Southern Potato Salad

 

Southern Potato Salad: A Creamy, Tangy Classic Made with Love

When it comes to cookouts, potlucks, or Sunday suppers in the South, there’s one dish that always has a place on the table: Southern Potato Salad. It’s more than just a side dish—it’s a tradition, passed down through generations and made with simple ingredients, a whole lot of love, and just the right touch of tang.

Creamy, comforting, and loaded with flavor, Southern Potato Salad is a staple for good reason. Whether you're serving it at a family reunion or alongside barbecue ribs on the back porch, it’s the kind of dish that makes everyone feel right at home.

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What Makes It “Southern”?

While there are many versions of potato salad, Southern-style is known for a few signature traits:

• Yellow mustard (for that signature tang and color)

• Hard-boiled eggs

• Sweet pickle relish

• A creamy base of mayonnaise

• A dash of paprika on top (because Grandma said so)

This combo creates a rich, balanced flavor—tangy, sweet, and savory—with a smooth texture and pops of crunch from celery and onions.

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Southern Potato Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds Yukon gold or russet potatoes, peeled and chopped

• 4 large eggs

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard

• ¼ cup sweet pickle relish (or chopped bread & butter pickles)

• 1 stalk celery, finely chopped

• ¼ cup red or white onion, finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon salt (plus more for boiling water)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Paprika, for garnish

• Optional: 1 tablespoon pickle juice or apple cider vinegar (for extra tang)

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Instructions:

1. Boil the potatoes:
   Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 10–12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender but not falling apart. Drain and let cool slightly.

2. Boil the eggs:
   While the potatoes are cooking, place eggs in a separate pot of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Drain, cool, peel, and chop.

3. Make the dressing:
   In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, pickle relish, salt, pepper, and optional pickle juice or vinegar. Stir well.

4. Assemble the salad:
   Add the warm potatoes to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold to coat. Add chopped eggs, celery, and onions. Stir gently until well combined.

5. Chill and serve:
   Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better). Sprinkle with paprika just before serving.

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Tips for the Best Southern Potato Salad

• Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds for a creamier texture that holds together well. Russets work too but may break down more.

• Don't skip the mustard! It gives Southern potato salad its iconic flavor.

• Adjust to taste: Some like it sweeter, some tangier. Feel free to tweak the relish, mustard, or vinegar to your preference.

• Make ahead: The flavors meld beautifully if made a day in advance.

• Eggs optional? Sure—but they’re traditional and add great richness and texture.

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Perfect Pairings

Southern Potato Salad goes with just about everything, but it especially shines with:

• Fried chicken

• BBQ ribs or pulled pork

• Grilled burgers or hot dogs

• Baked beans and cornbread

• Deviled eggs and sweet tea (for the full Southern experience)

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A Dish That Tells a Story

Southern Potato Salad isn’t just food—it’s nostalgia on a plate. It’s the bowl that always came out at summer cookouts. The side your aunt swore was her secret recipe. The dish you didn’t think about much until you moved away, and suddenly missed like crazy.

Every family has their version, and that’s the beauty of it. Some add diced pimentos, others chop pickles by hand. But the heart of the recipe is always the same: good ingredients, made to share.

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Final Thoughts

If you've never had Southern Potato Salad, this is your sign to make it. Creamy, tangy, and full of flavor, it’s the kind of classic comfort food that turns any meal into a gathering. Whether you serve it at a picnic, potluck, or simple weeknight dinner, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles to the table.

One bite and you’ll understand why this timeless side dish has never gone out of style.