The Ultimate Picnic Potato Salad: A Summer Essential with a Delightful Dill Pickle Dressing!
Summer is synonymous with sun, relaxation, and delicious food shared with loved ones. And what truly defines a classic summer gathering or picnic more than a perfectly prepared potato salad? Our recipe takes this beloved dish to the next level, generously loaded with hard-boiled eggs and crowned with a zesty, savory dressing that boasts the unmistakable tang of dill pickles. It’s not just a side; it’s the star of your outdoor feast.
Embracing the Summer Lifestyle: Backyard Escapes and Culinary Delights
For many, the summertime means living life outdoors, and our backyard truly transforms into our personal oasis. Three years ago, we decided to install a pool, and it has since become our favorite “stay-cation” resort. The weekends are often spent lounging by the water’s edge, soaking up the sun, or gently floating in the cool embrace of the pool.
Living in Nebraska, we experience extreme temperatures—bitterly cold winters give way to scorching, humid summers. While some might shy away from the heat, we wholeheartedly embrace it! We welcome the warmth with open arms and eagerly shed our winter layers for short sleeves, knowing that long, sun-drenched days are ahead. It’s a time for unwinding, creating cherished memories, and enjoying the simple pleasures of the season right at home.
Even our beloved boxer, a true member of the family, can’t resist the allure of the summer sun. He’s often found sprawled out in the yard, enjoying the warmth and the gentle breeze. He’s truly a creature of comfort when it comes to outdoor living.
Boxers aren’t typically known for their swimming prowess, but that doesn’t stop our furry friend from enjoying the water. He’s found his perfect solution: his very own pool raft! It’s heartwarming to see him drift contentedly across the water, enjoying the pool just as much as we do, albeit in his unique way.
Whether you’re by the pool, at the lake, or simply enjoying your backyard, safety and comfort are paramount for an enjoyable summer. This includes protecting your skin from the sun and warding off pesky insects. These essentials ensure that your outdoor moments remain joyful and uninterrupted.
Don’t forget to save this recipe now so you can easily find it whenever your picnic cravings strike!
Essential Summer Protection: Sunscreen and Bug Repellent
Spending countless hours under the sun is a highlight of summer, but it comes with a crucial responsibility: protecting our skin. Sunscreen is a non-negotiable part of our summer routine. We always keep ample supplies on hand and are diligent about reapplying it frequently to ensure continuous protection against harmful UV rays. Nobody wants a sunburn to spoil their fun!
Whether we’re basking in the sunshine in our own backyard paradise or enjoying an adventurous day out on the lake in our boat, you’ll invariably find us with a bottle of Banana Boat® SunComfort Sunscreen within reach. This particular sunscreen is a family favorite for several compelling reasons. We especially appreciate its water-resistant formula, which offers reliable protection for up to 80 minutes—perfect for those long dips in the pool or splashes in the lake. Moreover, it delivers safe and effective broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, safeguarding our skin from the sun’s harsh effects. Available in SPF 30 and 50+, it also works to moisturize the skin, preventing dryness and leaving it feeling soft and comfortable even after hours in the sun.
As the day gradually transitions into evening, we usually emerge from our wet swim clothes, fire up the grill, and enjoy our dinner alfresco. There’s something undeniably special about dining outdoors, with the gentle evening breeze and the sounds of summer all around.
When dusk settles and the temperatures begin to cool, we gather around our fire pit. It’s the perfect setting for making s’mores, sharing stories, and reminiscing about the day’s adventures. However, this magical time often coincides with the unwelcome arrival of mosquitoes and other biting insects. Anyone who knows me will tell you I’m always the first one to get bitten, sometimes the only one! This makes insect repellent an absolute necessity for me.
When you’re looking for that reliable defense, the can of OFF! Deep Woods® is usually right next to me. It’s praised for its long-lasting mosquito protection, effectively repelling mosquitoes that may carry serious diseases like the Zika or Dengue virus. This peace of mind allows us to fully enjoy our outdoor evenings without constant worry about bug bites.
Effective Application Tips for OFF!® Insect Repellent:
- Always shake the container well before each use to ensure the active ingredients are properly mixed.
