Potato salad should not take as much juggling as it usually does. Most versions have you boiling potatoes in one pot, eggs in another, draining everything separately, and trying to get it all cooled down before the dressing goes in.
This version cuts out the extra work.

The Instant Pot cooks the potatoes and eggs at the same time, which is the whole reason this recipe earns its spot. You set up the pot once, let it do its thing, and end up with both parts ready to go without babysitting two burners.
The flavor is what keeps this from feeling like a shortcut recipe. The dressing is deviled egg-style: creamy, tangy, a little mustardy, and rich in the best way. Add in the sweet salad cubes and it lands right in that familiar deli-style zone, only better.
No raw onion crunch. No extra production. Just a solid potato salad that tastes like it was worth the effort.
Why the Instant Pot Makes This Better
The biggest advantage here is not just speed. It is the fact that the potatoes and eggs cook at the same time.
That means less juggling, fewer dishes, and one less thing to think about. Instead of managing separate pots and separate timers, you build the setup once and let the Instant Pot handle the hard part.
It also keeps the process more consistent. The potatoes steam in the basket instead of getting knocked around in a pot of boiling water, and the eggs are ready right alongside them.
The shortcut is in the method, not the flavor. This still tastes like real potato salad. It just gets there with less fuss.
Ingredients
There is nothing complicated here. You have potatoes, eggs, and a creamy dressing built from ingredients that make sense together. The whole thing leans into that deviled egg flavor on purpose, which is what makes this feel different from a basic deli tub version.
And yes, the sweet salad cubes matter. They bring a little sweetness, a little tang, and help give this recipe its specific flavor profile.

How to Make Instant Pot Potato Salad
The process is simple, but the setup matters.
You are not boiling the potatoes directly in the water. Add the water to the pot, then use the trivet and steamer basket to keep the potatoes lifted above it. The eggs sit right on top, which means both parts of the recipe cook at the same time without needing two separate pots.
Cut the potatoes into even pieces so they cook evenly. That is one of the easiest ways to keep the texture right from batch to batch.

As soon as the cook time is done, move the eggs to an ice bath. That stops the cooking and makes peeling easier. Let the potatoes cool slightly before mixing everything together.
Once the potatoes and eggs are ready, the rest comes together fast. Chop, mix, dress, and taste. The recipe card below has the full step-by-step.

The Deviled Egg-Style Dressing
This is what gives the recipe its identity.
The dressing leans into that deviled egg flavor on purpose. It is creamy, tangy, a little mustard-forward, and built to coat the potatoes without turning soupy. The chopped eggs do part of that work, but so do the rest of the mix-ins.
The sweet salad cubes are a big part of it too. They bring that familiar sweet-tangy bite that makes the whole thing feel finished. This is not just mayo stirred into potatoes. It is built to taste like deviled egg potato salad.
And yes, no raw onion crunch. That part is deliberate.

How to Make This Potato Salad with Egg on the Stovetop
No Instant Pot? You can still make this. The dressing and the final result are the same. It is just a longer path to get there.
Potatoes: Cut them into even chunks and boil in salted water until fork-tender. Drain and let them cool slightly.
Eggs: Hard boil them separately, then move them straight to an ice bath and peel once cool enough to handle.
From there, you follow the rest of the recipe the same way. Same dressing. Same finish. More time and one extra pot.
The stovetop version still works well. It just gives up the biggest advantage of this recipe, which is cooking the potatoes and eggs at the same time.
Make-Ahead and Storage
This is a good make-ahead recipe. It actually gets better after a few hours in the fridge. The dressing settles in, the flavor comes together, and the potatoes hold up well.
Make ahead: You can make it up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the fridge and give it a stir before serving.
If it looks a little dry after chilling overnight, stir in a small spoonful of mayo before serving.
Storage: Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Do not freeze it. Mayo-based potato salad does not come back well once thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Honestly, kind of, but better. Walmart’s version has that same creamy, mustardy, deviled egg-style flavor, which is probably why people keep buying it. This recipe hits a similar note, but it tastes fresher, you control the ingredients, and there is no raw onion crunch getting in the way. If that deli flavor is what you are after, this gets you there in a better way.
You need the trivet and steamer basket setup to keep the potatoes up out of the water. The eggs can sit right on top of the potatoes, so they do not need a separate rack of their own. The important part is keeping the setup true to the recipe so the potatoes steam properly instead of boiling at the bottom of the pot.
I use Russet potatoes on purpose. A lot of potato salad recipes lean on waxy potatoes for firmer chunks, but Russets give this version a softer, fluffier texture that works really well with the deviled egg-style dressing. They break down just enough to make the salad feel creamy without turning to mush, especially if you cut them evenly and do not overmix.
Yes, and it is actually better that way. A few hours in the fridge helps the dressing settle into the potatoes. Up to 24 hours ahead is the sweet spot.
You can, but it changes the character of the recipe. The eggs are not just there for looks. They help build the deviled egg flavor and add texture throughout the salad. Without them, it is still potato salad, but it is not really this one.
Because they give this recipe its specific flavor. Sweet salad cubes bring sweetness, tang, and texture without taking over the dressing. That flavor is part of what makes this recipe feel a little closer to a deli-style deviled egg potato salad.
Recipes for Your Easter Table
This is one of those side dishes that makes sense the second you do it once.
The Instant Pot handles the potatoes and eggs at the same time, the dressing pulls everything into that creamy deviled egg-style lane, and the whole thing comes together with a lot less effort than the usual route.
Make it once and you will not go back to two pots.
If you make it, leave a comment and let me know how it turned out.
📖 Recipe

