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Sunday, July 9, 2023

Mary's Potato Salad, so easy using your Instant Pot!

Does your family love potato salad? Want a delicious yet easy-to-make potato salad? Mary's Potato Salad is the potato salad of my youth, with potatoes, eggs, onions, pickles, celery, and a delicious mustard dressing. Now made even easier with the help of your electric pressure cooker...



This is what I think of when someone says Potato Salad. 

I have been eating this potato salad my entire life! And quite honestly like many, the potato salad I love is the potato salad that my mom made! Not surprising because favorite family recipes will always play a role in our meal plans. There is nothing better than food memories to make you want to keep cooking in the kitchen.  

But if I may be completely honest, 

making Mary's Potato Salad was a messy job. First, the potatoes were boiled and allowed to cool down long enough to pick them up and scrape off the outside peel. Eggs were boiled separately, and like the potatoes cooled long enough to peel. And while I am being so honest I must admit that fresh eggs don't peel very easily and that was my absolute least favorite part...but you know how it is, if you want potato salad, and potato salad is on the menu, you make potato salad!

It's not just for summer!

I have looked forward to spring and summer weather for years, just so I could make this potato salad! But here in Montana these last few years, I have learned that the easiest way to brighten up any day (warm or cold) is to make a meal that is a little bit out of the ordinary for the season. Yes, you guessed it, there is nothing better than pan-fried hamburgers and Mary's Potato Salad even in the dead of winter! And with potatoes in the root cellar and a coop full of hens, it turns out great every time...

And then something wonderful happened. After mastering Mashed Potatoes in the Instant Pot, I wondered about using my electric pressure cooker for some of the prep work for Mary's Potato Salad.  And from there, the following technique was tried, and successful on the first go!  It is quite easy, and even if you prefer your own potato salad recipe I think you will appreciate the updated preparation available to you, simply by using your Instant Pot. ..Come on along, I will show you!


Some thoughts on this recipe:

You can make this potato salad as chunky as you like! I use a "S" shaped potato masher to "cut" the potato into pieces. To make smaller pieces of potato and egg, simply turn the masher and cut through a few more times.

But if you are a traditionalist, feel free to dice the potatoes and eggs with a small kitchen knife. 

Use your favorite sour or sweet pickles. We use what we have pulled from the root cellar, so it is never the same salad twice, but it is always delicious!

The one hard and fast rule for using the pressure cooker is that you need to cut your potatoes into pieces that will cook in the same amount of time as the eggs. Otherwise the eggs will overcook and the whites will be tough. 

And lastly, right after the NPR time is up, immediately open the Instant Pot to allow the inside heat to escape to prevent further cooking!


Ingredients needed for this recipe:
  • russet potatoes or new red potatoes
  • large eggs
  • sour/dill pickles
  • sweet/bread and butter style pickles
  • onion
  • celery
  • mayonnaise
  • sour cream
  • ballpark mustard
  • salt
  • pepper
  • granulated garlic powder
You will also need the following:
  • potato peeler
  • "S" shaped potato masher
  • kitchen knife
  • cutting board
  • Large stainless steel mixing bowl
  • 2 c size glass measuring cup
  • silicone spatula
  • pressure cooker, electric or stove-top
Now we are ready to begin!




Mary's Potato Salad
from memory and my mom Mary
note: I used a 3QT model Instant Pot
UPDATE: 07.10.2023

6 medium-sized russet potatoes or equivalent new red potatoes
6 large eggs 
1 medium-sized onion OR a bunch of green onions
2 - 3 ribs of celery
1 c diced dill or sour pickles
3/4 c diced sweet pickles
2 T of the dill pickle brine
1 c mayonnaise
3/4 c sour cream
1/4 c ballpark mustard
salt 
pepper
garlic powder

Peel the potatoes and cut lengthwise into quarters. Or into one inch chunks.

Break the eggs into the 2 cup glass measuring cup. 

Place 2 cups water into the pan, add a trivet, then a steamer basket or steam pan to hold the potatoes and the eggs. 


Place the measuring cup with the eggs in the center of the steam basket, then place the quartered potato pieces around the eggs. 


You may also cook the eggs (in the shell) with the potatoes. I like this technique for when I want additional hard cooked eggs for other recipes or snacking. The additional extra eggs does not increase cooking time. 

Secure the lid, program to cook for 11 minutes, then complete a NPR rest for an additional 5 minutes. But not longer to avoid overcooking the eggs. 

Carefully open the valve, let the steam escape, and let the potatoes and eggs cool. 

When cool enough to safely handle, remove from the pressure cooker.  

Place the potato pieces into the bottom of a large stainless steel or glass mixing bowl. Peel the eggs if cooked in the shell. 


Arrange the potato pieces in an even layer at the bottom of the mixing bowl. Using the potato masher, press down cutting the potato pieces into chunks, lift and cut down again until the layer of potatoes has been cut into pieces.  

Push to one side, add the eggs, using the potato masher, but into pieces. Take a quick look for texture and if desired, cut through the potatoes or eggs to achieve the texture desired. 

Set the cut potatoes and eggs aside. Peel and dice the onion or if using green onions, wash, dry, and slice thinly.

Wash, dry, and mince the celery. Chop both the sweet and sour pickles. 

Add the onions, pickles, and celery to the bowl with the potatoes. 

Season the potatoes and eggs generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. 

Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, and brine from pickles. Combine all ingredients together. 


Spoon into a serving bowl, dust with paprika if desired, and top with a celery leaf for color! Chill until serving time. 


Storage options for Mary's Potato Salad. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. I do not recommend freezing this recipe. 

UPDATE:  For your convenience, a "copy and paste" version of Mary's Potato Salad has been included below. 




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Printable "copy and paste" version:

Mary's Potato Salad
from memory and my mom Mary
note: I used a 3QT model Instant Pot
UPDATED: 07.10.2023

6 medium-sized potatoes or equivalent new red potatoes
6 large eggs 
1 medium-sized onion OR a bunch of green onions
2 - 3 ribs of celery
1 c diced dill or sour pickles
3/4 c diced sweet pickles
2 T of the dill pickle brine
1 c mayonnaise
3/4 c sour cream
1/4 c ballpark mustard
salt 
pepper
garlic powder

Peel the potatoes and cut lengthwise into quarters. 

Break the eggs into the 2 cup glass measuring cup. 

Place 2 cups water into the pan, add a trivet, then a steamer basket or steam pan to hold the potatoes and the eggs. 

Place the measuring cup with the eggs in the center of the steam basket, then place the quartered potato pieces around the eggs. 

You may also cook the eggs (in the shell) with the potatoes. I like this technique for when I want additional hard cooked eggs for other recipes or snacking. The additional eggs does not increase cooking time. 

Secure the lid, program to cook for 11 minutes, then complete a NPR rest for an additional 5 minutes. But not longer to avoid overcooking the eggs. 
Carefully open the valve, let the steam escape, and let the potatoes and eggs cool. 

When cool enough to safely handle, remove from the pressure cooker.  

Place the potato pieces into the bottom of a large stainless steel or glass mixing bowl. Peel the eggs if cooked in the shell.

Arrange the potato pieces in an even layer at the bottom of the mixing bowl. Using the potato masher, press down cutting the potato pieces into chunks, lift and cut down again until the layer of potatoes has been cut into pieces.  

Push to one side, add the eggs, using the potato masher, but into pieces. Take a quick look for texture and if desired, cut through the potatoes or eggs to achieve the texture desired. 

Set the cut potatoes and eggs aside. Peel and dice the onion or if using green onions, wash, dry, and slice thinly.

Wash, dry, and mince the celery. Chop both the sweet and sour pickles. 

Add the onions, pickles, and celery to the bowl with the potatoes. 

Season the potatoes and eggs generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. 

Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, and brine from pickles. Combine all ingredients together. 

