Potluck Picnic Recipe

Many of us dread being invited to potluck picnics because we either lack confidence in our own cooking ability, or we are just unsure of what others would like to eat. You may think it's easier to buy a tasteless pie from the grocery store or a case of soda, but you will probably regret not putting a little more effort into contributing to the potluck event. As well, wouldn't it be more rewarding to be complimented on the wonderful dish that you created, rather than merely thanked for your minimal contribution?

The tried and true star of any picnic potluck is an expertly prepared potato salad. There are many variations of potato salad, and most of them are quite tasty. Potato salads are particularly practical for a picnic for a bevy of reasons. They are easy and inexpensive to make, and they can be conveniently stored and placed in a cooler. As well, potato salad is simply a satisfying dish that compliments other classic picnic foods such as hotdogs and sandwiches.

For those who are not particularly skilled in the culinary arts, potato salad is almost foolproof. If you can boil water and chop a few vegetables, you can make potato salad. In less than an hour of kitchen time, you can prepare a show-stopping salad that will have the other picnic guests singing your praises.

Fool-Proof Picnic Potato Salad
Serves 8 to 10

6 large potatoes, peeled and quartered
6 eggs
¾ cup pickles, chopped
4 stalks celery, chopped
1 pint Miracle Whip dressing (This is the "secret" ingredient. Do not substitute with mayonnaise)
1 large onion, chopped
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Salt

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook potatoes until tender. Remove potatoes and add eggs to boiling water and simmer for 20 minutes or until hard-boiled. Remove eggs from water. Chop potatoes into ¼" cubes and finely chop eggs. Place potatoes, eggs, pickles, celery, and onion into large bowl, and mix gently. Add Miracle Whip, mustard, and pepper and toss. Add salt to taste. Garnish salad with sprigs of parsley or slices of hard-boiled egg.

Place salad in an airtight container and keep refrigerated. This will stay adequately chilled in an ice chest or cooler for several hours during a picnic.

Looking for more Picnic Recipes or Picnic Food Ideas?

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