Creamy Southern Potato Salad Recipe: A Homestyle Favorite

Southern potato salad brings comfort and nostalgia to every summer picnic table.

My grandmother’s secret recipe passed down through generations always creates magical moments.

Creamy, tangy, and packed with surprising textures, this classic dish tells a story of southern hospitality.

Crisp celery and smooth potatoes dance together in a mayonnaise-based symphony.

Chopped eggs and sweet pickles add delightful bursts of flavor that make people smile.

Each forkful connects you to cherished memories of backyard gatherings and leisurely afternoon meals.

Come savor a recipe that feels like a warm, delicious hug from the South.

Why Southern Potato Salad Is So Tasty

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• Instant Party Pleaser: Creates a stunning blue-colored drink that immediately catches eyes and sparks conversation at gatherings.
• Quick Luxury Experience: Transforms simple ingredients into an elegant cocktail in mere moments, delivering a sophisticated taste without complex preparation.
• Versatile Celebration Companion: Suitable for various occasions from casual get-togethers to more refined events, adapting seamlessly to different social settings.

Ingredients for Southern Potato Salad

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that provide the hearty foundation for this classic Southern side dish.
• Eggs: Add protein and creamy texture to the potato salad.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy condiment that holds all ingredients together and creates a smooth consistency.
• Mustard: Tangy ingredient that adds a zesty flavor to the salad.
• Pickle Relish: Brings a sweet and tangy crunch to the overall dish.

• Celery, Onion: Fresh vegetables that provide crunch and a sharp flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the potato salad.
• Paprika, Optional Herbs: Garnishes that add color and an extra layer of flavor.

How to Make Southern Potato Salad Easily

Step 1: Prepare Potatoes

Wash potatoes thoroughly and place them in a large pot of salted water. Boil the potatoes until they’re easily pierced with a fork, which typically takes 10-15 minutes.

Once cooked, drain the water and let the potatoes cool completely at room temperature.

Step 2: Cook Hard-Boiled Eggs

Fill a separate pot with water and gently add eggs.

Bring the water to a rolling boil and cook the eggs for exactly 10 minutes. After cooking, immediately transfer eggs to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.

Once cooled, carefully peel the eggs and set aside.

Step 3: Create Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Yellow mustard
• Sweet pickle relish

Blend these ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Chop and Combine Ingredients

• Celery
• Onion

Add the chopped eggs, celery, onion, and cooled potatoes to the dressing bowl.

Step 5: Mix and Season

Gently fold all ingredients together, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing. Sprinkle salt and black pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly but carefully to avoid mashing the potatoes.

Step 6: Chill and Garnish

Cover the potato salad and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld. Before serving, dust the top with a light sprinkle of paprika.

Optional: Add fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives for extra color and flavor.

Helpful Notes for Southern Potato Salad

• Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for the best texture and flavor in your potato salad.
• Allow potatoes to cool completely before mixing to prevent mayo from breaking down and becoming runny.
• For a lighter version, swap half the mayo with Greek yogurt to reduce calories without losing creaminess.
• Dice ingredients uniformly to ensure every bite has a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
• Add chopped fresh dill or chives for an extra burst of freshness and color just before serving.

Flavor Twists for Southern Potato Salad Fans

• Spicy Southern Kick: Add diced jalapeños and a dash of hot sauce for a fiery flavor boost that brings extra excitement to the classic recipe.
• Greek-Inspired Version: Swap mayo for Greek yogurt, add crumbled feta cheese, and mix in chopped kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-style potato salad.
• Herb Garden Blend: Incorporate fresh chopped dill, chives, and parsley to create a vibrant, garden-fresh variation that brightens the traditional southern style.
• Bacon Lover's Edition: Crisp up some bacon bits and sprinkle generously over the top, mixing some crumbled pieces throughout for a smoky, savory enhancement.

Best Ways to Serve Southern Potato Salad

• Backyard BBQ Buddy: Serve this creamy potato salad alongside grilled burgers, hot dogs, or smoked pulled pork for a classic summer cookout spread that'll have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Picnic Perfect Plate: Pack this chilled salad in a sturdy container for outdoor adventures, pairing beautifully with fried chicken or cold sandwiches at park gatherings or beach days.
• Southern Comfort Combo: Create a nostalgic Southern-style meal by matching the potato salad with crispy fried catfish, cornbread, and sweet tea for an authentic down-home dining experience that celebrates traditional flavors.
• Potluck Showstopper: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to family reunions or community gatherings, knowing it's a reliable crowd-pleaser that travels well and tastes delicious at room temperature.

How to Store Southern Potato Salad Well

• Transfer potato salad to a sealed container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Store in the coldest part of the refrigerator and eat within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety.
• Do not freeze potato salad as mayonnaise-based dressings tend to separate and become watery, compromising texture and quality.
• Maintain temperature below 40°F (4°C) to prevent bacterial growth and preserve the salad's creamy consistency and flavor.

FAQs

• What makes this Southern Potato Salad different from other potato salad recipes?

This version uses a classic Southern combination of mayo, mustard, and pickle relish, creating a tangy and creamy texture that’s distinctly Southern-style.

• Can I make this potato salad ahead of time?

Yes, it’s actually better when prepared in advance. Chilling for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld together and develop a more delicious taste.

• Is this recipe suitable for outdoor events like picnics and barbecues?

Absolutely! Southern Potato Salad is a classic potluck and outdoor gathering dish that holds up well and is loved by many people.

Southern Potato Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delightful Southern potato salad combines creamy potatoes, tangy mayo, and crisp vegetables for a classic side dish. Comfort flavors from traditional Southern kitchens shine through in this crowd-pleasing accompaniment you’ll savor at summer gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 lbs Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsps yellow mustard
• 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/3 cup chopped red onion
• salt (to taste)
• black pepper (to taste)
• paprika (for garnish)
• chopped fresh parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Submerge whole potatoes in generously salted water, cooking until easily pierced with a fork, approximately 12-15 minutes at medium-high heat.
2. Simultaneously prepare eggs by immersing in boiling water for precisely 10 minutes, then immediately transfer to ice bath to halt cooking process.
3. Create creamy dressing base by whisking mayonnaise, tangy mustard, and zesty pickle relish in spacious mixing container.
4. Peel cooled eggs carefully and dice into uniform bite-sized pieces.
5. Incorporate chopped eggs, finely diced celery, minced onion, and cooled potato chunks into prepared dressing mixture.
6. Gently fold ingredients together, ensuring even coating without mashing potato pieces.
7. Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance flavor profile.
8. Refrigerate salad for minimum 60 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and develop rich, harmonious taste.
9. Before serving, dust surface with smoky paprika and optional fresh herbs for visual appeal and additional layer of flavor.

Notes

• Achieve perfectly cooked potatoes by testing with a fork; they should be tender but not falling apart, preventing a mushy texture.
• Cut potatoes and eggs into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even seasoning and a balanced bite in every spoonful.
• Enhance flavor by letting the potato salad rest in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight, allowing ingredients to meld together and develop a richer taste.
• Customize for dietary needs by using Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter version or adding extra crunch with diced bell peppers for more nutrition.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 351kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 380mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24g
• Trans Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 110mg