Spoon into a serving bowl, dust with paprika if desired, and top with a celery leaf for color! Chill until serving time. 

Storage options for Mary's Potato Salad. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. I do not recommend freezing this recipe. 

~~~~

Would you like to comment?

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Perfect timing! It's summer and it's time for all the traditional picnic salads, even if made in modern gadgets.

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    Replies
    1. Why does it always taste so good in summer? I really enjoyed how easy this was. Thanks for stopping by!

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  3. Now that's a great potato salad recipe! I use some of the ingredients you mentioned but also add bacon. Ueah, not heart healthy, LOL

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  4. I'm for the bacon addition! Thank you so much for sharing with us at Fiesta Friday.

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    Replies
    1. Liz, my family would love the bacon also! Thanks for hosting Fiesta Friday!

      Delete
  5. Thanks for sharing at the What's for Dinner party. Really glad you stopped by. Have a fabulous weekend.

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    Replies
    1. Helen, you are welcome, thanks for hosting What's for Dinner!

      Delete
  6. i think everyone loves potato salad but it can be a bother to make. i make a Dutch version which means boiling and peeling eggs and potatoes, and chopping up lettuce and beetroots and so on. but so delicious...

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    Replies
    1. I agree, this version is so much easier and without a loss of flavor!

      Delete
  7. I haven't made potato salad in a while. Great recipe and I think making a food that reminds you of sunnier days helps when it's gloomy.

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    Replies
    1. I agree, summer food in the winter with snow on the ground is so much fun!

      Delete
  8. It's salad wweek in this week's Weekend Cooking.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love having so many salad recipes to choose from. Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  9. Thanks for sharing at the What's for Dinner party. Hope you have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I haven't been happy with my potato salad lately. I'm going to give this recipe a try!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For me the foods I grew up with are still my favorites! Thanks for stopping by, I appreciate it.

      Delete
  11. This looks so good! I have a weakness for potato salad! I’ve still not used an instant pot! Maybe someday I’ll try it!

    Thanks for sharing this at the Sunday Sunshine Blog Hop!

    Laurie
    Ridge Haven Homestead

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    Replies
    1. I have to say when I got over my fear of pressure cookers in general, it was one of the best appliances I ever bought. Here recently I got a second larger one as a gift, it was great! I can't imagine not having one now! And of course potatoes and the instant pot were made for one another...

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  12. There is nothing like a classic potato salad. Thanks for sharing it at Souper Sundays.

    ReplyDelete
  13. This sounds so yummy. I'd love to make it for the family. I can't eat it as I'm allergic to eggs and soy and mayo has soy. But I'm sure the family would love it.

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    Replies
    1. Doreen, thanks for stopping by, I appreciate it. I am sure the family will love you for making this salad for them to enjoy. Have a great week ahead, take care.

      Delete
  14. Thank you for sharing your various links with us at #267 SSPS Linky. Happy weekend

    ReplyDelete
  15. What a great idea to cook things together in the Instapot.

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    Replies
    1. Ironically my mom would never have cooked the potatoes and eggs in a pressure cooker, she was so convinced they would blow up! It took my years to shake off that idea, but I love my electric pressure cookers (I have 2) and even have begun to master the stovetop model. Thanks so much for stopping by, I appreciate it.,

      Delete
  16. Oops, I accidentally removed my previous comment. Anyway, thanks so much for linking up at the #UnlimitedLinkParty 120. Pinned.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thank you so much for helping celebrate the What's for Dinner birthday!! Hope to see you on Sunday for our regular party!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Lovely potato salad and looking so good. Thank you for sharing your links with us at #270 SSPS Linky.

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    Replies
    1. Esme, this is the potato salad I look forward to each time I make it. Thanks for stopping by, I appreciate it.

      Delete
  19. What a great idea to use sour cream! Thanks for sharing at the What's for Dinner party - hope the rest of your week is amazing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Helen, thank you. And thanks for hosting What's For Dinner Sunday!

      Delete

Comments always appreciated, at Scratch Made Food! Thank you for stopping by!