Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Southern Flavor: Creamy, tangy, and full of flavor, it’s everything you want in a potato salad.
Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh veggies, this recipe is easy to prepare.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday, picnic, or BBQ, this potato salad is a crowd favorite.

Ingredients

(Tip: Full ingredient list and measurements are in the recipe card below.)

For the Potato Salad:

2 pounds red potatoes (or Yukon gold potatoes)
3 large eggs
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp yellow mustard
2 tbsp sweet pickle relish (or chopped pickles)
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp paprika (for garnish)
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/4 cup finely chopped onion (yellow or green onion)
Optional: 1/4 cup chopped dill pickles or 1/2 tsp garlic powder for extra flavor

Directions

1. Boil the Potatoes:

Wash and scrub the potatoes well. Cut them into bite-sized chunks (leaving the skins on for a rustic texture).
Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the potatoes for 10-12 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Be careful not to overcook them—they should be firm but soft enough to easily bite into.
Drain the potatoes and set them aside to cool slightly.

2. Boil the Eggs:

In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and add the eggs. Boil for 10-12 minutes for hard-boiled eggs.
Once cooked, transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to cool, then peel and chop them into small pieces.

3. Make the Dressing:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, pickle relish, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy. If you like a tangier flavor, feel free to adjust the amount of mustard or vinegar to your taste.

4. Combine the Salad:

Once the potatoes have cooled slightly, add them to the dressing mixture and gently stir to coat the potatoes with the dressing.
Add in the chopped eggs, celery, and onions. Mix everything together carefully, ensuring the potatoes don’t break apart too much.

5. Chill:

Cover the potato salad and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes the salad even tastier.

6. Garnish & Serve:

Before serving, sprinkle the top with a little paprika for color and extra flavor.
Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or more pickles for extra crunch.

Servings and Timing

Serves: 6-8
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30-40 minutes (plus chilling time)

Variations

Spicy Version: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the dressing for a spicy kick.
Greek Yogurt: Swap out half of the mayo for Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter version.
Herbs: Add fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives for added flavor and color.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store the potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Potato salad is best served cold, so no need to reheat. Simply remove from the fridge about 15 minutes before serving for easier mixing.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, you can use Yukon gold potatoes for a creamier texture, or Russet potatoes if you prefer them a bit fluffier. Red potatoes are traditionally used in Southern potato salad for their waxy texture and color.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, potato salad actually gets better as it sits in the fridge, so making it a day ahead is a great idea. The flavors have time to meld together, making it even tastier.

Can I make this without eggs?

If you prefer, you can make the potato salad without eggs or substitute with chopped avocado for a creamy texture.

How can I make this potato salad creamier?

If you want a creamier texture, add a bit more mayonnaise or use a bit of sour cream mixed into the dressing. You could also mash some of the potatoes to create a smoother texture.

Can I freeze potato salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze potato salad, as the texture of the potatoes and dressing can change when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Conclusion

This Southern Potato Salad is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s a must-have at any family gathering, picnic, or BBQ. The combination of tender potatoes, tangy dressing, and crunchy veggies makes it the perfect side dish that complements any main course. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make a batch of this Southern classic that will be sure to impress your guests!

Southern Potato Salad Recipe