A Classic Southern Potato Salad

There’s something deeply nostalgic and heartwarming about a bowl of Southern Potato Salad. This classic side dish is creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, and always a hit at cookouts, holiday dinners, and Sunday suppers. Whether you’re making it for a backyard BBQ or simply serving it alongside fried chicken or ribs, this Southern staple brings comfort and tradition to the table with every spoonful.

Unlike other potato salads, the Southern version typically includes mustard, sweet pickle relish, and a touch of sugar, giving it a beautifully balanced flavor — creamy, tangy, and just a bit sweet. It’s often served chilled and made ahead of time to let all the flavors meld together perfectly.

🛒 Ingredients for Southern Potato Salad

You’ll need these simple ingredients to create the perfect potato salad:

3 pounds russet potatoes (medium-sized, peeled and cut into chunks)

1 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s if you want to stay authentically Southern!)

1/4 cup yellow mustard (for that classic tang and color)

2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

2 teaspoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 cup sweet pickle relish

1/2 small onion, finely diced (optional for extra crunch)

4 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped

Salt & pepper, to taste

Paprika, for garnish

Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or green onion

🧑‍🍳 How to Make Classic Southern Potato Salad

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Peel and chop the potatoes into evenly sized chunks. Place them in a large pot of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 10–12 minutes. You don’t want them too soft or they’ll fall apart—just tender enough.

Once cooked, drain and let them cool completely. You can speed this up by spreading them on a baking sheet or placing them in the fridge.

Step 2: Boil the Eggs

While the potatoes are cooking, place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then cover, turn off the heat, and let sit for 12 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath, peel, and chop.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, onion powder, and sweet pickle relish. Mix until smooth and creamy. This is the tangy-sweet magic that makes Southern potato salad irresistible.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooled potatoes, chopped eggs, and optional diced onion to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together until the potatoes are coated and the ingredients are well mixed. Be careful not to mash the potatoes too much—you want them to keep their shape.

Step 5: Chill

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to fully develop that familiar Southern taste.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, sprinkle with paprika and optionally top with chopped parsley or green onion for color and freshness.

⏱️ Time & Yield

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Chill Time: 2 hours minimum

Total Time: ~2.5 hours

Yield: Serves 8–10

Calories: ~300 per serving

🍽️ Equipment You’ll Need

Large pot for boiling potatoes

Saucepan for boiling eggs

Mixing bowl

Measuring cups & spoons

Rubber spatula

Knife & cutting board

Potato peeler

Colander

👩‍🍳 Tips for the Best Southern Potato Salad

Use russet potatoes for their starchy texture that blends well with the dressing. You can also use Yukon Golds for a creamier result.

Don’t overcook the potatoes. Keep them fork-tender but not mushy.

Cool the potatoes completely before mixing with the dressing to avoid runny salad.

Use Duke’s mayonnaise for a traditional Southern flavor, though any real mayo will work.

Make ahead of time – this dish gets better after chilling!

🥄 Variations to Try

Spicy Southern Style: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

Crunch Factor: Mix in chopped celery or bell pepper.

Egg-Free Option: Skip the eggs and add more pickle relish.

Bacon Lovers: Sprinkle in chopped crispy bacon for a smoky twist.

🧊 Storage Instructions

Store your potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s not freezer-friendly, as mayo-based dressings tend to separate after freezing and thawing.

Always serve cold and don’t leave out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

🍗 What to Serve with Southern Potato Salad

This versatile side dish goes with just about everything, but especially:

Fried chicken or BBQ ribs

Grilled burgers or hot dogs

Pulled pork sandwiches

Fried catfish or grilled shrimp

Deviled eggs and coleslaw for a full Southern spread

❤️ A Dish Full of Southern Charm

Southern potato salad is more than just a side—it’s a dish passed down through generations. Whether you’re using Grandma’s handwritten recipe or creating your own twist, there’s something about this creamy, comforting bowl that feels like home.

It’s that perfect balance of creamy and tangy, with just a little crunch and a whole lot of soul. If you’ve never made it from scratch, now’s the time. Once you do, it’s bound to become your signature dish for every picnic, potluck, or family gathering.

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Did you try this recipe?
Tag your creations with #SouthernPotatoSaladLove and share your favorite add-ins or family traditions in the comments!

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