Southern Potato Salad is a beloved staple at Southern gatherings, known for its creamy texture and tangy flavor. Made with tender russet potatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, hard-boiled eggs, and a touch of sweet pickle relish, this classic dish brings comfort and nostalgia to any table. Whether you’re preparing for a family barbecue or a holiday feast, Southern Potato Salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Discover the secrets to making the perfect Southern Potato Salad, expert tips, variations, and answers to your most common questions.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What Makes Southern Potato Salad Special?
Southern Potato Salad stands out for its creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor profile that instantly evokes memories of family gatherings and summer picnics. Unlike other potato salads, Southern Potato Salad is all about balance—combining the richness of mayonnaise, the sharpness of yellow mustard, and the subtle sweetness of pickle relish. Adding hard-boiled eggs, crisp celery, and sweet onion gives it a satisfying texture and depth of flavor that’s hard to beat.
What truly sets Southern Potato Salad apart is its ability to bring people together. It’s a dish that’s passed down through generations, with each family adding their twist. Some prefer extra eggs, while others add a dash of paprika or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a little zing. No matter the variation, the heart of Southern Potato Salad remains the same: it’s comfort food at its finest, made to be shared and enjoyed.
Compared to other regional potato salads, such as the tangy, herb-filled French potato salad or the simple, mayo-free German version, Southern Potato Salad is unapologetically creamy and rich. It’s the perfect side dish for fried chicken, barbecue, or even a simple sandwich lunch. If you’re looking to capture the true spirit of Southern hospitality, mastering this classic recipe is a must.
Southern Potato Salad Ingredients
The magic of Southern Potato Salad lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component brings its taste and texture, blending for the perfect side dish to complement any Southern meal.
Why Use Russet Potatoes?
Russet potatoes are the go-to choice for Southern Potato Salad because of their starchy texture. When boiled, they become tender yet hold their shape, absorbing all the creamy dressing’s flavors. This creates that classic, hearty base every Southern Potato Salad needs.
The Role of Mayonnaise and Mustard
A true Southern Potato Salad depends on a creamy dressing, and that’s where mayonnaise and yellow mustard shine. Mayonnaise delivers a rich, smooth texture, while yellow mustard adds a mild tanginess and a signature hint of color. For those who enjoy a homemade touch, try making your own Homemade Mayonnaise for an even richer flavor.
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Southern Potato Salad Best Classic Recipe
- Total Time: PT30M
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
Southern Potato Salad is rich, creamy, and full of classic down-home flavor. Made with a perfect blend of mayonnaise and mustard, it features chopped hard-boiled eggs, sweet onion, crunchy celery, and sweet pickle relish for that signature Southern taste. Just like Grandma used to make, this comforting side dish is a must-have for picnics, BBQs, or Sunday suppers.
Ingredients
Complete Ingredient List:
- 3 pounds medium russet potatoes
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 1/2 sweet onion, chopped
- 4 hard-boiled eggs (3 chopped, 1 sliced for topping)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Paprika, for garnish
Instructions
Cut each potato in half. Place in a large pot and cover with 1 inch of water. Add 2 teaspoons salt and bring to a simmer. Simmer until fork tender all the way through, about 20 minutes. Drain well. Let cool and then peel and discard the skins.
Place potatoes in a large bowl. Run a knife through them until they are cut into bite-sized pieces.
Mix mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar, and onion powder in a small bowl. Pour over potatoes and mix in well.
Add relish, celery, onion, and the chopped eggs. Mix in.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Top with sliced egg and sprinkle with paprika. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Prep Time: PT10M
- Cook Time: PT20M
Nutrition
- Calories: 375kcal
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 7g
The Secret Ingredients: Relish, Eggs, and More
Sweet pickle relish brings a burst of sweetness and crunch, balancing out the tangy and savory notes. Hard-boiled eggs add creaminess and protein, while bits of chopped celery and sweet onion provide that addictively fresh crunch. Don’t forget a light sprinkle of paprika on top for a classic finish!
Complete Ingredient List:
- 3 pounds medium russet potatoes
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 1/2 sweet onion, chopped
- 4 hard-boiled eggs (3 chopped, 1 sliced for topping)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Paprika, for garnish
With these ingredients combined, Southern Potato Salad becomes a creamy, tangy, and utterly irresistible staple guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering.
Step-by-Step Southern Potato Salad Recipe
Southern Potato Salad is easy to make, and a few key steps ensure that every batch turns out creamy and delicious.
Prepping the Potatoes
Begin by cutting each russet potato in half. Place them in a large pot, cover them with water, and add a couple of teaspoons of salt. Bring the water to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender—this usually takes about 20 minutes. After draining, let them cool. Once cool, peel and discard the skins, then cut the potatoes into bite-sized pieces for that perfect salad texture.
