mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3–4 tablespoons Thousand Island dressing
- 2–3 teaspoons beef broth seasoning (powder)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Ingredients
Potatoes
The base of any good potato salad! Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best because they’re soft and absorb flavor well. Leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients.
Mayonnaise
Creates that classic creamy texture. It’s rich, smooth, and helps bind everything together.
Sour Cream
Adds a slight tang and lightens up the heaviness of the mayo, giving the salad a balanced flavor.
Thousand Island Dressing
This is the secret ingredient! It adds sweetness and tang, giving your potato salad a unique, crave-worthy flavor.
Beef Broth Seasoning
This brings a savory, almost umami depth that makes this recipe stand out from traditional potato salads.
Salt & Pepper
Essential for enhancing all the flavors and tying everything together.
How to Make Creamy Potato Salad
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
Cook your potatoes until fork-tender. Let them cool completely before dicing into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Thousand Island dressing, and beef broth seasoning. Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Combine
Add the cooled potatoes to a large bowl. Pour the dressing over and gently mix until fully coated.
Step 4: Adjust Seasoning
Taste and adjust with additional seasoning, dressing, or salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Chill & Serve
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Tips for the Best Potato Salad
- Let potatoes cool completely before mixing (prevents a watery salad)
- Don’t overmix—this keeps the potatoes from getting mushy
- Chill before serving for the best flavor
- Add extra dressing right before serving if needed
Variations to Try
Loaded Potato Salad
Add bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, and green onions for a fully loaded version.
Dill Pickle Potato Salad
Mix in chopped pickles and a splash of pickle juice for a tangy twist.
Egg Potato Salad
Add chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein and richness.
Spicy Potato Salad
Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
Lighter Version
Use Greek yogurt in place of some of the mayo for a healthier option.
How to Store Potato Salad
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Make Ahead Tip:
You can make this potato salad a day in advance—it actually tastes better after sitting overnight!
Do Not Freeze:
Potato salad doesn’t freeze well due to the creamy dressing separating.
FAQs
What are the best potatoes for potato salad?
Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are best because they’re soft and absorb flavor well.
Can I make potato salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes better after chilling for a few hours or overnight.
Why is my potato salad watery?
This usually happens if the potatoes are still warm when mixed. Always let them cool completely.
Can I substitute the beef broth seasoning?
Yes! You can use onion powder, garlic powder, or even ranch seasoning for a different flavor profile.
How long should potato salad chill before serving?
At least 1 hour, but longer is even better for flavor.
Final Thoughts
This easy creamy potato salad recipe is one of those go-to dishes you’ll make again and again. It’s simple, packed with flavor, and has that little twist that makes people ask, “What did you put in this?!”
Perfect for summer BBQs, holidays, or just a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
Method
- Cook your potatoes, once cooked let completely cool. Once cool, dice up and add to a large bowl.
- In a small bowl add all of the dressing ingredients and mix well. Add the dressing to the potatoes and mix well. Adjust seasons as you wish, sometimes we added more beef broth seasoning or thousand island to it!
- Let it chill for an hour and serve!Enjoy!