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Easy Southern Potato Salad

Easy Southern Potato Salad

A classic, creamy, and tangy Southern-style potato salad featuring tender potatoes, crisp celery, hard-boiled eggs, and a rich, slightly sweet mustard dressing.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Picnic Food, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

Potatoes and Eggs
  • 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes Peeled and cubed (about 1-inch pieces)
  • 6 Large eggs Hard-boiled and chopped
  • 1 cup Celery Finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup Red onion Finely minced
Dressing
  • 1 1/2 cups Mayonnaise Full fat recommended
  • 1/4 cup Yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons Sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper Freshly ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon Paprika For garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Do not overcook.
  2. Drain the potatoes immediately and transfer them to a large bowl. Let them cool for about 10 minutes. While still slightly warm, gently toss the potatoes with the apple cider vinegar to allow them to absorb the tanginess.
  3. While the potatoes cool, prepare the dressing: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
  4. Gently fold the chopped hard-boiled eggs, celery, and red onion into the cooled potatoes.
  5. Pour the prepared dressing over the potato mixture. Gently fold everything together until the potatoes and vegetables are evenly coated. Take care not to mash the potatoes too much.
  6. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning (salt/pepper) if necessary, and garnish with a light sprinkle of paprika.

Notes

For a truly authentic Southern flavor, some cooks prefer to add a teaspoon of prepared horseradish or a splash of dill pickle juice to the dressing mixture. Ensure potatoes are cooled slightly before adding dressing to prevent the mayonnaise from separating.
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