I’ve always been a fan of the Costco Potato Salad Recipe, so I finally decided to try and recreate it in my own kitchen.

The first time I mixed the creamy dressing with the tender potatoes, I knew I had a winner. It has that familiar, comforting taste of the store-bought version, but with a freshness you can only get from making it yourself.

This recipe has quickly become my go-to for summer barbecues and family potlucks because it’s so simple and brings back so many good memories.

Ingredients

Here are the simple ingredients needed to create this classic, creamy potato salad at home.

1.5 pounds Gold or Yellow Potatoes: These waxy potatoes hold their shape well after boiling and have a naturally buttery flavor that is perfect for potato salad.
1.5 pounds Red Potatoes: Leaving the skins on these adds a nice pop of color and a slightly firmer texture to contrast with the softer gold potatoes.
1 cup Mayonnaise: I recommend using a high-quality, avocado oil-based mayo for the best creamy texture and a healthier fat profile.
1 tablespoon Yellow Mustard: This adds a classic tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise.
1 tablespoon Sugar: Just a little bit of sugar helps balance the acidity from the mustard and vinegar, enhancing all the other flavors.
1 teaspoon White Wine Vinegar: A splash of this brightens up the dressing and gives the salad a clean, refreshing finish.
½ teaspoon Sea Salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the potatoes and seasoning the dressing.
2 Celery Stalks: Make sure to chop these finely to get a pleasant, subtle crunch in every bite without any stringy pieces.
¼ medium White Onion: A finely chopped white onion provides a sharp, savory note that complements the creamy dressing.
¼ cup Sweet Pickle Relish: This is the key to getting that signature sweet and tangy flavor found in classic deli-style potato salads.

Note: This recipe yields about eight servings, perfect for a family gathering or a week of lunches.

Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe with these simple and delicious ingredient swaps.

Add Protein: Stir in chopped hard-boiled eggs or crumbled, crispy bacon for a heartier, more savory salad.
Herbaceous Twist: Mix in fresh herbs like chopped chives, dill, or parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
Extra Veggie Crunch: Add diced cucumber, radishes, or even bell peppers for more texture and flavor.
Lighter Dressing: For a lower-fat option, substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt to add a tangy flavor and still keep it creamy.
Different Potatoes: While the recipe calls for gold and red potatoes, you can use Russet potatoes if you prefer a fluffier, softer texture, but be careful not to overcook them as they can fall apart.

Costco Potato Salad Recip — Credit: Pinterest

Cooking Time

This recipe comes together quickly, with most of the time spent waiting for it to chill.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes (plus chilling time)

Equipment you need

You’ll only need a few basic kitchen tools to prepare this delicious potato salad.

Large Pot: For boiling the potatoes until they are perfectly tender.
Colander: To easily drain the hot water from the potatoes after cooking.
Large Mixing Bowl: You’ll need a spacious bowl to gently combine the potatoes and dressing without mashing them.
Whisk: To ensure the dressing ingredients are mixed into a smooth, creamy consistency.
Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife is essential for finely chopping the celery and onion.

How to Make Costco Potato Salad Recipe?

Creating this beloved side dish at home is a straightforward process that anyone can master. It involves boiling potatoes to the perfect tenderness, mixing a simple yet flavorful dressing, and combining everything into a creamy, delicious salad. The key is to handle the potatoes gently and allow the finished salad enough time to chill so the flavors can fully meld together.

Step One: Cook the Potatoes

Begin by scrubbing and quartering both the gold and red potatoes. Place them in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork but still firm enough to hold their shape. Once cooked, drain them in a colander and set them aside to cool slightly.

Step Two: Prepare the Dressing

While the potatoes are cooling, you can prepare the dressing. In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, sugar, white wine vinegar, and sea salt. Use a whisk to mix these ingredients together until the dressing is completely smooth and creamy. This step ensures that all the flavors are evenly distributed before you add the dressing to the potatoes.

Step Three: Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the slightly cooled potatoes with the finely chopped celery, white onion, and sweet pickle relish. Use a large spoon or spatula to toss these ingredients together, being careful not to break up the potatoes too much. The goal is to evenly distribute the crunchy vegetables among the tender potatoes.

Step Four: Chill and Serve

Pour the prepared dressing over the potato mixture in the large bowl. Gently stir everything together until all the potatoes and vegetables are evenly coated in the creamy dressing. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least one hour, though chilling it overnight is even better. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to refresh the flavors.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Through a few rounds of making this, I’ve discovered some simple tricks to elevate it.

I’ve found that dressing the potatoes while they are still slightly warm helps them absorb the flavor of the dressing more effectively. Just don’t mix them while they’re piping hot, or the mayonnaise might separate.
To ensure my potatoes cook evenly, I make sure to cut them into uniform, bite-sized pieces before boiling.
I always taste the dressing before I pour it over the potatoes. This allows me to adjust the seasoning, adding a bit more sugar for sweetness or vinegar for tang, to get it just right for my preference.
For the best flavor, I really recommend letting the potato salad chill for at least a few hours, or even overnight. This gives all the flavors time to meld together perfectly.

How to Serve Costco Potato Salad Recipe?

This classic potato salad is the perfect side dish for any casual meal, from backyard barbecues to summer picnics. Serve it chilled, straight from the refrigerator, alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or hot dogs. For a nice presentation, you can garnish the top with a sprinkle of paprika, some freshly chopped parsley, or a few extra slices of hard-boiled egg. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that pairs well with almost any main course.

Nutritional Information

This provides an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of the potato salad.

Calories: ~320
Protein: ~3.6g
Carbohydrates: ~30.2g
Fat: ~20.9g

Make Ahead and Storage

This is a great recipe to prepare in advance, making mealtime easier.

Making Ahead:
You can easily make this potato salad a day ahead of when you plan to serve it. In fact, the flavor often improves after it has had time to chill overnight in the refrigerator. Just keep it in a well-sealed container.

Storing:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days. Be sure not to leave it at room temperature for more than two hours for food safety.

Freezing:
Freezing is not recommended for this potato salad. The mayonnaise-based dressing can separate and become watery upon thawing, and the potatoes’ texture can become mushy. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are a few reasons why this recipe will become a staple in your home.

Classic Comfort Food: It captures the nostalgic, creamy flavor of a traditional deli potato salad that is beloved by all ages, making it a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
Perfect for Parties: This recipe is easy to scale up for a crowd and can be made ahead of time, which frees you up to enjoy the party without last-minute prep.
Simple and Wholesome Ingredients: You have complete control over what goes into it, using fresh, simple ingredients without the preservatives found in store-bought versions.
Easily Customizable: You can easily add your favorite ingredients, like bacon or eggs, or adjust the seasonings to perfectly match your family’s tastes.