Irresistible Classic Southern Potato Salad
Delight in the flavors of Classic Southern Potato Salad — a creamy, tangy, and satisfying side dish that brings Southern comfort to any meal. Perfect for picnics, BBQs, or family gatherings, this timeless recipe is easy to prepare and full of nostalgic flavor.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Mixing Bowls
- Spatula or large spoon
- Knife
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best
- 1 cup mayonnaise use high-quality for best flavor
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup celery finely chopped
- ½ cup red onion chopped
- ¼ cup sweet pickle relish
- salt and pepper to taste
- hard-boiled eggs optional for garnish
- paprika optional for garnish
Instructions
- Wash, peel, and chop the potatoes into even-sized pieces for uniform cooking.
- Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with salted water, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender, then drain and let cool.
- While the potatoes cool, finely chop the celery and red onion.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.
- Once cooled, peel and dice the potatoes. Gently fold them into the dressing along with the celery, onion, and sweet pickle relish.
- Toss gently until evenly coated, being careful not to mash the potatoes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed — add more salt, mustard, or vinegar to preference.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Before serving, garnish with sliced hard-boiled eggs and a sprinkle of paprika.
Notes
For a lighter version, replace half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. To enhance flavor, add a splash of pickle juice or a handful of fresh herbs like dill or parsley. Always chill before serving for the best taste and texture.