Healthy Living

Key Points

• Martha Stewart's 5-ingredient potato salad is quick, simple, and perfect for summer gatherings.
• Steaming red-skinned potatoes enhances their creamy texture and sweet flavor in this deli-style recipe.
• A tangy vinegar-onion dressing and creamy mayo make this salad a versatile, crowd-pleasing side.

As a tried-and-true summertime side, it’s no mystery why potato salad has been adapted countless times. Whether it’s a loaded, creamy bowl or a simpler side that skips the mayo, there’s no wrong way to make this classic dish. When you’re running short on time or energy, however, we know there's beauty (and flavor) in the simple things.

So when Martha Stewart shared her family's potato salad recipe that boasts only five ingredients (excluding salt), we knew that the classic dish was the perfect quick and easy side of the season.

How can you be sure it’s a keeper? The recipe, which Martha calls a "deli-style potato salad," was passed down to her from her Aunt Catherine—proof that generational recipes don’t have to be complicated.

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For this salad, Martha specifically calls for red-skinned potatoes for their sweet and creamy flavor. Instead of boiling the potatoes, as is typical for potato salads, she steams them, peels them and slices them into 1/4-inch pieces while they’re still warm.

In a separate bowl, add a thinly sliced white onion and combine it with ½ cup white vinegar, ½ teaspoon salt and finally 1 teaspoon sugar.

Once combined, add that mixture over the potatoes and "wash it around," as Martha says, to avoid stirring and breaking up the potatoes. Don’t forget to let the potatoes sit for 10 minutes to soak up all the liquid.

Finally, add 1 cup mayonnaise to the bowl you mixed the dressing in—Stewart uses Hellmann’s—and toss the potatoes back in to combine everything together. To ensure the dish is ready for your potluck or summer gathering, make sure to refrigerate for at least two hours.

The super simple dressing brings some refreshing acidity, while the mayo adds that classic creaminess that you expect from potato salad. It’s clearly reminiscent of the New York and New Jersey delis that Martha grew up around, as she reminisces, "I'm reliving my time in Jersey City."

The unfussy flavor of this salad makes it the perfect accompaniment to so many mains, especially simple dishes you can make on the grill, like a favorite smash burger or some  flavorful grilled chicken.

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect opportunity to try making potato salad for the first time—or just want to take a break from your own family favorite—try out this recipe and see why Martha calls it "the best potato salad." Then expand your horizons with even more of our favorite summer cookout side dishes:

If you need inspiration for some tasty side dishes, you’re in the right place! These recipes come together in just 15 minutes or less for a quick and easy bite that can be paired with any main course. Plus, they received four- and five-star reviews from EatingWell readers, so you can be confident they’re delicious. Serve options like our Crunchy Cucumber, Radish & Snap Pea Chopped Salad or our Garlic-Parmesan Green Beans to please everyone's palate.

01 of 15

Cucumber Salad on Ice

This refreshing cucumber salad is served on ice. The ice gently softens the red onion while turning it a vibrant pink that contrasts with the bright green cucumber. Tossed with lemon juice, champagne vinegar and fresh dill, this easy side is ideal for hot summer days.

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02 of 15

Crunchy Cucumber, Radish & Snap Pea Chopped Salad

This chopped salad combines crisp cucumber, sweet snap peas and peppery radishes with a bright lemon-shallot dressing. Letting the shallot stand briefly in the lemon juice softens its bite while building flavor in the dressing.

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03 of 15

This Cucumber Salad Is the Perfect Summer Side

Cool, crisp and creamy, this cucumber salad is the kind of refreshing side dish you’ll want on repeat all summer long. Persian cucumbers, red onion and jalapeño are tossed in a tangy cilantro-lime yogurt dressing that’s packed with bright, herby flavor and just a hint of heat. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, burgers or tacos for an easy dish that comes together in just 15 minutes.

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04 of 15

Green Goddess Salad

This green goddess salad is crisp, creamy and packed with fresh herbs. A vibrant basil-yogurt dressing coats crunchy cabbage, romaine and cucumber, while avocado adds richness for a refreshing side that pairs well with grilled meats or seafood.

