There’s nothing quite like the classic potato salad from Mrs Gerry’s kitchen. I stumbled upon her secret recipe at a family reunion, and ever since, I’ve been eager to share it with you. This creamy, tangy dish brings people together and is perfect for any gathering.
Recreating Mrs Gerry’s potato salad is easier than you might think. With just a few simple ingredients and a touch of love, you can enjoy the same mouthwatering flavors that have made this recipe a family favorite for years. Let’s dive in and bring a little bit of Mrs Gerry’s magic to your table.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 large eggs, hard-boiled and chopped
- 1 ½ cups mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- ½ cup celery, finely diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup sweet pickle relish
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika, for garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Tools And Equipment
To create Mrs. Gerry’s delectable potato salad, having the right tools and equipment makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need in your kitchen arsenal:
Essential Tools
- Large Mixing Bowl
I always start with a spacious mixing bowl to combine all the ingredients without any spills.
- Potato Peeler
A sturdy potato peeler helps me efficiently remove the skins from the Yukon Gold potatoes.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife
A sharp knife ensures precise chopping of eggs, celery, and red onions for a uniform texture.
- Cutting Board
A reliable cutting board provides a stable surface for all the prep work.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurements are crucial, so I use a set of measuring cups and spoons to add the exact amount of each ingredient.
Cooking Equipment
- Large Pot
A large pot is necessary to boil the potatoes and eggs to perfection.
- Colander
After boiling, a colander helps me drain the water quickly and efficiently.
Mixing and Serving
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
I use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently mix the salad, ensuring everything is well combined without crushing the potatoes.
- Whisk
A whisk comes in handy when blending the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard for a creamy dressing.
- Serving Dish
Finally, a beautiful serving dish showcases the potato salad at your gathering, making it as appealing as it tastes.
Garnishing Tools
- Small Bowl
I keep a small bowl nearby for freshly chopped parsley and paprika to garnish the salad just before serving.
Having these tools and equipment on hand allows me to replicate Mrs. Gerry’s potato salad with ease and confidence, ensuring every batch is creamy, tangy, and perfect for any occasion.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Preparing Mrs. Gerry’s Potato Salad ahead of time not only saves you stress on the day of your gathering but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Here’s how I ensure my potato salad is perfectly prepared in advance:
- Prepare the Potato Salad: Follow the recipe steps to cook, mix, and season your potato salad thoroughly.
- Choose the Right Container: Transfer the salad to an airtight container. I prefer glass containers with secure lids to keep the flavors fresh and prevent any odor absorption from the fridge.
- Refrigerate Promptly: Place the container in the refrigerator as soon as possible. For the best results, let the salad chill for at least 4 hours. However, making it 24 hours ahead enhances the creamy and tangy flavors even more.
- Stir Before Serving: When you’re ready to serve, give the potato salad a good stir. This helps redistribute any settled ingredients and restores the creamy texture.
- Garnish Freshly: Just before serving, sprinkle the paprika and freshly chopped parsley on top for a vibrant presentation and an extra burst of flavor.
- Storage Duration: Mrs. Gerry’s Potato Salad can be made up to 48 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and keep it covered until you’re ready to serve to maintain its freshness and taste.
By following these make-ahead steps, you ensure that your potato salad remains creamy, flavorful, and ready to impress your guests without any last-minute rush.
Storage Overview
| Step | Action | Recommended Time |
|---|---|---|
| Choose Container | Airtight glass container with secure lid | Before refrigerating |
| Refrigerate | Chill in the refrigerator | 4 to 24 hours |
| Storage Duration | Keep covered in the fridge | Up to 48 hours |
This table summarizes the key make-ahead steps to keep your potato salad fresh and delicious.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create Mrs. Gerry’s irresistible potato salad that will delight your guests.
Prep Ingredients
- Gather Ingredients: Measure out 3 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes, 4 hard-boiled eggs, 1½ cups of mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 1 cup of chopped celery, ½ cup of finely diced red onion, ½ cup of sweet pickle relish, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
- Prepare Vegetables: Peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Finely chop the celery and red onion.
- Boil Eggs: Peel the hard-boiled eggs and chop them into small pieces. Set aside.
Cook Potatoes
- Boil Potatoes: Place the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes cook for about 10-15 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Drain and Cool: Drain the potatoes using a colander and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow them to cool completely.
Prepare Dressing
- Mix Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1½ cups of mayonnaise and 3 tablespoons of Dijon mustard. Whisk until smooth.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in ½ cup of sweet pickle relish, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the chopped celery, red onion, and hard-boiled eggs to the dressing. Mix gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
Assemble Salad
- Combine Potatoes and Dressing: Gently fold the cooled potatoes into the dressing mixture, ensuring each potato cube is well coated.
- Chill: Transfer the assembled salad to a serving dish. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle paprika over the top and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
Conclusion
Making Mrs Gerry’s potato salad has become one of my favorite ways to bring people together. There’s something special about recreating a family favorite that always gets compliments at gatherings. I love how simple ingredients come together to create such a creamy and tangy dish. It’s reassuring to know that with a little preparation, I can serve something that feels homemade and heartfelt. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do and that it becomes a staple in your own kitchen. Happy cooking!
