Classic Southern Potato Salad Recipe
Nothing says comfort food quite like a bowl of Classic Southern Potato Salad. This timeless dish has been a staple at family gatherings, summer cookouts, and holiday tables for generations. With its creamy texture, tender potatoes, and just the right balance of tang and seasoning, it captures the heart of Southern cooking in every bite.
What makes this potato salad so special is its simplicity paired with bold flavor. A touch of mustard, creamy mayonnaise, crunchy celery, and the hint of pickle or relish bring everything together, making it both refreshing and hearty. Whether you are serving it alongside fried chicken, barbecue ribs, or simply as part of a picnic spread, this recipe is a true crowd pleaser that always delivers comfort and tradition.
Why You Need This Recipe
Every cookout or family gathering feels incomplete without a big bowl of potato salad, and this classic Southern version is the one you will want to make again and again. It strikes the perfect balance between creamy, tangy, and savoury, with just enough crunch to keep each bite interesting. Unlike store bought versions that often taste bland or overly heavy, this homemade recipe is fresh, flavourful, and made with love.
You need this recipe because it is versatile, easy to prepare, and always a hit with guests. It can be made ahead of time, travels well, and pairs beautifully with almost any main dish. Plus, it carries a touch of nostalgia, reminding us of summer afternoons, family picnics, and holiday feasts where food brought everyone together.
Ingredients
Before we dive in, let’s lay out the simple ingredients that bring this creamy Southern favorite to life.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes | 2 pounds | 620 |
| Hard-Boiled Eggs | 3 large | 210 |
| Mayonnaise | 1 cup | 1440 |
| Yellow Mustard | 2 tablespoons | 20 |
| Sweet Pickle Relish | 1/4 cup | 60 |
| Celery (diced) | 1/2 cup | 8 |
| Red Onion (diced) | 1/4 cup | 15 |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | 0 |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | 3 |
| Paprika (for garnish) | 1/2 teaspoon | 3 |
Estimated Total Calories: ~2,379
(Serves about 8 people, ~297 calories per serving)
How to Prepare
Start by peeling and chopping the potatoes into bite sized chunks. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork tender, usually about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain them well and let them cool slightly so they do not turn mushy when mixed.
While the potatoes are cooling, prepare the dressing by mixing mayonnaise, mustard, pickle relish, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Stir until everything is creamy and well combined. Gently fold in the diced celery, onion, and chopped hard boiled eggs.
Add the cooled potatoes to the bowl and carefully mix until every piece is coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to blend. Before serving, sprinkle paprika on top for that classic Southern touch.
Pro Tips
For the best flavour, let the potato salad chill in the refrigerator for at least a few hours or overnight. This allows the dressing to soak into the potatoes, making every bite more delicious.
Be careful not to overcook the potatoes, as they can become too soft and turn the salad mushy. Aim for just fork tender.
Use Yukon Gold or red potatoes if you want a creamier texture that holds its shape better than russet potatoes.
If you like extra flavour, add a splash of pickle juice or a spoonful of Dijon mustard to the dressing. It gives the salad a tangy kick.
Garnish with paprika, fresh parsley, or extra slices of hard boiled eggs for a traditional Southern look that’s perfect for gatherings.
Perfect Pairings and Toppings
Southern potato salad shines as a side dish for backyard barbecues, picnics, and holiday gatherings. It pairs beautifully with fried chicken, grilled ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, or even a juicy burger. For lighter meals, it goes well with baked fish or roasted vegetables.
As for toppings, a sprinkle of paprika or freshly chopped parsley adds colour and freshness. You can also top it with crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, or extra hard boiled egg slices for added flavour and texture.
conclusion
Classic Southern potato salad is more than just a side dish it is a taste of comfort, tradition, and togetherness. With its creamy texture, tangy flavour, and just the right crunch, this recipe has a way of bringing back memories of family gatherings, Sunday dinners, and summer cookouts.
Whether you serve it alongside smoky barbecue, crispy fried chicken, or as part of a holiday spread, this potato salad never fails to please a crowd. Try it once, and it just might become a staple at your table for years to come.