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05 of 15

Garlic-Parmesan Green Beans

These garlic-Parmesan green beans are a quick and easy side dish made in just one skillet. They pair beautifully with anything from roasted chicken to grilled steak, baked salmon or stuffed portobello mushrooms. They’re quick enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough to serve at a gathering.

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06 of 15

Cucumber Crunch Salad Is a Quick, Low-Calorie Side

This cucumber crunch salad gets big flavor from a quick dill pickle vinaigrette. Fresh dill, shallot and lemon brighten the dressing, while toasted cashews help make it satisfying. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s an easy, refreshing side dish for grilled chicken, fish or burgers.

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07 of 15

Chopped Beet Salad

This vibrant chopped salad delivers a refreshing balance of earthy, tangy and citrusy flavors in every bite. Sweet, tender precooked beets are tossed in a bright orange–champagne vinaigrette, then topped with creamy feta and crunchy pistachios. A hint of honey smooths out the acidity, while the option of fresh mint adds a cool, aromatic finish. It’s a simple side that pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled fish or holiday mains, and it looks as stunning as it tastes.

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08 of 15

Broccoli Salad with Feta

Bright, crunchy and ready in just 15 minutes, this broccoli salad brings big flavor with minimal effort. A fresh lemony dressing lightly coats crisp broccoli, sweet bell pepper and cooling cucumbers. A sprinkle of feta adds creamy contrast and ties everything together.

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09 of 15

Anti-Inflammatory Strawberry & Kale Salad with Burrata

This strawberry-and-kale salad with burrata is a delicious, nutrient-packed dish that offers a host of anti-inflammatory benefits. The base of tender lacinato kale is rich in antioxidants, while sweet, juicy strawberries provide a healthy dose of vitamin C and anthocyanins, known for their powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Creamy burrata balances the earthy greens perfectly. It’s great as a side dish, or make it a meal by topping it with grilled chicken or cooked whole grains.

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10 of 15

Bang Bang Broccoli Salad

This bang bang broccoli salad features the classic creamy, sweet and spicy bang bang sauce—made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce and Sriracha—for a bold flavor that balances heat with a hint of sweetness. It’s typically used as a dipping sauce; here we use it as a dressing instead to coat crispy veggies, delivering a satisfying kick.

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11 of 15

Cucumber, Tomato & Avocado Salad with Lemon-Shallot Vinaigrette

Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes and creamy avocado create a delicious contrast in this easy salad. Tossed with a zesty lemon-shallot vinaigrette, this salad is bright, tangy and perfectly balanced. It’s best served right away, as the cucumbers tend to release water over time, which can dilute the vinaigrette.

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12 of 15

Arugula, Beet & Feta Salad

Peppery arugula and tender, sweet beets are balanced by a simple vinaigrette and briny bits of feta cheese in this salad. Using cooked, peeled beets helps make prep a breeze.

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13 of 15

No-Cook Chickpea, Beet & Quinoa Salad

This easy no-cook chickpea salad comes together in minutes. Look for precooked beets in the produce section of the grocery store. Leftover quinoa is great in this salad, but you could also use microwaveable quinoa to save on time. With a bright lemony-garlic dressing, this salad is the perfect side to accompany grilled chicken or roasted salmon.

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14 of 15

Honey-Mustard Bean Salad

This honey-mustard bean salad is the perfect combination of sweet, tangy and downright delicious flavors. Creamy cannellini beans and hearty chickpeas create the ideal base to soak up the zesty honey-mustard dressing. If you don’t have cannellini beans or chickpeas on hand, black beans, kidney beans or even pinto beans work well, offering flexibility to suit your pantry. Serve this salad as a light main course with crusty bread or alongside grilled chicken, salmon or tofu for a heartier meal.

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15 of 15

Strawberry Caprese Salad

This strawberry caprese salad is a fruity twist on the classic Italian dish, with juicy, ripe strawberries standing in for tomatoes. The sweet-tart flavor of strawberries goes beautifully with fresh mozzarella, basil and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. This colorful salad is perfect as an appetizer, side dish or light lunch. To make it a main dish, top it with roasted chicken or add white beans.

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