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Bud’s Famous Marinated Potato Salad
Gluten Free
American

Bud's Famous Marinated Potato Salad

A unique family recipe that creates the most irresistible potato salad you'll ever taste - guaranteed to disappear at every gathering!
Gluten Free
American

Bud's Famous Marinated Potato Salad

A unique family recipe that creates the most irresistible potato salad you'll ever taste - guaranteed to disappear at every gathering!

13 hours 20 minutes

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

Easy

Level

Serves 20

Servings

13 hours 20 minutes

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

Easy

Level

Serves 20

Servings

This isn’t your typical potato salad – it’s a cherished family recipe that has an incredible secret. The magic happens during a 12-hour marination in a sweet and tangy vinegar mixture that transforms ordinary potatoes into something absolutely extraordinary. I’ve never encountered another recipe quite like this one, and every time I bring it to a potluck or family gathering, the bowl comes home completely empty. The combination of the overnight marinade followed by creamy mayonnaise creates layers of flavor that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Ingredients

  • potatoes
    10
    pounds
  • water
    1
    cup
  • white wine vinegar
    1
    cup
  • white sugar
    1
    cup
  • onions
    2
    whole
  • salt and pepper
  • celery seed
    1
    tablespoon
  • mayonnaise
    2
    cups

Tips

  1. Add 6 hard-boiled eggs, chopped, for a more traditional potato salad feel.

  2. Include 2 stalks of diced celery for extra crunch and freshness.

  3. Try using apple cider vinegar instead of white wine vinegar for a slightly different tang.

  4. Add 2 tablespoons of fresh dill or chives for an herby twist.

  5. For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.

Storage

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to develop and improve over time. Give it a gentle stir before serving if it has been sitting for a while.

Steps:

Cook the Potatoes
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the potatoes and cook until they're tender but still hold their shape when pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes. You want them cooked through but not mushy. Drain thoroughly and let them cool to room temperature.
Prepare and Layer Potatoes
Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Layer the sliced potatoes evenly in a large bowl or deep dish, creating overlapping layers.
Make the Marinade
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, white wine vinegar, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar completely. Let it boil for exactly one minute, then remove from heat immediately.
Marinate Overnight
Pour the hot marinade evenly over the layered potatoes, making sure all pieces are covered. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, or preferably overnight. This marination step is crucial for developing the unique flavor.
Finish and Serve
Drain off the excess marinade from the potatoes. Add the diced onions, salt and pepper to taste, celery seed, and mayonnaise. Gently mix everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve chilled and watch it disappear!

Nutritions

  • Calories

    377 kcal

    Energy

    1578 kJ

    Protein

    5 g

    Fat

    18 g

    Carbohydrates

    52 g

    Fiber

    3 g

    Sugars

    12 g

    Salt

    0.5 g

Recipe Variations

This recipe is easy to adapt to your taste. Try one of the variations below to change the flavor or ingredients.

  1. Add 6 hard-boiled eggs, chopped, for a more traditional potato salad feel.

  2. Include 2 stalks of diced celery for extra crunch and freshness.

  3. Try using apple cider vinegar instead of white wine vinegar for a slightly different tang.

  4. Add 2 tablespoons of fresh dill or chives for an herby twist.

  5. For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.

FAQ

Absolutely! This potato salad actually benefits from being made ahead. The marination process requires overnight chilling, and the flavors continue to develop even after you add the mayonnaise. It’s perfect for meal prep and entertaining.
The secret is the overnight marination in a sweet and tangy vinegar mixture. This step infuses the potatoes with incredible flavor before the mayonnaise is even added, creating depth that you won’t find in traditional potato salads.
While white wine vinegar gives the best flavor balance, you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or regular white vinegar. Avoid balsamic or other strongly flavored vinegars as they will overpower the delicate potato flavor.
Cook the potatoes until just tender but still firm, and choose waxy varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. They hold their shape better during cooking and marinating than russet potatoes.
You can reduce the sugar slightly, but it’s an important component that balances the acidity of the vinegar and helps create the unique flavor profile. Try reducing to 3/4 cup if you prefer less sweetness.