Instant Pot Potato Salad (Deviled Egg-Style)
Ingredients
- 3 lbs. russet potatoes peeled and cut into ½-inch chunks
- 1 cup water
- 12 large eggs
- 1½ cups mayonnaise
- ½ cup sweet salad cubes
- 1 Tbsp. yellow mustard
- 2 tsp. sea salt
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- 1 tsp. paprika for garnish
Instructions
- Add water and set up the pot. Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot and place the trivet inside. Set a steamer basket on top of the trivet, then add the potatoes to the basket. Place the eggs on top of the potatoes.
- Pressure cook. Lock the lid and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. When the cook time is done, quickly release the pressure.
- Cool the eggs. While the potatoes and eggs cook, prepare an ice bath. Transfer the eggs to the ice bath as soon as they come out of the pot. This stops the cooking and makes them easier to peel.
- Drain and cool the potatoes. Pour the cooked potatoes into a colander and let them drain well. Set them aside to cool slightly.
- Make the dressing. In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet salad cubes, mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
- Chop the eggs and mix. Peel the cooled eggs and roughly chop them. Add them to the bowl with the dressing, then gently fold in the potatoes until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and serve. Transfer the potato salad to a serving dish, sprinkle with paprika, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Overnight is even better.
Video
Notes
- No Instant Pot? Boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, and hard boil the eggs separately. Then follow the rest of the recipe as written.
- Make ahead: This potato salad gets even better after a few hours in the fridge.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Do not freeze. Mayo-based potato salad does not thaw well.








