Soulful Southern Style Potato Salad Recipe That Wows Every Time

Southern charm meets creamy potato magic in this beloved side dish that captures the heart of summer gatherings.

Generations of cooks have perfected the art of blending simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Crisp potatoes mingle with tangy mayonnaise, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Chopped celery and green onions add a delightful crunch to every satisfying bite.

Mustard brings a subtle kick that makes this recipe truly memorable.

Small details like perfectly boiled potatoes and carefully mixed dressing set this version apart from ordinary salads.

She knows you’ll fall in love with this classic southern comfort food that brings people together around the table.

Ingredients for Southern Style Potato Salad

Main Ingredients:

Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that form the hearty base of this classic Southern potato salad.

Mayonnaise: Creamy condiment that provides the rich, smooth texture and binding element for the salad.

Hard-Boiled Eggs: Protein-rich ingredient that adds depth and traditional Southern flavor to the dish.

• Yellow Mustard: Tangy condiment that brings a sharp, zesty kick to the potato salad.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Acidic ingredient that balances the richness and adds a subtle brightness.
• Sweet Pickle Relish: Adds a sweet and tangy element with a pleasant crunch.
• Green Onions: Provides a mild, fresh onion flavor and a pop of color.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the salad.

• Celery: Crisp vegetable that introduces a refreshing crunch and subtle herbal note.
• Paprika: Classic garnish that adds a mild pepper flavor and attractive reddish color to the top of the salad.

How to Prepare Southern Style Potato Salad

Step 1: Boil Potatoes

Grab a large pot and toss in cubed potatoes. Fill with cold water until potatoes are completely submerged.

Crank up the heat to medium-high and bring water to a rolling boil. Cook potatoes until they’re soft enough to slide a fork through easily, about 10-15 minutes.

Drain potatoes in a colander and let them cool down a bit.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Yellow mustard
• Apple cider vinegar

Whisk these ingredients until they transform into a smooth, unified mixture.

Step 3: Mix Everything Together

• Sweet pickle relish
• Chopped hard-boiled eggs
• Chopped celery
• Green onions
• Cooled potatoes

Gently fold all ingredients, ensuring every potato and veggie gets a luxurious coating of dressing.

Step 4: Season and Taste

Sprinkle in kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Give it a taste and adjust seasonings until it sings with flavor.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the potato salad to a beautiful serving dish.

Dust the top with a light shower of paprika for a pop of color and hint of warmth. Your Southern-style potato salad is ready to steal the show at any gathering!

Pro Tips for Southern Style Potato Salad

• Master potato texture by not overcooking; aim for fork-tender potatoes that hold their shape without becoming mushy.
• Chill potatoes completely before mixing with dressing to prevent breaking apart and absorb flavors more effectively.
• Create richer flavor by adding a splash of pickle juice or using dill pickles instead of sweet relish for a tangy twist.
• Let the potato salad rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow ingredients to meld and develop deeper taste profiles.
• Consider adding crispy bacon bits or chopped fresh herbs like dill or chives for extra texture and a fresh flavor boost.

Variations on Southern Style Potato Salad

• Mustard-Free Version: Replace yellow mustard with a blend of Dijon mustard and a dash of honey for a milder, sweeter flavor profile.
• Vegan Potato Salad: Substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo, use mashed avocado for creaminess, and replace eggs with chopped pickled vegetables or tofu.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Add fresh dill, chives, and parsley to introduce a bright, garden-fresh taste to the classic southern potato salad.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets, keeping the traditional dressing and mix-in ingredients for a lighter, keto-friendly option.

Suggested Pairings for Southern Style Potato Salad

• Crisp, cold beer perfectly complements the creamy potato salad, cutting through its richness with refreshing carbonation.
• Opt for a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, whose light, zesty notes balance the salad's creamy texture and tangy flavors.
• Serve alongside grilled meats like pulled pork or barbecue chicken, creating a harmonious Southern-style meal that celebrates regional culinary traditions.
• Complement the potato salad with coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread to create a complete, satisfying spread that highlights traditional Southern comfort food.

Storage Advice for Southern Style Potato Salad

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer potato salad to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep the salad chilled to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezing Method: Avoid freezing potato salad, as mayonnaise-based dressings separate and become watery when thawed, compromising texture and taste.
• Reheating Technique: Consume potato salad cold for best flavor. If slightly warm is preferred, gently warm in microwave for 15-20 seconds, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly.
• Safe Serving: Discard potato salad if left at room temperature for over 2 hours to prevent potential foodborne illness, especially during outdoor events or picnics.

FAQs

• Can I use red potatoes instead of white potatoes?

Yes, red potatoes work great in this recipe. They hold their shape well and provide a slightly different texture and flavor to the traditional Southern potato salad.

• How do I prevent my potatoes from becoming mushy?

Cook potatoes just until fork-tender and drain immediately. After draining, let them cool slightly before mixing with other ingredients to prevent breaking down the potato pieces.

• Is there a substitute for apple cider vinegar?

White vinegar or even lemon juice can work as alternatives. They’ll provide the necessary tangy flavor that helps balance the creamy mayonnaise.

• Can I make this potato salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the salad a day in advance. The flavors actually develop and become more robust when refrigerated overnight, making it even more delicious.

Southern Style Potato Salad

• Craft with Ease: Perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, this Southern-style potato salad requires basic kitchen techniques that anyone can master.
• Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Guaranteed to be a hit at family gatherings, potlucks, and summer barbecues with its classic, comforting flavors that appeal to everyone.
• Quick Comfort Classic: Prepare this delightful side dish in minimal time, making it an ideal go-to recipe for last-minute meal planning or spontaneous get-togethers.
• Southern Charm Guaranteed: Delivers an authentic taste of Southern culinary tradition with its combination of creamy mayonnaise, tangy mustard, and classic mix-ins that capture the essence of homestyle cooking.

Southern Style Potato Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

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

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Description

Classic Southern potato salad brings comfort and nostalgia to picnic tables across the American South. Creamy, tangy, and packed with homemade flavor, you’ll savor each delightful bite of this traditional side dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 lbs (1.36 kg) potatoes (Yukon Gold, Russet, or Red, peeled and cut into bite-sized cubes)
• 1 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s brand preferred)
• 4 eggs (hard-boiled, peeled and chopped)
• 2 ribs celery (finely chopped)
• 1/3 cup green onions (finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
• 2 tbsps yellow mustard
• 2 tsps apple cider vinegar
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• Paprika (for garnishing)

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Instructions

1. Boil cubed potatoes in cold water over medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain in a colander and allow to cool slightly.
2. Whisk mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a large mixing bowl until smoothly blended.
3. Gently fold sweet pickle relish, chopped hard-boiled eggs, celery, green onions, and cooled potatoes into the dressing, ensuring even coating.
4. Season the potato mixture with kosher salt and black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
5. Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with a light dusting of paprika for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for the best texture and to prevent falling apart during cooking.
• Salt the boiling water generously to enhance the potato’s flavor from the inside out.
• Cool potatoes slightly before mixing to prevent the mayonnaise from breaking down and becoming oily.
• Chop ingredients uniformly for consistent texture and even distribution of flavors throughout the salad.
• Let the potato salad chill for at least an hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and develop a richer taste profile.
• For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.
• Make this dish ahead of time, as it tastes even better after overnight refrigeration, allowing the ingredients to blend harmoniously.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 305 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 2.5 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg