Potato Salad had its origins in 16th century Europe. Eventually these recipes found their way to America by the European settlers. The potato salad recipes changed according to regional tastes. The potato salad we know today evolved in the second half of the 20th century. Cold potato salad evolved from the British and French, while hot potato salad was associated with the Germans. In the 1940's many cold potato salads were made with creamy French dressing. In the 1950's the version of potato salad that we know today became popular as mayonaise became more accessible.
To make your basic potato salad start with boiled potatoes. Potato salad can be made with many different combinations of flavor, such as onion, sweet pickles, celery, hard-cooked eggs, pimento, chives, olives, dill or parsley."