Mixing the Dressing
While the potatoes cool, make the creamy dressing that sets Southern Potato Salad apart. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and onion powder. This blend creates a rich, tangy base that clings to each piece of potato.
Assembling the Salad
Gently combine your cut potatoes with the dressing. Add sweet pickle relish, chopped celery, sweet onion, and the chopped hard-boiled eggs. Carefully fold everything together—overmixing can break down the potatoes too much, while a gentle touch keeps your salad creamy but textured. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Chilling and Serving Tips
Once assembled, transfer your Southern Potato Salad to a serving bowl. Top with sliced hard-boiled egg and a sprinkle of paprika for a classic presentation. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving—this step allows the flavors to meld and gives the salad its cool, refreshing character.
Southern Potato Salad is best enjoyed cold, making it the perfect side for picnics, barbecues, and potlucks. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a bowl of Southern comfort everyone will remember.
Southern Potato Salad Tips & Common Mistakes
Even a time-tested recipe like Southern Potato Salad benefits from a few expert tips. Following these suggestions will help you avoid common mistakes and ensure your salad turns out perfect every time.
Don’t Overcook the Potatoes:
One of the biggest mistakes is cooking potatoes until they’re mushy. The best Southern Potato Salad has pieces of potato that hold their shape and soak up the dressing, but aren’t falling apart. Keep a close eye on them, and test with a fork for tenderness—it should slide in easily, but the potato should remain intact.
Mix Carefully:
When folding the potatoes with the dressing, use a gentle hand. Overmixing can cause the potatoes to break down and the salad to become gummy rather than creamy. Gently stir until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Let the Flavors Meld:
Patience pays off! Southern Potato Salad tastes best after chilling for several hours. This resting time allows the flavors to develop and results in a more cohesive, robust taste.
Season Properly:
Taste as you go and remember to season with plenty of salt and pepper. Potatoes can be bland without enough seasoning. Adjust to your taste.
Don’t Skip the Vinegar:
A touch of vinegar brightens the flavor and keeps the salad from tasting flat. Even if you’re tempted to omit it, remember it’s one of the secrets to that classic Southern Potato Salad zing.
Storage Advice:
Store your Southern Potato Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s safest to consume within 3–4 days. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for extended periods, especially when serving outdoors.
By avoiding these pitfalls and following these tips, you’ll master Southern Potato Salad every time. For more crowd-pleasing Southern sides, check out our Easy Coleslaw Recipe—it pairs perfectly with potato salad at any picnic or potluck!
Conclusion
Southern Potato Salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a cherished tradition that brings people together at every Southern gathering. With its creamy texture, tangy flavor, and the perfect blend of mayonnaise, mustard, and sweet pickle relish, Southern Potato Salad stands out as a true comfort food. Whether you’re making it for a summer barbecue, a holiday meal, or a simple family dinner, this Southern Potato Salad recipe is sure to impress.
Don’t forget, the secret to unforgettable Southern Potato Salad is in the details: use russet potatoes, mix your dressing well, and let the salad chill so the flavors can meld. Pair your Southern Potato Salad with other Southern classics like deviled eggs or coleslaw for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Try this Southern Potato Salad recipe at your next gathering and experience why it’s a staple in Southern kitchens. Once you taste the creamy, tangy goodness of homemade Southern Potato Salad, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Variations & Frequently Asked Questions
Southern Potato Salad is a classic, but there are plenty of ways to make it your own. Let’s explore some popular variations and answer the most common questions about this beloved dish.
What are the 4 ingredients in potato salad?
While Southern Potato Salad often includes more, the four basic ingredients in a traditional potato salad are potatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, and eggs. These create the creamy, tangy base that defines the dish. Of course, Southern versions often add extras like sweet pickle relish, celery, and onion for more flavor and texture.
How do you make Paula Deen’s potato salad?
Paula Deen’s potato salad recipe is similar to the classic Southern style, featuring russet potatoes, mayonnaise, yellow mustard, hard-boiled eggs, sweet onion, and pickle relish. She sometimes adds a touch of celery and season with season and pepper. The key is to mix gently and chill before serving, just like in our main recipe.
What’s in traditional potato salad?
Traditional potato salad typically includes boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, hard-boiled eggs, and seasonings like salt and pepper. Some recipes add onions, celery, or pickles for extra crunch and flavor. The Southern version is known for its creamy texture and the addition of sweet pickle relish.
What is French potato salad?
French potato salad is quite different from Southern Potato Salad. It’s usually made with waxy potatoes, tossed in a vinaigrette of olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs like parsley and tarragon. It’s lighter, tangier, and doesn’t use mayonnaise or eggs.
Why put vinegar in potato salad?
Vinegar adds a subtle tang and helps balance the richness of the mayonnaise. It also enhances the overall flavor and can help the potatoes absorb the dressing better. A splash of apple cider vinegar is a classic touch in Southern Potato Salad, giving it that signature zing.