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Serving potato salad at summer picnic with garnish

Salt Trick for Potato Salad

Master the perfect salt balance in your potato salad with this go-to salt trick that works every time. Whether you’re rescuing an overly salty batch or learning how to season warm potatoes like a pro, this technique draws from real kitchen experience and timeless tips from Julia Child herself.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold or red potatoes, boiled and diced
  • ½ cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt to taste (added gradually)
  • Optional: 2 boiled unseasoned potatoes (to fix saltiness)
  • Optional: extra 2 tablespoons mayonnaise for mellowing
  • Optional: pickle brine, citrus juice, or vinegar for balancing

Instructions

  1. Boil potatoes in unsalted water until fork-tender, then drain and let cool until warm—not hot.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayo, vinegar, mustard, and half your salt.
  3. Fold dressing into warm potatoes gently, tasting as you go. Add more salt only if needed.
  4. If too salty, fold in extra boiled potatoes or add more mayo/yogurt to dilute.
  5. Finish with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for brightness and serve chilled or room temp.

Notes

The key salt trick for potato salad: always season warm—not cold—potatoes to allow flavor absorption. Avoid salting the boil water and never overmix. For extra balance, mix dressing separately and add acidity before adjusting salt.

  • Author: Jake
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Boiled and Mixed
  • Cuisine: Classic American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 230
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: salt trick for potato salad, how to fix salty potato salad, best potato salad seasoning, potato salad tips