Zesty Southern Potato Salad Recipe: A Summer Classic

My grandma’s classic southern potato salad blends crisp textures with creamy goodness that always sparks conversation at summer gatherings.

Memories flood back from childhood picnics where everyone crowded around her signature dish.

Potatoes need careful selection – waxy varieties work best for maintaining perfect shape and absorbing delicious seasonings.

Southern cooking demands respect for traditional techniques and bold flavor combinations.

Mustard and mayo create a tangy base that makes this recipe irresistibly authentic.

Each bite connects you to generations of home cooks who perfected this beloved side dish.

Dive into a culinary experience that celebrates southern comfort and community.

Pro Tips for a Creamier Southern Potato Salad

• Prevent Mushy Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold and cut into even-sized cubes to ensure uniform cooking and prevent mushiness.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of pickle juice or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing for an extra tangy and slightly spicy kick.
• Master Cooling Technique: Spread cooked potatoes on a baking sheet to cool faster and prevent overcooking, which helps maintain the perfect potato texture.
• Customize Texture: For a crunchier salad, toast chopped celery and onions briefly in a skillet before adding them to the mix for enhanced flavor and texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the potato salad a day in advance to allow flavors to meld and develop a more robust taste profile.

Best Ways to Keep Southern Potato Salad Fresh

• Store potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Always keep chilled to prevent bacterial growth.
• Allow salad to come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and texture.
• Gently mix the potato salad before serving to redistribute ingredients and restore creamy consistency.
• Do not freeze potato salad, as mayonnaise-based dressings separate and potatoes become mushy when thawed.

Southern Potato Salad That Feels Just Right

• Perfect for summer picnics and potlucks, this Southern potato salad delivers nostalgic comfort food that everyone loves.
• Requires minimal cooking skills with straightforward steps, making it accessible for beginner home cooks who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Potatoes cook in just 10-12 minutes, and the entire recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes, allowing busy home cooks to create a tasty side dish rapidly.
• Mild, creamy, and slightly tangy ingredients appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring a crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies multiple taste preferences at family gatherings.

Ingredients Behind Southern Potato Salad

• Potatoes: Creamy white potatoes work best, with Russet or Yukon Gold varieties perfect for a smooth texture.
• Salt: Enhances potato flavor during boiling and adds overall seasoning.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that binds all ingredients together, classic Southern-style potato salad essential.
• Mustard: Adds tangy flavor and depth to the dressing.
• White Vinegar: Provides bright, sharp notes to balance the creamy elements.
• Sugar: Subtle sweetness to round out the dressing flavors.

• Eggs, Celery, Onions: Fresh, crunchy vegetables that add texture and classic potato salad character.
• Sweet Pickle Relish: Provides sweet and tangy accent, traditional Southern potato salad ingredient.
• Paprika: Adds warm color and mild spice to the top of the salad.
• Black Pepper: Gives gentle heat and aromatic depth.
• Salt: Final seasoning adjustment for balanced flavor.

Directions for Southern Potato Salad From Scratch

Step 1: Boil Potatoes

Peel and dice potatoes. Place in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add salt. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are fork-tender. Drain potatoes and let them cool slightly.

Step 2: Create Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Mustard
• Vinegar
• Sugar
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

• Chopped hard-boiled eggs
• Diced celery
• Sweet pickle relish
• Minced onions (optional)

Step 4: Mix and Blend

Gently fold all ingredients until potatoes are evenly coated with the creamy dressing. Ensure everything is well incorporated.

Step 5: Season and Chill

Taste the potato salad and adjust seasonings as needed. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld together. This resting time enhances the overall taste and texture.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from refrigerator and give a quick stir before serving. Potato salad is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, and barbecues.

Dishes That Pair with Southern Potato Salad

• Serve alongside juicy barbecue ribs, smoky pulled pork, or charred chicken for a classic Southern feast that balances creamy potato salad's richness with savory grilled proteins.
• Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the mayonnaise's heaviness and provide a refreshing contrast to the salad's creamy texture.
• Crack open a light lager or crisp pilsner that cleanses the palate and offers a cool, bubbly counterpoint to the dense, tangy potato salad.
• Add quick-pickled cucumbers or tangy pickled okra to introduce a bright, acidic element that cuts through the salad's richness and adds zesty complexity to the meal.

Southern Potato Salad Variations You’ll Want to Try

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace potatoes with steamed cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version that maintains the classic creamy texture and southern flavor profile.
• Vegan Potato Salad: Substitute mayonnaise with cashew cream or vegan mayo, use plant-based egg replacer like tofu scramble, and add nutritional yeast for extra depth of flavor.
• Greek Yogurt Lighter Option: Swap half the mayonnaise with tangy Greek yogurt to reduce calories while keeping the salad creamy and adding a subtle protein boost.
• Herb-Infused Gourmet Version: Incorporate fresh dill, chives, and parsley into the dressing for an elevated herbal twist that brightens the traditional southern recipe.

Questions and Answers About Southern Potato Salad

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

Southern Potato Salad stands out with its creamy mayonnaise base, tangy mustard, and sweet pickle relish, creating a classic Southern-style flavor profile that’s rich and comforting.

• Can I make this potato salad ahead of time?

Yes, this potato salad actually tastes better when prepared in advance. Chilling for a few hours or overnight allows the flavors to meld together, making it more delicious.

• How do I prevent my potatoes from becoming mushy?

Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold, and be careful not to overcook. Test with a fork after 10-12 minutes and drain immediately when they’re just tender to maintain the right texture.

• Is this recipe suitable for potlucks and summer gatherings?

Absolutely! Southern Potato Salad is a crowd-pleaser at barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings. It’s easy to transport and always a hit at outdoor events.

Southern Potato Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets summer picnic perfection in this classic potato salad. Creamy, tangy, and packed with southern charm, this simple side dish brings family gatherings and backyard barbecues to life with its irresistible flavor profile you won’t be able to resist.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 lbs (1.36 kg) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
• ½ cup (80 g) celery, finely chopped

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• ¾ cup (180 ml) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon paprika (plus more for garnish)
• ½ teaspoon salt (to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Complementary Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup (50 g) sweet pickle relish
• ¼ cup (40 g) red onion or green onion, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon (15 g) salt (for boiling water)

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Instructions

1. Submerge diced potatoes in a generously sized cooking vessel, ensuring complete water coverage with a sprinkle of salt.
2. Heat the water to a rolling boil, then lower temperature, allowing potatoes to simmer gently until they yield effortlessly when pierced with a fork, approximately 10-12 minutes.
3. Carefully drain the potatoes and permit them to cool slightly, preventing overcooking.
4. Create a creamy foundation by whisking together tangy mayonnaise, zesty mustard, sharp vinegar, subtle sugar, warm paprika, and seasoning in a spacious mixing bowl.
5. Incorporate the slightly cooled potatoes into the vibrant dressing mixture.
6. Fold in chopped hard-boiled eggs, crisp celery, briny relish, and finely diced onions, ensuring each ingredient is evenly distributed.
7. Gently combine all components, allowing the dressing to envelop each potato and vegetable piece completely.
8. Sample the salad, adjusting salt, pepper, or additional seasonings to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
9. Seal the potato salad and refrigerate for a minimum of one hour, enabling the flavors to meld and intensify before serving.

Notes

• Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for the best texture and ability to hold their shape during cooking.
• Avoid overcooking potatoes by testing with a fork – they should be tender but not mushy, which prevents a gluey potato salad.
• Add a splash of pickle juice or apple cider vinegar to the dressing for an extra tangy kick that brightens the entire dish.
• Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure consistent texture and even distribution of flavors throughout the salad.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg