Zippy Southern Potato Salad Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Classic

Summer gatherings buzz with excitement, and southern potato salad brings pure comfort to the table.

Creamy textures blend perfectly with tangy southern potato salad that sparks memories of backyard barbecues.

Cool, crisp ingredients dance together in a delightful melody of flavors.

Every forkful carries a hint of nostalgia and southern charm.

Chopped pickles and mustard create a zesty kick that makes taste buds sing.

Generations have cherished this classic side dish that transforms simple potatoes into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

Prepare to savor a recipe that celebrates authentic southern cooking with every delicious bite.

Tools to Whip Up Classic Southern Potato Salad

• Large pot: Essential for boiling and cooking potatoes evenly.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining dressing and ingredients.
• Whisk: Helps blend dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping eggs, celery, and onions.
• Sharp knife: Critical for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning and dressing ingredients.
• Colander: Drains potatoes after boiling.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Gently mixes salad ingredients without breaking potatoes.

Making Southern Potato Salad That Stands Out

• Boil Potatoes

Toss peeled and chopped potatoes into a big pot. Fill with cool water and sprinkle some salt into the mix. Let them bubble and simmer until they’re soft enough to pierce easily with a fork.

• Create Creamy Dressing

Whip together a zesty blend of tangy mayo, zingy mustard, splash of vinegar, hint of sugar, dash of paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.

• Combine Ingredients

Fold the slightly cooled potatoes into the creamy dressing. Gently mix in chopped hard-boiled eggs, crunchy celery, sweet relish, and finely diced onions.

• Season and Chill

Give the potato salad a taste and tweak the flavors if needed. Pop the bowl into the refrigerator and let all those delicious flavors mingle and get to know each other for at least an hour before serving.

Tweaks for Texture, Flavor, and Seasoning

• Let potatoes cool slightly before mixing to prevent mashing and maintain perfect potato chunks.
• This salad tastes even better after sitting overnight, allowing flavors to blend and deepen deliciously.
• Swap regular mayo for vegan mayonnaise to create a plant-based version that's equally tangy and delightful.
• Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for those who love an extra kick of heat in their potato salad.

How to Serve This Salad at BBQs or Potlucks

• Picnic Paradise Plating: Serve this classic Southern potato salad in a large glass bowl to showcase its colorful ingredients and creamy texture.
• Backyard BBQ Buddy: Pair alongside grilled meats like juicy burgers, smoky ribs, or crispy fried chicken for a traditional Southern summer feast.
• Garnish Glamour: Sprinkle extra paprika on top, add fresh chopped chives, or place a few parsley leaves for a pop of color and added freshness that makes the dish look restaurant-worthy.
• Potluck Pro Move: Transport in a sealed container with ice packs to keep chilled and bring extra dressing on the side for last-minute touch-ups during outdoor gatherings.

Keep It Cool and Crisp with These Storage Tips

• Store potato salad in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Allow potato salad to cool completely before refrigerating, which helps prevent bacterial growth and maintains optimal texture.
• Enjoy within 3-4 days for best taste and quality, checking for any signs of spoilage before serving.
• Keep potato salad chilled below 40°F during storage and avoid leaving at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent foodborne illness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 7

Southern Potato Salad – What You’ll Need

• Russet Potatoes: Starchy variety perfect for creamy texture, choose firm potatoes without sprouts or green patches.
• Salt: Enhances potato flavor during boiling, helps season potatoes from the inside.

• Mayonnaise: Provides rich, smooth base for salad, select full-fat version for best consistency.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy kick and depth of flavor, opt for smooth blend.
• White Vinegar: Brightens overall taste, balances richness of mayonnaise.
• Sugar: Softens acidic notes, creates subtle sweetness.
• Paprika: Brings warm color and gentle smoky undertone.
• Black Pepper: Offers mild heat and aromatic complexity.
• Salt: Rounds out overall seasoning.

• Hard-Boiled Eggs: Adds protein and creamy element, ensure eggs are room temperature before boiling.
• Celery: Introduces fresh crispness, choose stalks that are firm and bright green.
• Sweet Pickle Relish: Provides sweet-tangy accent, use drained relish to prevent watery salad.
• Yellow Onions: Delivers sharp bite, soak in cold water to reduce intense raw flavor if desired.

Tangy Southern Potato Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Creamy Southern potato salad blends tangy mayo, crisp celery, and zesty mustard for a classic picnic favorite. Cool summer gatherings come alive with this nostalgic Southern classic you’ll crave at backyard barbecues.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 lbs (1.36 kg) potatoes, Yukon Gold or Russet, peeled and diced
• 4 large eggs, hard-boiled, peeled and chopped
• ¾ cup (180 ml) mayonnaise
• ½ cup (120 ml) celery, finely chopped
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) sweet pickle relish
• 2 tbsps yellow mustard
• ¼ cup (60 ml) red onion or green onion, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
• ½ tsp salt (to taste)
• ½ tsp paprika (plus more for garnish)
• 1 tsp sugar
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Potato Preparation: Submerge salted potatoes in chilled water, bringing to a rolling boil and simmering until tender, approximately 10-12 minutes. Drain and allow to cool slightly.
2. Dressing Creation: Blend mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar, paprika, salt, and pepper into a smooth, tangy mixture within a spacious mixing vessel.
3. Salad Assembly: Integrate cooled potatoes, chopped eggs, diced celery, sweet relish, and optional onions into the creamy dressing, gently folding to ensure uniform coating.
4. Flavor Refinement: Sample the salad, adjusting seasonings to achieve a harmonious balance of flavors, adding additional salt, pepper, or condiments as needed.
5. Chilling and Serving: Seal the potato salad and refrigerate for a minimum of one hour, allowing flavors to meld and intensify. Serve chilled as a delectable Southern-style side dish.

Notes

• Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture and ability to absorb dressing.
• Avoid overcooking potatoes by checking doneness with a fork – they should be tender but not falling apart.
• Let potatoes cool slightly before mixing to prevent the mayonnaise from breaking and becoming oily.
• Allow salad to chill for at least an hour to let flavors meld and develop a more complex taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 40mg