Classic Southern Potato Salad Recipe 🥔✨
Nothing says comfort food like a bowl of Southern Potato Salad. With its creamy texture, tangy dressing, and rich flavors, this iconic side dish embodies the heart and soul of Southern cooking. Whether served at family gatherings, BBQs, or Sunday dinners, it’s a crowd-pleaser that never goes out of style.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 6 russet potatoes: Washed, scrubbed, and diced
- 4 medium-sized eggs: Hard-boiled and diced
- 1 cup mayonnaise: Creamy and rich, the base of the dressing
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard: For a tangy kick
- 4 tbsp dill pickle relish: Adds a hint of zesty sweetness
- ½ cup red onion: Finely chopped for crunch and flavor
- ½ cup celery: Finely diced for texture
- 1 tsp sea salt: Adjust to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper: Freshly ground, for seasoning
Optional Garnish:
- Paprika: For a pop of color and a smoky flavor
- Fresh parsley: Chopped, for a fresh, herby finish
- Chopped green onions: For an additional layer of flavor
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Wash and Dice: Scrub the potatoes clean and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Boil Until Tender: Place the diced potatoes in a large pot of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until fork-tender but not mushy.
- Drain and Cool: Drain the potatoes and set them aside to cool slightly while preparing the other ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Eggs
- Hard-Boil the Eggs: Place eggs in a pot of cold water. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 9–10 minutes.
- Cool and Peel: Immediately transfer the eggs to an ice bath to cool, then peel and dice them into small pieces.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
- Mix the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and dill pickle relish. Stir until smooth.
- Add Vegetables: Fold in the finely chopped red onion and celery. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Toss the Potatoes: Add the cooled potatoes to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold to coat them evenly.
- Incorporate the Eggs: Add the diced hard-boiled eggs and mix gently to avoid breaking them apart too much.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Before serving, sprinkle the salad with paprika and fresh parsley for a burst of color.
- Add optional green onions or chopped bacon for a personal touch.
Pro Tips for the Best Southern Potato Salad
- Use Russet Potatoes: Their starchy texture absorbs the dressing beautifully, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
- Don’t Overcook: Boil the potatoes until they are fork-tender, but avoid making them too soft to prevent a mushy salad.
- Cool Down: Let the potatoes cool slightly before adding the dressing to prevent it from becoming runny.
- Chill for Flavor: Refrigerating the salad for a couple of hours enhances its taste, as the flavors have time to blend.
- Make It Your Own: Customize the salad by adding crispy bacon, a splash of hot sauce, or chopped green bell peppers for a crunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Nostalgic: Brings back memories of family gatherings and sunny BBQs.
- Quick to Make: Simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients make it perfect for any occasion.
- Customizable: Adapt it to your liking with your favorite add-ins and toppings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Great for preparing in advance, saving time on the day of your event.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with grilled ribs, fried chicken, or BBQ pulled pork for a classic Southern meal.
- Serve alongside cornbread, baked beans, or collard greens for a complete comfort-food spread.
- Enjoy it as a standalone lunch or light dinner on a hot summer day.
Conclusion
With its creamy dressing, hearty potatoes, and satisfying crunch, this Southern Potato Salad is a true culinary treasure. It’s easy to make, endlessly versatile, and always a hit at the table. Whether you’re hosting a cookout or simply craving a taste of the South, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds. 🥔✨