Cut the potatoes into 3/4-inch cubes, keeping the skins on for texture and flavor. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the potatoes and cook for 8-10 minutes until just fork-tender but still holding their shape—you want them cooked through but not mushy. Drain well and spread them on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to cool slightly while you prepare the remaining components. This quick cooling prevents them from becoming waterlogged when you mix in the dressing.

While the potatoes cook, hard-boil your eggs if not already done. Chop them into 1/2-inch pieces and set aside. Dice the dill pickles into small, uniform pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the salad. Slice the green onions on a slight bias—this simple technique makes them more visually appealing and distributes their flavor more effectively. Have all components prepped and ready to combine.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, celery salt, French's yellow mustard, salt, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk everything together until smooth and well-emulsified. The vinegar cuts through the richness of the mayo while the celery salt and mustard add that classic deli-style flavor that defines this salad. I like to taste the dressing at this point and adjust the seasoning if needed—this ensures the final salad is perfectly seasoned throughout.

Add the cooled potatoes from Step 1, along with the chopped eggs, diced pickles, and sliced green onions from Step 2, to the dressing base from Step 3. Gently fold everything together with a large spoon or spatula using a scooping motion rather than stirring—this prevents breaking down the potatoes and eggs while ensuring the dressing coats everything evenly. I find that folding gently preserves the texture much better than aggressive mixing, so take your time here.

Transfer the potato salad to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors meld together and the salad becomes properly chilled. Just before serving, sprinkle the smoked paprika across the top as a garnish—it adds a subtle smoky note and makes the dish look more polished. Give it a gentle stir to recombine any dressing that may have settled, then serve chilled or at cool room temperature.