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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Finding recipes that help manage high blood pressure just got easier with these Mediterranean diet dinners. Each nourishing dish is low in sodium and saturated fat to meet our high-blood pressure and heart-healthy parameters and contains at least 20% of your daily potassium needs to support healthy blood pressure levels. They also prioritize healthy fats, legumes, vegetables and whole grains to align with the Mediterranean diet. With dinners like our High-Protein Veggie Salad and our Stuffed Sweet Potato with Chickpeas & Tomatoes, following a diet that helps lower blood pressure can be easy and flavorful.

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High-Fiber Tomato-Lentil Skillet

This one-skillet dish is inspired by classic ratatouille, combining tender vegetables with hearty lentils in a rich tomato base. Precooked lentils keep the recipe quick while adding plant-based protein and fiber. Finished with fresh herbs, it’s a satisfying, vegetable-forward entree that works well for weeknights.

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02 of 15

Veggie Salad

This colorful, protein-packed salad combines black beans, fresh vegetables and a zesty lime dressing for a quick, satisfying meal. With fiber-rich beans, leafy greens and healthy fats from avocado oil, it delivers bold, fresh flavor in every bite.

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03 of 15

High-Fiber Stuffed Sweet Potato with Chickpeas & Tomatoes

These stuffed sweet potatoes are topped with a savory chickpea and tomato mixture that cooks down to a thick, jammy consistency. A simple garlic-yogurt sauce adds creaminess and tang, balancing the natural sweetness of the potatoes.

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04 of 15

Marry Me Chicken Orzo Casserole

This creamy chicken and orzo casserole is inspired by the viral Marry Me Chicken, featuring sun-dried tomatoes, garlic and herbs in a rich, savory sauce. Whole-wheat orzo adds a boost of fiber, while spinach brings color and balance to this satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish.

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05 of 15

Sheet-Pan Roasted Salmon with Potatoes & Green Beans

This easy sheet-pan salmon dinner pairs roasted baby Yukon Gold potatoes with crisp-tender green beans for a simple all-in-one meal. A thyme and olive oil mixture infuses the salmon with bright flavor while finishing the vegetables with a light drizzle. With minimal prep and easy cleanup, it’s a satisfying option for busy weeknights.

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06 of 15

High-Protein Ginger Chicken Soup

This warming ginger chicken soup is packed with lean protein and plenty of vegetables for a comforting yet nourishing meal. Fresh ginger and warm spices like cumin and coriander give the broth deep flavor, while potatoes and spinach make the soup hearty and satisfying.

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07 of 15

Green Goddess Chickpea Bowl

This veggie-packed chickpea bowl features hearty chickpeas and quinoa topped with an herby green goddess dressing made creamy with Greek-style yogurt and avocado. It’s a satisfying vegetarian lunch or light dinner that delivers fiber, protein and fresh flavor in every bite.

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08 of 15

Sheet-Pan Balsamic Salmon & Asparagus

This Sheet-Pan Balsamic Salmon & Asparagus is an easy, flavor-packed dinner that comes together quickly. Salmon, asparagus and red onion roast in a savory balsamic-soy glaze with garlic and Dijon for a perfect balance of tangy and rich. Finish with a squeeze of lemon for a bright, fresh touch.

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09 of 15

Easy Bean Salad With Herby Salsa Verde

This refreshing bean salad gets a lift from a quick homemade salsa verde packed with fresh herbs, jalapeño and lime. A mix of creamy beans, crisp radishes and smoky corn makes it hearty enough for a light lunch or easy dinner.

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High-Protein Butternut Squash & Lentil Soup

This hearty, plant-based soup is packed with protein from lentils and gets cozy flavors from warming spices like cinnamon, cumin and coriander. A swirl of tangy Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh parsley finish each bowl with brightness and creaminess. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra pop of flavor.

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Sheet-Pan Salmon with Broccoli

Fresh, fast and full of flavor, this sheet-pan salmon with broccoli is a healthy weeknight winner. Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and support heart health. A zesty mix of lemon, garlic and olive oil brings brightness to both the tender salmon and the roasted broccoli. Everything roasts together quickly, so cleanup is minimal and dinner is on the table in no time.

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One-Pot High-Protein Chicken, Cabbage & White Bean Soup

This one-pot chicken, cabbage and white bean soup is the kind of meal you’ll want on repeat. A splash of lemon keeps the broth bright, and a dollop of basil pesto stirred in at the end adds rich, herby flavor that makes the soup taste special. Easy enough for weeknights and even better as leftovers, this soup proves that simple ingredients can still be delicious.

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One-Pan Chicken & Asparagus Bake

In this chicken and asparagus bake recipe, we use one baking sheet to whip up dinner quickly, veggies included. Pounding the chicken thin helps it cook quickly alongside the carrots and potatoes, with asparagus rounding out the meal.

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Chicken Fajita Soup

This chicken fajita soup combines the vibrant, smoky flavors of traditional fajitas with the comforting warmth of a soup. This versatile dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, and can be easily adjusted to suit your preferences. To kick up the heat, add a chopped jalapeño to the veggie mixture. You can swap out the rotisserie chicken for another protein like leftover steak, or make it vegetarian by using no-chicken broth and subbing tofu in place of the chicken.

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Stuffed Sweet Potato with Hummus Dressing

Hearty yet simple to prepare, this stuffed sweet potato with black beans, kale and hummus dressing is a fantastic 5-ingredient lunch for one!

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