Get ready to elevate your side dish game with this delightful Potato Salad with Carrots! This isn’t just your average potato salad; it’s a vibrant, flavorful twist on a classic, featuring the sweetness of grated carrots, the crunch of celery, the tang of dill pickle, and the richness of hard-boiled eggs, all bound together in a creamy, perfectly seasoned mayonnaise dressing. It’s the ideal accompaniment to any BBQ, picnic, or weeknight meal, bringing a touch of homemade comfort to your table.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Potato Salad with Carrots and Dill has become a non-negotiable at every family gathering. What I adore most is its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The tender potatoes provide the classic base, but the addition of grated carrotsintroduces a subtle sweetness and beautiful color, while the celery and dill pickle add that essential crunch and tang. The creamy dressing, with its hints of dill, mustard, and a touch of Cajun spice, brings everything together in a harmonious, incredibly satisfying bite. It’s a dish that feels both familiar and refreshingly new, always disappearing fast from the serving bowl!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting Potato Salad with Carrots:
- 3 lbs potatoes, washed and peeled (Russet or Yukon Gold work best)
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup grated carrots
- 1/4 onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped dill pickle
- 4 boiled eggs, chopped
- 1 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp cracked pepper
- 2 tsp dill (dried or fresh)
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tsp mustard (Dijon or yellow)
- Salt to taste
Swaps and Notes
- Potatoes: While Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture when cooked, red new potatoes can also be used if you prefer leaving the skin on for extra texture.
- Carrots: Freshly grated carrots are key for the best flavor and texture. Pre-shredded carrots can be used in a pinch, but they might be drier.
- Onion: A finely chopped yellow or red onion works well. If you find raw onion too strong, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain before adding to the salad.
- Dill Pickle: Use your favorite dill pickle. For extra zing, a splash of pickle juice can be added to the dressing.
- Mayonnaise: Full-fat mayonnaise provides the creamiest texture. You can use light mayo, but the consistency and richness might vary.
- Dill: Fresh chopped dill will offer a brighter, more vibrant flavor than dried dill, so feel free to use 1/4 cup of fresh if available.
- Cajun Seasoning: This adds a fantastic depth of flavor and a little kick. Adjust the amount to your spice preference, or omit if you prefer a milder salad.
- Mustard: Yellow mustard provides a classic tang, while Dijon mustard will offer a slightly more sophisticated, sharper note.
- Boiled Eggs: Ensure your eggs are perfectly hard-boiled for easy chopping and a pleasant texture.
Instructions
Let’s get this delicious Potato Salad with Carrots cooking!
- Cook Potatoes: Peel and chop the potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork but not mushy (about 10-15 minutes, depending on size). Drain thoroughly and let them cool completely. You can spread them out on a baking sheet to speed up the cooling process.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise, cracked pepper, dill, Cajun seasoning, and mustard. Whisk until all the ingredients are well combined and smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled potatoes, chopped celery, grated carrots, chopped onion, chopped boiled eggs, and chopped dill pickle.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared mayonnaise dressing over the potato mixture. Gently fold everything together with a large spoon or spatula until all the ingredients are evenly coated and you reach your desired consistency. Be careful not to mash the potatoes.
- Season & Chill: Taste the potato salad and add salt as needed. Remember, the flavors will meld and deepen as it chills. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably longer, until completely cool.
- Serve: Serve cold as a refreshing side dish.
Tips for Success
- Cool Potatoes Completely: This is crucial! Warm potatoes will absorb the dressing too quickly and can result in a mushy salad.
- Don’t Overcook Potatoes: Cook them just until tender-crisp. Overcooked potatoes will break down too much.
- Dice Evenly: Chopping all your vegetables and potatoes into similar-sized pieces ensures an even texture in every bite.
- Chill Time is Key: The flavors in potato salad truly meld and deepen as it chills. Don’t skip this step for the best taste.
- Adjust to Taste: The beauty of homemade potato salad is customizing it. Feel free to adjust the amount of seasonings, dill, or even the tanginess with a bit more pickle juice.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Potato Salad with Carrots is a versatile side dish that pairs perfectly with a wide array of meals:
- BBQ Favorites: It’s a natural companion to grilled meats like BBQ chicken, ribs, or hot dogs.
- Fried Chicken: A classic Southern pairing that never disappoints.
- Sandwiches & Wraps: Serve it alongside your favorite sandwich or wrap for a complete lunch.
- Picnics & Potlucks: Easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Other Southern Comforts: It would be fantastic alongside other hearty dishes such as Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter or These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way To Feed A Crowd Fast.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Potato salad is a fantastic make-ahead dish, and leftovers are often even more flavorful!
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftover potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Stir Before Serving: The dressing might settle or thicken slightly in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before serving leftovers. If it’s too thick, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of milk or a little more mayonnaise to loosen it up.
- Freezing: Potato salad with a mayonnaise base does not freeze well, as the mayonnaise will separate and change texture upon thawing.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the fresh, flavorful, and comforting nature of this potato salad, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes:
- For another incredibly delicious and easy dip that’s always a hit, check out our This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is The Reason I Never Have Leftovers.
- If you’re craving something sweet and utterly addictive, you absolutely have to try These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession.
- And for a wholesome, easy snack to keep on hand, our These No-Bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls Are My Favorite Snack To Keep On Hand are perfect for a quick energy boost.
Final Thoughts
This Potato Salad with Carrots recipe is a shining example of how a few simple additions can transform a classic into something truly special. It’s perfect for any occasion, promising a bowl full of creamy, crunchy, and perfectly seasoned goodness that will become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
Give this vibrant potato salad a try and watch it disappear from the table! What’s your secret ingredient for the perfect potato salad? Share your tips and favorite variations in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!
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