Print

Southern Potato Salad Recipe

4.4 from 121 reviews

This classic Southern Potato Salad is a creamy, tangy side dish perfect for picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings. Featuring tender potatoes, chopped hard-boiled eggs, crisp green onions, and sweet pickles, it’s dressed in a flavorful blend of mayonnaise, mustard, and celery seed for an authentic Southern taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Potato Salad Ingredients

  • 5 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 6 large eggs, hard-boiled and chopped
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped sweet pickles
  • 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
  • 1 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook Potatoes: Place peeled and cubed potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Cook uncovered until potatoes are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.
  2. Drain and Chill: Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly and transfer them to the refrigerator to chill until cold, which helps maintain their texture in the salad.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chilled potatoes, chopped hard-boiled eggs, thinly sliced green onions, and chopped sweet pickles. Toss these ingredients together to evenly distribute.
  4. Prepare Dressing: Stir in the prepared mustard, celery seed, and mayonnaise into the potato mixture. Mix thoroughly to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
  5. Season and Refrigerate: Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well once more, then cover and refrigerate until the salad is cold and flavors are well combined, typically at least one hour before serving.

Notes

  • For best results, use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes to maintain shape after cooking.
  • Adjust mayonnaise quantity according to preferred creaminess.
  • Chilling the potato salad allows flavors to meld and improves overall taste.
  • You can substitute celery seed with celery salt, but reduce additional salt accordingly.
  • For a tangier flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or pickle juice.

Keywords: Southern potato salad, creamy potato salad, picnic side dish, classic potato salad, mayonnaise potato salad