Here’s a great copycat recipe for the Reser’s brand of classic potato salad sold at Costco in large tubs. Skip the store-bought version and make your own Costco Potato Salad using simple and wholesome ingredients. This copycat recipe is made dairy-free and gluten-free so everyone can enjoy!

a bowl of Copycat Reser's Potato Salad.

Creating a homemade version of Costco’s potato salad offers several benefits. You can customize the ingredients to better fit your dietary preferences or restrictions. Making it yourself ensures the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients.

It’s also more cost-effective, especially when serving a large group. Additionally, adding a personal touch to a familiar favorite can make mealtime more special and enjoyable.

This homemade version has become one of my family’s summertime favorites! Try it the next time you are having a beach picnic, barbecue, or potluck.

Costco's Reser's potato salad in the store refrigerator.
Contents hide
1 Recipe Benefits
2 Ingredients for Copycat Recipe
3 Reser’s Costco Potato Salad Ingredients
4 Costco Potato Salad Recipe Steps
5 Recipe Tips
6 Recipe FAQs
7 More Healthy Salad Recipes You Might Like
8 Don’t Miss These Summer Side Dishes!
9 Costco Potato Salad (Copycat Reser’s Classic Recipe)

Recipe Benefits

  • Skip the prepared potato salads and make your own instead! Homemade potato salad can be tailored in quantity and style to perfectly suit any social gathering, from backyard BBQs to elegant buffets.
  • Easily modify the recipe to be gluten-free or vegan, catering to various dietary restrictions and preferences.
  • Adjust the ingredients to increase nutritional value, such as incorporating organic vegetables or adding herbs for extra antioxidants.

Ingredients for Copycat Recipe

  • Gold or Yellow Potatoes: These potatoes are chosen for their buttery texture and slightly sweet flavor, which provide a perfect base for the salad, absorbing the dressing well while maintaining a firm structure.
  • Red Potatoes: Known for their smooth, waxy texture and the ability to hold their shape after cooking, red potatoes add a vibrant color contrast and a slightly earthy taste to the salad.
  • Mayonnaise (Avocado-Oil Based): Using an avocado-oil based mayonnaise introduces a creamier texture and a healthier fat profile compared to most store-bought mayonnaise which often use canola oil.
  • Yellow Mustard: Adds a tangy and sharp flavor that balances the creaminess of the mayonnaise, giving the salad a slight kick and deeper complexity.
  • Sugar: A small amount of sugar is used to subtly enhance the overall flavor profile, reducing the acidity of the mustard and vinegar, and bringing out the natural sweetness of the potatoes and relish.
  • White Wine Vinegar: This ingredient offers a mild and slightly fruity acidity that brightens the other flavors in the salad, contributing to its refreshing taste.

Reser’s Costco Potato Salad Ingredients

As a contrast, here are the ingredients of the Costco Potato Salad made by Reser’s:

  • Potatoes
  • Mayonnaise (soybean oil, water, egg yolks, vinegar, and salt)
  • Sugar
  • Onion
  • Water
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Salt
  • Vinegar
  • Modified corn starch
  • Onion powder
  • Sodium benzoate (preservative)
  • Potassium sorbate (preservative)

Costco Potato Salad Recipe Steps

Step One

In a large pot, combine both types of potatoes, cover with water, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Reduce heat and simmer until tender but firm. Drain and let cool slightly.

Step Two

In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, sugar, vinegar, and salt until smooth.

Please see the recipe card at the end of this post for the exact ingredients and measurements.

Step Three

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled potatoes with the chopped celery, onion, and sweet pickle relish, and gently mix.

Step Four

Pour the dressing over the potato mixture, stir gently to coat evenly, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour (or up to 24 hours).

Stir gently before serving to redistribute the flavors.

I hope you agree that this Costco Potato Salad copycat recipe beats anything you’ll find in the deli section or prepared salad section of any grocery store.

