For a potato salad (using red potatoes) is it best to peel potatoes before or after boiling? or at all?

Hmmm, I don't usually time things... It will depend on how big the pieces of potato are... For a medium dice, I would check in 6 or 7 minutes, then watch closely. Keep testing them. I also toss some salt on them when I start steaming them. Let's see, what else? When they're done, remove the lid & take them off the steamer. Too cool quickly, you can spread them in a single layer on a cookie sheet or big lasagne pan. Have fun!

Just for the record, the reason I boil and don't steam the potatoes is because the cooking water produced by simmering the spuds makes sensational bread. ;o)

Thank you everyone and HellonKitchen - that is brilliant! How long (on average) do you steam them - 15 min?

I never boil my potatoes when making salad. I always steam them and leave the skins on having cut them into the size I want. This gives you a firmer, less water logged end product.

I think the skin is the best part :)

Love to vote - skins on!

Skins "on" otherwise who cares if there red

When making potato salad using red potatoes (like the Chlodnik Inspired Potato Salad that I posted within the past few weeks), I leave the peels on and I cut the potatoes before simmering them. They cook more quickly and the pieces are of a more uniform texture. Handle them carefully once cooked and you won't have any trouble with the skins coming off. (At least I never have any problem.) ;o)

Yep, leave em' on. But to remove them, or partially remove them after they've boiled you can just rub them between your hands.

I leave the skins on too, they are thin and tender and add to almost any recipe. Too good to waste.

Thank you all! I like the idea of leaving the skins on too!

i'm in the leave-the-skins-on camp. just scrub and boil, then cut them up!

I usually leave the skins on, however, if you don't like the skins, you should peel before boiling.

No need to peel them because the skins are so thin.

I leave the skins on - adds color and fiber to the dish. Its all your preference. If you leave the skins on make sure you scrub the potatoes well.