Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Classic Southern Potato Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 67 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes (plus 2 hours chilling)
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Southern American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Classic Southern Potato Salad is a creamy and flavorful side dish featuring tender Yukon Gold or russet potatoes mixed with mayonnaise, tangy mustard, apple cider vinegar, and a medley of crunchy celery, red onion, and chopped hard-boiled eggs. Perfectly seasoned and chilled to blend the flavors, it’s an ideal accompaniment for cookouts, picnics, and potlucks.


Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

  • 3 pounds Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

Dressing

  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon celery seed
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Mix-ins

  • 1 cup celery, finely chopped
  • ½ cup red onion or sweet onion, finely chopped
  • 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

Garnish (optional)

  • Paprika
  • Sliced green onions


Instructions

  1. Cook the Potatoes: Place the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender but not falling apart. Drain well and let cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, celery seed, salt, and black pepper until smooth and combined.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked potatoes, finely chopped celery, red onion, and chopped hard-boiled eggs to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together, being careful not to break the potatoes too much, until well coated.
  4. Season and Chill: Taste the potato salad and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle with paprika and sliced green onions if desired for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Notes

  • For a creamier texture, mash a few of the potatoes while mixing the salad.
  • Substitute some mayonnaise with sour cream for a richer flavor.
  • Add dill relish for a tangy variation.
  • Best served chilled; perfect for cookouts, potlucks, and picnics.