Ultimate Southern Potato Salad Recipe

The sun shines brightly as you take your first bite of a creamy southern potato salad. The rich flavors dance on your tongue like a party in your mouth. You can almost hear the laughter of friends and family gathered around the picnic table, eagerly diving into heaping servings. The aroma of tangy dressing mixed with tender potatoes wafts through the air, teasing your taste buds and promising an unforgettable experience.

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Picture this: it’s a hot summer day, and everyone is outside enjoying a backyard barbecue. You catch a glimpse of that beautiful bowl of southern potato salad sitting proudly next to the grilled burgers and charred veggies. With every spoonful, memories flood back—family reunions, holiday gatherings—and you know this dish is a crowd-pleaser that will never go out of style.

I remember one summer picnic where my cousin accidentally spilled half the bowl on her shirt—thankfully it was just as delicious off her clothes as it was in the bowl!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Potatoes: Use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for their buttery texture; they hold up well in salads.
• Mayonnaise: Opt for full-fat mayo for creaminess; low-fat versions can be too thin.
• Mustard: A touch of yellow mustard adds zing; feel free to experiment with spicy brown for extra kick!
• Pickle Relish: Sweet pickle relish enhances flavor balance; adjust according to your sweetness preference.
• Celery: Chopped celery adds crunch; choose fresh stalks for maximum crispiness.
• Onion: Use finely diced red or green onion; they provide subtle savory notes without overpowering.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs: Slice or chop boiled eggs for added richness; they transform every bite into pure comfort.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings enhance all flavors; don’t shy away from generous pinches!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prep Your Potatoes: Begin by washing about 3 pounds of potatoes thoroughly under running water. Chop them into uniform chunks—this ensures even cooking.

Boil Until Tender: Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot filled with salted water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until fork-tender (about 12-15 minutes).

Drain & Cool Down: Carefully drain the cooked potatoes in a colander. Allow them to cool completely—this prevents sogginess when mixing later.

Create Your Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons mustard, and ¼ cup pickle relish. Stir until creamy and well blended.

Add Remaining Ingredients: Gently fold in cooled potatoes along with chopped celery, diced onion, chopped hard-boiled eggs, salt, and pepper to taste.

Toss & Chill Out!: Mix everything gently until evenly coated—avoid mashing the potatoes! Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

By following these steps carefully while keeping an eye on those vibrant colors and delightful aromas wafting from your kitchen, you’ll create an incredible southern potato salad that will steal the show at any gathering!

Now that you’ve mastered this classic recipe let your taste buds lead you on an adventure! Serve alongside grilled meats or enjoy as a stand-alone dish—it’s simply irresistible!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the potatoes until fork-tender, then cool them before mixing with other ingredients for perfect consistency every time.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out mustard types or add diced pickles for an extra zing tailored to your taste buds.

Storing & Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. No reheating needed; just serve cold!

The first time I made southern potato salad, my grandma critiqued it like a judge on a cooking show! Her praise meant the world to me.

FAQ

What type of potatoes work best for southern potato salad?

Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal due to their creamy texture and flavor.

Can I make southern potato salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Make it a day prior for the flavors to develop beautifully.

How can I make my potato salad healthier?

Consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter option that still tastes great.

Print

Southern Potato Salad

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• Author: Sofia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 8

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Description

Southern Potato Salad is a creamy, tangy classic that brings joy to every gathering. This easy-to-make dish combines tender potatoes with zesty flavors, making it the ultimate side for picnics and barbecues.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 pounds Yukon Gold or red potatoes
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons mustard (yellow or spicy brown)
• ¼ cup sweet pickle relish
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• ½ cup diced red or green onion
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Wash and chop potatoes into uniform chunks.
2. Boil potatoes in salted water for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and cool completely.
3. In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, mustard, and pickle relish until smooth.
4. Gently fold in cooled potatoes, celery, onion, hard-boiled eggs, salt, and pepper.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 490mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: For extra creaminess, mix in a touch of sour cream. Customize your salad by adding diced pickles or experimenting with different mustard types. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; no reheating needed.