Southern Potato Salad

Southern potato salad made with Yukon Gold potatoes, eggs, celery, and creamy mayo dressing in a large bowl.

Welcome to your new favorite side dish. This classic potato salad is a crowd-pleaser for any picnic, barbecue, or family meal. With its creamy texture and tangy flavor, it’s the perfect complement to grilled meats and sandwiches. This recipe is simple to follow and even better when made ahead, so you can enjoy delicious, flavorful potato salad whenever you want.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a classic for a reason. The combination of tender potatoes, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing is simply irresistible.
The flavor gets better over time. This potato salad is perfect for meal prep. The flavors deepen and meld together beautifully as it chills.
It’s easy to customize. You can easily add your own favorite ingredients to make it your own.

What You Need to Make the Recipe

Ingredients

3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 large hard-boiled eggs, diced
2 celery ribs, diced
1/2 red onion, diced
1/4 cup pickle relish

Dressing

1 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika

Tools & Equipment

Large pot: For boiling the potatoes.
Colander: To drain the water from the cooked potatoes.
Large mixing bowl: For combining all the ingredients.
Whisk: For making the smooth dressing.
Spoon or spatula: To gently mix the salad.

How to Make It Step-by-Step

Before You Begin

Wash and dry all produce. Use fully cooked, cooled hard-boiled eggs. Allow potatoes to cool completely before adding dressing. Prep and cook times may vary depending on your equipment, potato size, and temperature of ingredients.

Step 1 — Boil the Potatoes Safely
Place cubed potatoes in a pot and cover with cold salted water. Bring to a boil and cook 12–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness.

Step 2 — Drain and Cool Completely
Drain in a colander and let the potatoes cool 20–30 minutes, until no longer warm to the touch. Warm potatoes can cause the dressing to thin or separate.

Step 3 — Add Mix-Ins
Transfer the cooled potatoes to a large bowl. Add the diced hard-boiled eggs, celery, onion, and relish. Do not mix yet.

Step 4 — Make the Dressing
Whisk mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, salt, garlic powder, pepper, and paprika until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5 — Combine Gently
Pour dressing over the potatoes and gently fold until coated. Avoid stirring too aggressively to maintain the potato texture.

Step 6 — Chill Before Serving
Refrigerate at least 1 hour, or longer if preferred. Serving chilled helps the flavors blend and gives the best texture.

Homemade creamy Southern-style potato salad mixed with mustard, relish, and paprika for summer picnics and BBQs.

How to Serve

This creamy potato salad is a perfect partner for almost any meal.

Serve it alongside grilled chicken, smoked ribs, or hot dogs for a classic BBQ spread.
For a picnic, pair it with sandwiches and a light fruit salad.
It’s also great with other Southern favorites like baked beans or fried chicken.

Storage, Reheating, & Make-Ahead

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Make-Ahead: This is a great make-ahead dish! Prepare it a day in advance for the best flavor.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended. It will change the texture of the potatoes and the dressing will separate.

Special Tips

Use the right potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are the best choice because they are creamy but still hold their shape when cooked.
Cool the potatoes completely: This is the most important tip. Hot potatoes will make the dressing oily.
Don’t overcook: Cook the potatoes just until they are fork-tender. If they are too soft, they will become mushy when you mix in the dressing.
Season generously: Taste the salad after mixing. You might want to add a little more salt or pepper to get the flavor just right.

Variations

Add crunch: Add chopped bell peppers, shredded carrots, or diced dill pickles for more texture.
Spicy kick: Mix in a dash of cayenne pepper or a spoonful of hot sauce to the dressing.
Fresh herbs: Add fresh chives, parsley, or dill for a vibrant, fresh flavor.

Side Dishes

Baked beans: Sweet and savory baked beans are a classic pairing.
Coleslaw: The crunchy texture of coleslaw contrasts nicely with the creamy potato salad.
Corn on the cob: A simple and delicious side for any barbecue.
Deviled eggs: Another creamy classic that complements the meal.

Common Mistakes

Using hot potatoes: Always let your potatoes cool completely before you add the dressing.
Overcooking the potatoes: Mushy potatoes will ruin the texture of the salad. Cook them just until they are fork-tender.
Skipping the chill time: The flavors need time to meld. Don’t skip the hour in the fridge.
Not seasoning enough: Make sure you taste and adjust the salt and pepper. A bland potato salad is no fun.

A Short History

Potato salad has a long history, with its roots in German cuisine. The original German versions often use a vinegar-based dressing. However, when the recipe made its way to the American South, it was adapted to include a creamy, mayonnaise-based dressing. This new version became a staple at family gatherings and community events.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes this potato salad “Southern”?

A: This style of potato salad is called “Southern” because it typically uses a creamy, mayonnaise-based dressing, often with a hint of mustard and a sweet or tangy element like pickle relish. This is different from German potato salad, which uses a vinegar and oil dressing. The creamy, rich flavor is a hallmark of Southern cooking.

Q: Can I use different types of potatoes?

A: While Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture and ability to hold their shape, you could also use new potatoes or red potatoes. Russet potatoes are not the best choice because they can become mealy and fall apart easily.

Q: Why do my potatoes get mushy?

A: This usually happens from overcooking. Cook the potatoes just until a fork can easily pierce them. Also, be sure to use a gentle hand when mixing the dressing in so you don’t break up the potatoes.

Q: How long can I keep the potato salad in the fridge?

A: You can safely store the potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Q: What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?

A: You can substitute it with yellow mustard, but the flavor will be a little different. Dijon mustard adds a more complex, tangy flavor. You could also just leave it out if you don’t have any on hand.

Conclusion

Southern potato salad is one of those dishes that feels familiar the moment it hits the table. It’s simple, comforting, and full of the classic flavors everyone loves—creamy dressing, tender potatoes, and just the right amount of crunch. Whether you’re planning a weekend cookout, packing a picnic, or putting together a quick family meal, this recipe fits right in. Make it ahead, let it chill, and serve it when you’re ready. It’s the kind of dish that always disappears fast and keeps everyone coming back for another scoop.