- Hold the container 6 to 8 inches away from your skin or clothing and spray with a slow, sweeping motion. Avoid applying it directly over any cuts, wounds, irritated skin, or sunburned areas. Do not spray in enclosed spaces; always use in a well-ventilated area. Apply just enough repellent to lightly cover exposed skin and/or clothing. Over-application is unnecessary and frequent reapplication for saturation is not recommended. Ensure children do not handle this product. When applying to children, spray onto your own hands first and then rub it onto their skin, avoiding their hands. After returning indoors, thoroughly wash treated skin with soap and water to remove the repellent. Spread evenly with hands to moisten all exposed skin for comprehensive protection.
- For facial application: Spray a small amount into the palm of your hand first, then apply sparingly to your face, being careful to avoid your eyes. Never spray directly onto your face. Also, avoid applying near your mouth. Apply very sparingly around the ears.
- Do not use the repellent underneath your clothing. Instead, spray it on shirts, pants, socks, and hats. If you are concerned about ticks and chiggers, also spray around cuffs, socks, and other openings in your outer clothing. This product will not damage fabrics like cotton, wool, or nylon. However, do not apply it on or near acetate, rayon, spandex, or other synthetic fabrics (excluding nylon), furniture, plastics, watch crystals, leather, and any painted or varnished surfaces, including automobile finishes, as it may cause damage.
Indeed, nothing can dampen the joy of a beautiful evening spent outdoors quite like an irritating bug bite. With the right protection, every moment remains pleasurable.
In our home, any patio gathering or outdoor get-together invariably revolves around one central element: the food! It’s the heart of our hospitality, bringing everyone together.
And when we talk about quintessential picnic food, there’s one dish that reigns supreme: Potato Salad.
The Perfect Picnic Potato Salad: Rich in Flavor, Heavy on the Hard-Boiled Egg
I admit, I’m somewhat of a potato salad connoisseur. My preference leans distinctly towards a more savory profile rather than a sweet one, almost like a hearty egg salad with potatoes playing a delightful supporting role. I’ve spent considerable time experimenting, experiencing a few culinary missteps along the way, but ultimately refining my recipe to what I consider perfection. Today, I’m thrilled to share this perfected recipe with you, hoping it becomes a staple at your family’s next patio meal or summer gathering. It’s a dish that truly reflects the comforts and joys of homemade cooking.
**Chef’s Tip:** For years, I struggled with peeling hard-boiled eggs cleanly. That frustration is a thing of the past thanks to this no-fail, easy peel hard-boiled egg method. It’s a game-changer!
Let’s get ready to make some truly delicious Potato Salad that will be the talk of your next picnic! 
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Print Recipe
Picnic Potato Salad
Ingredients
- 3 pounds gold potatoes cooked, peeled and cut into bite sized pieces
- 7 hard boiled eggs chopped
- 1/2 cup celery about 3 stalks chopped
- 1/3 cup green onion about 2 sliced
- For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup dill pickle relish
- 1 Tablespoon stone ground mustard
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions
- First, boil the potatoes until tender, then peel and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Place these prepared potatoes into a large mixing bowl. To the bowl, add the chopped hard-boiled eggs, finely chopped celery, and sliced green onion. Gently toss all the ingredients together to ensure an even distribution.
- In a separate bowl, combine all the ingredients for the dressing: sour cream, mayonnaise, dill pickle relish, and stone ground mustard. Whisk until thoroughly mixed and smooth. Pour this delicious dressing over the potato and egg mixture. Carefully stir to coat all the ingredients evenly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed to achieve your desired flavor profile.
- This potato salad can be enjoyed immediately at room temperature for a fresh taste, or you can chill it in the refrigerator for at least an hour to serve cold, which enhances the flavors and provides a refreshing coolness, perfect for a warm day.
Notes
Nutrition
Your Summer Essentials, Easily Found
-Banana Boat SunComfort® & OFF!® at Walmart-
For a truly carefree and enjoyable summer, comprehensive sun protection and effective bug repellent are non-negotiable. Luckily, all your essential summer care products, including Banana Boat SunComfort® and OFF!®, can be conveniently found at your local Walmart, making it easy to stock up and stay protected throughout the season.
This article contains sponsored content. The views and opinions expressed are my own, developed in collaboration with Banana Boat® and OFF!®.