the potato salad

#### Instructions:

**1. Cook the Potatoes:**
– Wash the potatoes thoroughly and cut them into 1-inch cubes. There’s no need to peel them, as the skin adds flavor and texture.
– Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
– Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the potatoes for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are fork-tender but not falling apart.
– Drain the potatoes and set them aside to cool slightly. You can also place them in the fridge to speed up the cooling process.

**2. Make the Dressing:**
– In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
– Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more mustard for tang, more sugar for sweetness, or more vinegar for acidity, depending on your preference.

**3. Combine the Salad:**
– Once the potatoes have cooled slightly, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped celery, red onion, and chopped hard-boiled eggs (if using).
– Pour the dressing over the potatoes and vegetables. Gently toss everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.

**4. Chill the Potato Salad:**
– Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the potato salad for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill, making it even more refreshing.

**5. Serve and Garnish:**
– Before serving, give the potato salad a final gentle stir. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a fresh taste.

**6. Enjoy:**
– Serve the potato salad cold as a side dish with grilled meats, sandwiches, or any main course of your choice. It’s perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, and holiday gatherings!

#### Tips and Variations:
– **Add-ins:** Customize your potato salad by adding ingredients like diced pickles, green onions, or crumbled bacon for extra flavor. Some people also like to incorporate sweet relish for a hint of sweetness.
– **Use Different Potatoes:** While Yukon gold and red potatoes are commonly used for their creamy texture, you can also try russet potatoes for a fluffier salad.
– **Creamier Salad:** If you prefer an extra-creamy texture, you can add a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the dressing mix.
– **Vegan Option:** For a vegan version, substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayo alternative and skip the hard-boiled eggs.

#### Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
– **Classic Comfort:** This potato salad is a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors that everyone will love.
– **Customizable:** Feel free to play around with ingredients and make it your own. It’s easy to adjust the recipe to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
– **Make-Ahead:** This dish is ideal for prepping in advance. It tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to blend together.

Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it on its own, this classic potato salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. With its creamy dressing and hearty potatoes, it’s the perfect comfort food that always brings a smile. Make it once, and it will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection!