Southern Potato Salad: A Creamy Classic That Feels Like Home
Southern Potato Salad is more than just a side dish — it’s a tradition, a comfort, and a reminder of family gatherings under the sun. With its creamy texture, tangy dressing, and the perfect balance of soft potatoes and crunchy bits, this dish is a staple at picnics, barbecues, and Sunday suppers across the South. Whether you’re new to Southern cooking or simply craving a taste of nostalgia, this recipe will walk you through creating the perfect Southern Potato Salad step by step.
🥔 Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a classic Southern Potato Salad, gather the following ingredients:
- 6 large russet or Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/3 cup finely chopped onion (sweet onion preferred)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance flavors)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Paprika, for garnish
- Chopped green onions or fresh parsley, for optional garnish
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Potatoes
- Start by peeling and cutting the potatoes into even-sized cubes. This ensures they cook uniformly.
- Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold, salted water.
- Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for about 10–12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork but not mushy.
- Drain the potatoes well and spread them on a baking sheet to cool slightly.
- While still warm, sprinkle with apple cider vinegar. This gives the salad its signature Southern tang.
Step 2: Hard-Boil the Eggs
- In a small saucepan, add the eggs and cover them with water.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and remove from heat. Let sit for 10–12 minutes.
- Drain and transfer eggs to an ice bath to stop the cooking.
- Peel and chop three of the eggs; reserve one for garnishing the top.
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