Mom's Warm Potato Salad

How my mom always made the best potato salad.

By
Elise Bauer
Elise Bauer
Elise Bauer
Elise founded Simply Recipes in 2003 and led the site until 2019. She has an MA in Food Research from Stanford University.
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Updated May 27, 2025
Elise Bauer
warm potato salad
Elise Bauer

I don't know about you, but summer around here has us making potato salads more often than in other seasons.

This is the latest one my mom put together; my dad has made her make it several times since, and my brothers have devoured it with raves for mom.

No mayo, just a simple rice vinegar olive oil dressing.

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From the Editors Of Simply Recipes

Mom's Warm Potato Salad

Total Time 0 mins
Servings 4 to 6 servings

You can either cook the potatoes whole, and cut them after they are done (better retention of nutrients) or cook them already cut. My mom prefers to cook them already cut because they cook more evenly this way, and the cooking time is shorter.

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Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes (about 3 large), cut into uniform 1/2 to 1-inch pieces

  • 1/2 cup chopped celery

  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion

  • 1/3 cup chopped flavorful olives (green or Kalamata)

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

  • 1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar

  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method

  1. Boil the potatoes in salted water:

    Put the chopped potatoes into a saucepan, cover with an inch of cold water. Salt the water (one tablespoon for 2 quarts of water). Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer. Cover.

    Simmer for 10 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain well.

  2. Combine with remaining ingredients while potatoes are still warm:

    Put potatoes in a large serving bowl with the celery, red onion, olives, and parsley. Add the rice vinegar and oil while the potatoes are still warm, so they absorb the dressing.

    Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust vinegar and oil to taste.

    Serve warm.

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)
255 Calories
12g Fat
35g Carbs
4g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 to 6
Amount per serving
Calories 255
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 12g 15%
Saturated Fat 2g 8%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 289mg 13%
Total Carbohydrate 35g 13%
Dietary Fiber 4g 15%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 4g
Vitamin C 20mg 98%
Calcium 45mg 3%
Iron 2mg 13%
Potassium 893mg 19%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.