Potato salad has long been a staple of American gatherings, whether it’s served at backyard barbecues, summer picnics, or holiday tables. Recipes vary widely—some swear by mustard, others heap on the mayonnaise, and a few insist on adding relish. But when news of Joan Crawford‘s potato salad recipe resurfaced, it sparked renewed curiosity about how the Hollywood icon approached such a familiar dish.
As noted by Parade, Crawford’s take on the classic isn’t shy. Much like her screen presence, the recipe delivers a bold, tangy flavor that refuses to fade into the background. For fans who remember her towering performances in films like Mildred Pierce and Sudden Fear, it’s fascinating to imagine Crawford putting her own dramatic stamp on something as humble as potatoes.
Joan Crawford Potato Salad Recipe Origins
Joan Crawford‘s potato salad recipe is more than a curiosity—it’s a glimpse into her practical side. Crawford, born Lucille Fay LeSueur, grew up in a modest home where cooking wasn’t just an art but a necessity. At just nine years old, she was tasked with preparing meals while attending boarding school, and through trial and error, she gained skills that would last her a lifetime. By the time she became one of Hollywood’s brightest stars, cooking remained part of her identity.
Her recipe transforms a simple, everyday dish into something more memorable. Tangy and assertive, the flavors reflect Crawford’s personality—unapologetic, bold, and determined to stand out. Much like her famous feud with Bette Davis, even her potato salad carried a flair for drama.
Testing The Joan Crawford Potato Salad Recipe Today
Revisiting Joan Crawford’s potato salad recipe today offers both nostalgia and a lesson in flavors of the past. Modern cooks who tried it describe it as zesty and bright, a refreshing departure from the heavy mayonnaise-based salads many grew up with. It reminds us that even Hollywood legends brought personality to the kitchen.
Still, the recipe isn’t without its quirks, and reviewers have suggested tweaks to balance its sharpness. Yet the lasting appeal lies in its connection to Crawford herself. This dish reveals a more personal side of a woman often remembered only for her dramatic roles and complicated relationships.
Here’s how to make Joan Crawford’s potato salad recipe:
Ingredients
- 1½–2 lb potatoes (Yukon Gold or red), scrubbed and cut into 1″ pieces
- 3–4 large eggs, hard-boiled and chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1–2 tbsp yellow or Dijon mustard (to taste)
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup drained diced pimentos (or roasted red pepper), chopped
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion (white or sweet)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Optional: celery salt, paprika, or chopped chives for garnish
Step-by-step
- Put potatoes in a pot, cover with cold salted water, bring to a boil, and simmer 10–15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
- Hard-boil eggs (10–12 minutes from boiling), cool, peel, and chop.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, and lemon juice in a large bowl; season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Stir chopped eggs, pimentos, and onion into the dressing; taste and adjust seasoning.
- Gently fold warm (not hot) potatoes into the dressing so they hold their shape.
- Chill at least 1 hour for flavors to meld. Re-season before serving and sprinkle paprika or chives if desired.