Recipe Tips

  • The total cook time does not include time to chill the potato salad before serving. If you want to serve it chilled, allow for an extra hour of time to prepare the recipe.
  • You can use just one type of potato if you wish. I used a mixture of red and gold potatoes to stick to the Reser’s classic recipe.

Recipe FAQs

How long can I store the leftover potato salad? 

Leftover potato salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before storing and do not leave it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

What are some good additions or variations to this Costco potato salad recipe? 

While this recipe was created as a Costco Reser’s copycat, you can add chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced ham, or cooked bacon for extra protein. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives also add a nice touch of freshness. For a bit of crunch, consider adding diced cucumbers or radishes.

Is Costco potato salad gluten-free? 

The ingredients listed in the homemade recipe are naturally gluten-free. However, always check the labels on commercial products like mayonnaise and mustard to ensure they don’t contain any hidden gluten or weren’t processed in a facility that handles gluten-containing products.
 
As far as the Reser’s version of potato salad available at Costco, the website states “Because our various plants make such a wide range of fresh recipes from a variety of ingredients, we cannot guarantee a ‘gluten free’ manufacturing environment for any single product. Rather than risk customer satisfaction, we have chosen not to make gluten-free claims on our products. Each ingredient is clearly stated on the packaging label so that you can make an informed choice.”

Is Costco potato salad vegan?

The prepared version of the Reser’s brand sold at Costco is not vegan because the mayonnaise used contains eggs. If you want to make a vegan version, follow this recipe and use a vegan-based mayo.

More Healthy Salad Recipes You Might Like

Don’t Miss These Summer Side Dishes!

10 Healthy & Hydrating Summer Juice Recipes

10 Easy Vegan Summer Desserts (Gluten-Free Too)

10 Gluten-Free Summer Salads (Healthy & Seasonal)

10 Healthy & Hydrating Summer Smoothies

I hope you make this recipe! If you do, please leave a comment and a starred review below.

And, consider following me on social media so we can stay connected. I’m on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube!

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a bowl of Costco's copycat potato salad.

Costco Potato Salad (Copycat Reser’s Classic Recipe)

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5 from 1 review

Print Recipe

Here’s a great copycat recipe for the Reser’s brand of classic potato salad sold at Costco in large tubs. Skip the store-bought version and make your own using simple and wholesome ingredients.

  • Total Time: 60 Minutes
  • Yield: 8 Servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1.5 pounds gold or yellow-skinned potatoes, scrubbed and quartered
  • 1.5 pounds red potatoes, scrubbed and quartered (about 8-12 medium-sized red potatoes)
  • 1 cup mayonnaise (I like to use an avocado-oil-based mayonnaise but you can use your favorite brand)
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 1/4 of a medium-sized white onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish

Instructions

  1. Combine both types of potatoes in a large pot and fill with enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the heat to maintain a gentle boil. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender but still hold their shape. Drain the potatoes and allow to cool slightly.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, mustard, sugar, vinegar, and salt until smooth.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooked potatoes, chopped celery, onion, red bell pepper, and sweet pickle relish.
  4. Pour the dressing over the potato mixture and gently stir to coat all the ingredients evenly.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the potato salad for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible.
  6. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing and flavors.

Notes

  1. The total cook time does not include time to chill the potato salad before serving. If you want to serve it chilled, allow for an extra hour of time to prepare the recipe.
  2. You can use just one type of potato if you wish. I used a mixture of red and gold potatoes to stick to the Reser’s classic recipe.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 4.6 g
  • Sodium: 383 mg
  • Fat: 20.9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30.2 g
  • Fiber: 4.1 g
  • Protein: 3.6 g
  • Cholesterol: 11.6 mg

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About the Author: Carrie Forrest has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition. She is a top wellness and food blogger with over 5 million annual visitors to her site. Carrie has an incredible story of recovery from chronic illness and is passionate about helping other women transform their health. Send Carrie a message through her contact form.