
Classic American picnic potato salad is a creamy, cold side dish traditionally made with boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, celery, onion, and hard-boiled eggs. It's a staple at barbecues, potlucks, and summer gatherings across the United States, often featuring a tangy, savory flavor profile.
This dish is typically high in carbohydrates from potatoes and fat from mayonnaise, with moderate protein from eggs. A standard 1-cup serving generally contains around 350-450 calories, providing nutrients like potassium, vitamin C, and choline.
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbs | 20 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
| Potassium | 400 mg |
| Vitamin C | 10 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.2 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 1.5 mg |
| Phosphorus | 120 mg |
| Magnesium | 30 mg |
| Iron | 1.0 mg |
| Calcium | 40 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
Its cultural significance lies in being a symbol of communal American dining, with regional variations like adding pickle relish or paprika. Nutritionally, it's interesting how the mayonnaise-based dressing creates a rich texture while the eggs boost its protein content compared to other potato dishes.