Part of the charm of an out-to-lunch picnic is its informality, whether you are in a sunny glade or right in your own backyard. No matter where you are, you want something to eat that isn’t difficult to make, that travels well, and that tastes—and looks— great some hours after it’s prepared. Sandwiches made with thick, crusty bread fit the bill nicely, as does cold fried chicken. But what people tend to indulge in most are the sides. “I can’t remember the last time I had homemade coleslaw!” someone will say.

“I need your recipe for three bean salad,” someone else will ask. “It’s the best I’ve ever had.” (Chalk one up for its distinctive mustardy dressing.) The only quiet one in the bunch, you will notice, is on his third helping of potato salad.


Ingredients

• 4 pounds russet potatoes (about 8 medium)
• Coarse salt
• 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 3 celery stalks, cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 1 small onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 10 cornichons, cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 3 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika

Directions
1 In a large saucepan, cover potatoes with water by several inches. Bring to a boil, then add 1 tablespoon salt. Reduce heat and gently boil until potatoes are tender when pierced with the tip of a sharp knife, about 25 minutes. Drain. Peel potatoes while still hot, using paper towels to protect hands; cut into 1-inch pieces. Transfer potatoes to a bowl and drizzle with vinegar; let cool.

2 Place eggs in a small saucepan; fill with enough cold water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil; turn off heat. Cover; let stand 11 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and cover with cold water; let cool and peel. Cut 2 eggs into 1/4-inch dice. Slice remaining egg into 1/4- inch- thick rounds; reserve for garnish.

3 Combine diced eggs, mayonnaise, celery seeds, and dry mustard in a large bowl; season with salt and pepper, and whisk to combine. Stir in potatoes, celery, onion, cornichons, scallions, and parsley. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes or up to 1 day. Just before serving, garnish with paprika and egg rounds.

Serves 10 to 12

Check out our favourite Martha Stewart recipes for more meals from the queen of home cooking.

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Copyright © 2012 by Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. Photograph Copyright © 2012 by Romulo Yanes. Excerpted from Martha's American Food with permission by Random House.