Classic Southern Potato Salad Recipe – A True Comfort Food

Potato salad is one of those timeless comfort foods that never goes out of style. In the South, it’s more than just a side dish—it’s a tradition that shows up at Sunday dinners, church gatherings, picnics, and family barbecues. Creamy, tangy, and perfectly seasoned, Southern Potato Salad is the kind of recipe that brings everyone together around the table.

This recipe is the real deal: tender potatoes mixed with creamy mayonnaise, tangy mustard, crunchy celery, sweet pickle relish, and hard-boiled eggs for richness. It’s chilled until all the flavors blend into one irresistible bite. If you’ve ever been to a Southern cookout, you know potato salad isn’t just food—it’s love in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Southern Potato Salad

• Classic Flavor – Creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet with the perfect balance of textures.
• Family-Friendly – A dish loved by both kids and adults.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Ideal for summer barbecues, holiday dinners, or as a make-ahead potluck dish.
• Customizable – You can make it more tangy, more creamy, or even spicy depending on your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make authentic Southern Potato Salad:

• 3 lbs (1.4 kg) potatoes – Russet or Yukon Gold work best. Russets get fluffy while Yukon Golds stay creamy and hold their shape.
• 1 ½ cups mayonnaise – Duke’s mayonnaise is the Southern classic, but use your favorite brand.
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard – Gives the salad that tangy, golden Southern flavor.
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – Balances the richness of the mayo.
• 1 teaspoon sugar – A little sweetness brings the flavors together.
• ½ teaspoon paprika – Adds color and a smoky hint.
• 1 cup celery, finely diced – Adds crunch and freshness.
• 1 cup onion, finely diced – Red or white onion both work; dice small so it blends into the salad.
• ½ cup sweet pickle relish – A Southern must-have. It gives that signature sweet-tangy kick.
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped – For richness and extra flavor.
• Salt and black pepper to taste – Season well so the flavors shine.
• Optional garnish – Extra sliced hard-boiled egg and a sprinkle of paprika on top.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes

• Peel and cut the potatoes into even chunks. This helps them cook evenly.
• Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water.
• Bring to a boil and cook for about 10–12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender but not falling apart.
• Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly so they don’t fall apart when mixing.

2. Make the Dressing

• In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning—you may want a little extra mustard for tang or sugar for sweetness.

3. Combine Everything

• In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked potatoes, diced celery, diced onion, pickle relish, and chopped hard-boiled eggs.
• Pour the creamy dressing over the top.
• Gently fold everything together with a spatula, being careful not to mash the potatoes too much.

4. Chill the Salad

• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better. This resting time allows the flavors to blend beautifully.

5. Serve and Garnish

• Just before serving, top with sliced hard-boiled egg and sprinkle with paprika.
• Serve chilled as a side dish to your favorite grilled meats, fried chicken, or holiday roast.

Expert Tips for the Best Potato Salad

• Use the right potatoes: Yukon Golds are creamy and hold their shape, while Russets are fluffy and soak up the dressing.
• Don’t overcook: Potatoes should be tender but not mushy. Overcooking makes the salad watery.
• Chill before serving: The longer it sits, the better it tastes. At least 2 hours is a must.
• Adjust creaminess: Add more mayonnaise if you like it extra creamy.
• Make it ahead: Potato salad tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead dish.

Variations You Can Try

• Deviled Egg Potato Salad – Add more mustard, paprika, and mash the yolks into the dressing for that deviled egg flavor.
• Bacon Potato Salad – Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky, savory twist.
• Spicy Potato Salad – Stir in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Dill Pickle Potato Salad – Replace sweet relish with dill relish for a more tangy bite.

What to Serve With Southern Potato Salad

Southern potato salad is a versatile side dish that pairs perfectly with:

• Fried chicken
• BBQ ribs or pulled pork
• Grilled burgers or hot dogs
• Baked beans
• Cornbread
• Coleslaw

Storage Instructions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Do not freeze—mayonnaise-based salads don’t thaw well.

Final Thoughts

Southern Potato Salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a Southern tradition that represents comfort, family, and good food. With its creamy dressing, crunchy vegetables, and tangy flavor, this potato salad is the perfect addition to your next barbecue, picnic, or holiday feast.

Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why no Southern gathering is ever complete without a big bowl of potato salad on the table.