Southern Potato Salad Recipe: Creamy, Tangy & Absolutely Irresistible

 Southern Potato Salad Recipe: Creamy, Tangy & Absolutely Irresistible

If you're searching for the ultimate Southern Potato Salad, look no further. This classic Southern side dish is a staple at every BBQ, potluck, and family gathering across the South. It’s rich, creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet—a harmonious blend of comfort and flavor that never fails to impress. The velvety texture of mayonnaise, the sharp tang of mustard, the crunch of fresh celery, and the pop of sweet pickle relish all come together in one unforgettable bite.

Whether served alongside crispy Southern fried chicken, smoky ribs, or even as a standalone lunch on a warm summer day, this Old-Fashioned Potato Salad is the kind of recipe that gets passed down through generations—and for good reason.

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⭐ Why You’ll Love This Southern Potato Salad

Bold, nostalgic Southern flavors

Quick prep—ready in about 30 minutes!

Perfect for making ahead

Ideal for picnics, BBQs, and holidays

A crowd-pleaser that’s always the first bowl empty!

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🛒 Ingredients (and Why They Matter)

Each ingredient in this Southern Potato Salad recipe has a purpose. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Main Ingredients:

2 lbs Russet Potatoes

Russets are perfect for their fluffy interior and ability to absorb flavor once cooked. They're also easy to peel and chop once cooled.

3 Large Eggs, hard-boiled and chopped

Eggs add richness and a bit of texture, making the salad feel hearty and satisfying.

1/2 cup Mayonnaise

The base of our creamy dressing. Use a high-quality mayo for the best flavor (think Duke’s or Hellmann’s).

2 tablespoons Yellow Mustard

Adds that signature Southern tang and a beautiful golden color.

1 tablespoon White Vinegar

Balances the richness of the mayo with a little acidity to brighten the flavor.

1 tablespoon Sugar

Just a touch of sweetness to complement the tang and mimic the flavor of sweet pickles.

1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder

Adds subtle depth and savory flavor without overpowering.

1/3 cup Sweet Pickle Relish

Provides that sweet-and-sour crunch that Southern potato salad is known for.

1/3 cup Celery, finely chopped

Adds fresh, crisp texture to contrast the creamy potatoes.

1/4 cup Red or Yellow Onion, finely chopped

For a sharp bite and extra texture.

Salt & Black Pepper to taste

Essential to bring out the flavor of all the ingredients.

Paprika (for garnish)

Adds a pop of color and subtle smoky flavor.

1 additional hard-boiled egg, sliced (for topping)

Makes the dish look finished and traditional—classic Southern style!

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🥣 How to Make Southern Potato Salad – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Peel (or leave skin on, your choice!) and chop Russet potatoes into large chunks. Place in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt.

Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine:

Mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar, and onion powder. Whisk until smooth and set aside.

Step 3: Chop & Combine

Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut into bite-sized pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.

Add the chopped hard-boiled eggs, celery, onion, and relish.

Step 4: Mix it All Together

Pour the prepared dressing over the potato mixture. Gently fold everything together until well-coated. Be careful not to overmix—some chunks should remain!

Step 5: Season to Taste

Add salt and black pepper to your liking. Taste and adjust if needed.

Step 6: Garnish & Chill

Top with sliced egg and a generous sprinkle of paprika. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better).

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💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Southern Potato Salad

Don’t overcook the potatoes – You want them tender but not mushy.

Let potatoes cool slightly before mixing – Too hot and they’ll soak up too much dressing and turn pasty.

Use high-quality mayo and relish – These make a big difference in flavor.

Make ahead of time – Flavors deepen after chilling, making it even better the next day.

Optional Add-ins: Try adding diced pimentos, chopped dill pickles, or even crumbled bacon for a twist!

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🍗 What to Serve with Southern Potato Salad

This side dish pairs perfectly with just about anything, but especially:

Fried Chicken

BBQ Ribs or Pulled Pork

Grilled Burgers or Hot Dogs

Baked Beans

Cornbread or Biscuits

Fresh Watermelon or Iced Tea

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🔥 Why This Recipe Stands Out

What sets this Southern Potato Salad apart is its balance of textures and flavors—creamy, crunchy, tangy, and sweet, all in one bite. It’s comforting and nostalgic, yet fresh and vibrant. The simplicity of ingredients makes it easy to whip up, yet it tastes like something you’d find at a family reunion or Sunday dinner in the South.

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📝 Final Thoughts: Classic, Creamy & Completely Addictive

This is Southern comfort food at its finest. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, you can create a dish that brings people together and leaves no leftovers. Whether you're hosting a cookout or prepping for a holiday meal, this Southern Potato Salad is guaranteed to become your go-to recipe.

✅ Easy to make

✅ Loaded with flavor

✅ Perfect make-ahead side dish

👉 Pin it, print it, and share it—because this is the only potato salad recipe you'll ever need.

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📌 Tried this Southern Potato Salad?

Leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out. Don’t forget to tag your pho

tos with #SouthernSpudsLove on Instagram!

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