Angel's roadie
What are "sweet salad cubes"? That one has me baffled.
Chef Gary
It's kinda like pickle relish, but sweet instead of dill. But not actually like the sweet relish. Very mild, slightly sweet. Instead of that bold dill taste.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Mt.-Olive-Sweet-Salad-Cubes-24-oz/10290681
Amy
I believe it was to read "sweet pickles". Had me going too. lol
Gary
Hi Amy. For this recipe we use sweet salad cubes as seen here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1V8853/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_OoeDCb1CZV7B8
BONNIE J USSERY
My preference is dill cubes/relish instead of sweet. I always use the dill in all my salads such as chicken, etc. It's just my taste preference but otherwise a great recipe.
Sarah Yaus
Why do you need so many eggs??? 3 dozen.....really?? Also, I have never heard of sweet salad cubes before! Very confusing recipe for something that should be so simple.
Chef Gary
Why so many eggs? Because that's the way my mom always made it. And sweet salad cubes are in every grocery store next to the relish. You've just never looked for them. What's wrong with being different? Otherwise, all recipes would be the same 🙂
James
The recipe calls for 12 eggs (one dozen) and 3lbs (3 pounds potatoes)
Cristie
This is old but it only calls for 12 eggs not 3 dozen!
Chef Gary
Yeah, I rewrote the recipe - with a downsized version.
Wendy
Looks like I'll be serving this up soon.
Dianne
I love this. How can I cut it down to just a coupe portions - there is only one of me.
Carroll
Put your cursor on the "16" (number of servings) and a slide bar will appear. Just move the marker to the left or right to change the number of servings.
VT
I don't see where it shows number of servings on the recipe I see.
Gary White
It's in the gray portion of the recipe card, under the "print" "pin" "rate" buttons. This recipe has 16 servings. 🙂
Becky
I love egg salad and I love potato salad, this was the perfect blend of both! It was hard to stop eating it!
Brian
Made a batch this morning for some BBQ this evening and my wife is in heaven. She said it's the best potato salad she's ever had.
Could not find the sweet salad cubes at 3! grocery stores so use normal relish instead.
But I get the feeling I'll be making it often so I'll keep an eye out or even do a quick Amazon order for some.
Chef Gary
That's awesome! It's an adaptation of the potato salad my mom has been making my whole life. I'm surprised you couldn't find the sweet salad cubes. I've never had a problem finding them, even at Walmart. Where do you live? I'm now wondering if it's a regional thing. I'm in Florida.
Krista
I’m in rural Alberta, Canada and I have never seen or heard of Sweet Salad Cubes. I’m assuming I could use relish instead?
Chef Gary
Yes, sweet salad cubes are a form of sweet relish. They're just cut larger to add extra crunch to salads. But they have the same flavor.
Debbie
No sweet salad cubes here in California so I just use sweet pickles and chop the heck out of them. Love me some chunks of sweet pickle in my potato salad, also you can never have to many eggs. Love this recipe.
Cristie
I don’t have a steamer basket for my instant pot. Can I do it without?
Chef Gary
I know you can cook the potatoes directly in water, not sure about the eggs in the IP.
Stephanie
I crack my eggs into a bowl and place directly over potatoes to cook in the IP. Then use a pizza cutter to “chop” the eggs when cool. Great time saver if you’ve already cleaned your prep area.
Dianna
This recipe sounds yummy! I can't wait to try it!
Denise
Made this today. It's a hit. Love it. Having with Easter Ham and collard greens.
Bigfoot
Sorry, it needs celery, onions,dill relish cubes, more mustard, and maybe some jalapeno powder.
Gary White
Not if you don't like those things. Lol...
Clara Bowman
Maybe yours does but this isn't YOUR recipe. Just movealong and makeyour own.
Lisa
Really? Post your own (completely different) recipe instead of telling this person to add your ingredients to HIS recipe
Lo
Did I read correctly in replies
The original recipe had 3 dozen eggs??
Wow!
I also learned an easy way to cook eggs in the IP is to crack them into a IP safe bowl
And place them in that way creating a cooked “egg loaf” you then just chop up
You could possibly layer that container in over the potatoes and cook them together eliminating the peeling the eggs 😉
Gary White
Well, I also downsized the recipe quite a bit. There are also 3xs as many potatoes. It was enough to feed a small army! But the ratio is still the same.
Johnnie
Do you peel the potatoes first?
Gary White
Yes. And cut them up.
Taletta Wilson
I have messed up potato salad more times than I can count, but this one was spot on and will be my go to from here on out! Thanks!
Heather
I was so excited to read “I want absolutely no crunch” because that is what has always stopped me from liking potato salad,,, but then you went and threw pickles in it! How is there no crunch with the sweet salad cubes?
Gary White
You can substitute the sweet relish for the sweet salad cubes to minimize the crunch. However, compared to onion and celery, the slight crunch of sweet pickles is barely noticeable. 🙂
Dom
When you say mayo, are you using real mayo or miracle whip? I'd love to try this recipe but want to get it right.
Gary White
I'm definitely not speaking of Miracle Whip, not a fan. I prefer Hellmans or Dukes.
Denise
Will all of the potatoes and eggs fit in a 6 quart instant pot?
Gary White
Yes.
RichV
Thank you once again, Gary. I've been wanting to stop buying this at the grocery.
Cindi
wow... i have not tried it yet but since it is the way i make my own... except i do use onions and celery... so i know how gooooood it is... have been loving it for years... ty for sharing with the world...
Alex
For the sweet salad cubes, have you tried to use Bubbies' pickles? I think they would taste better here because they're naturally-fermented kosher dill pickles.
Gary White
I have not tried them or even heard of them before.
Scarlett
This is very nearly my recipe except the relish which I had never heard of. But having found it easily in my grocery I tried it and voila, new secret recipe!
Mary Whitt
What are sweet salad cubes?
Gary White
There's a full description both in the post and notes of the recipe.
Raquel
Huge hit! I did add finely chopped celery. I like a little more texture. My family said I need to make it this way all the time.
Donna Schafer
I've made this twice and it is delicious! Big hit! No sweet salad cubes here in southeast Michigan (disappointing, because I could get them in VA when I live there). Anyway, I just diced up sweet pickles. ONE NOTE: The printed version of the recipe says to place potatoes into a colander and drain completely, whereas your post says to place them on a baking sheet to cool. You may want to update the printed version.
Gary White
Thank you so much for the feedback and heads up!
Heidi
I'm a bit of a potato salad snob but this is this best recipe that I've seen in quite some time quick and easy and very tasty❣️
Kari
I’ve made this four or five times now, and everyone loves it. I use sweet relish and drain it really well (didn’t the first time, and it was more soupy than we like, but we still ate it!). Will probably be making a batch weekly going forward! Thank you.
Krista
Delicious! So easy and turned out perfect!