If there’s a dish that instantly brings everyone to the table, it’s the Southern Potato Salad Recipe. Packed with creamy dressing, tender potatoes, and just the right crunch from celery and green onions, this Southern classic is a must-have for picnics, potlucks, and every family barbecue. With its irresistible blend of tangy, mildly sweet flavors and just a touch of spice, this potato salad doesn’t just accompany the meal—it steals the show! Whether you’re serving rib-sticking barbecue or a light spread of summer sandwiches, this is the side dish that everyone will be craving seconds of.

Southern Potato Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simplicity is the beauty of potato salad, but each ingredient here brings more than meets the eye—think of creamy richness, tangy pops, and fresh, colorful crunch. Gather these basics, and you’re already halfway to a crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

Russet potatoes: These classic potatoes turn delightfully fluffy yet hold their shape, making them the perfect foundation.
Mayonnaise: Creamy mayo gives this Southern Potato Salad Recipe its signature luscious texture—choose your favorite brand for the richest flavor.
Yellow mustard: For a gentle tang and that hint of sunshine color, a spoonful goes a long way.
Pickle relish: Adds a sweet and bright note that balances all the creaminess.
Garlic powder: Just a sprinkle gives savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Sugar: A dash of sugar heightens the pickle relish and rounds out the vinegar’s sharpness.
White vinegar: This gives a pleasant acidity that keeps the salad from feeling too heavy.
Hard boiled eggs: Diced eggs add protein, extra creaminess, and those soft, golden yolks.
Celery: For a refreshing crunch and a touch of earthy flavor in every bite.
Green onions: They lend sharpness and a pop of color to the finished salad.
Salt & pepper: Essential for perfect seasoning; start with a pinch and taste as you go.
Paprika: A sprinkle over the top adds classic color and a gentle kick at serving time.

How to Make Southern Potato Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

Start by peeling and dicing your russet potatoes into even, one-inch cubes. Place them into a large pot and cover with cold water, then add a generous couple teaspoons of salt. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat and let the potatoes cook until they’re fork-tender—usually about ten minutes. Watch them carefully; you want your potatoes perfectly tender but not falling apart. Once ready, drain them promptly and let them cool slightly so they hold up during mixing.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing

While your potatoes are cooling, grab a large mixing bowl. Stir together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, pickle relish, garlic powder, sugar, and white vinegar until smooth and well blended. This zesty, creamy base is what sets the Southern Potato Salad Recipe apart—it’s tangy, slightly sweet, and completely irresistible!

Step 3: Combine the Potatoes and Dressing

Add your warm, drained potatoes directly to the bowl with the dressing and gently stir to coat every piece. The potatoes will soak up some extra flavor while they’re still warm. Don’t be afraid to use a light hand—stir until everything is just combined.

Step 4: Fold In the Extras

Next, gently fold in the diced hard boiled eggs, the crunchy celery, and the green onions. These ingredients add layers of flavor, creaminess, and crunch, creating a salad that’s both satisfying and fresh. Take a quick taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

If you want to make your Southern Potato Salad Recipe look extra special, top it with a few neatly sliced eggs and a generous sprinkle of vibrant paprika. Not only does this add visual appeal, but that sprinkle of paprika is as traditional as the dish itself.

How to Serve Southern Potato Salad Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing is the secret to taking your salad from good to unforgettable. Lay a few slices of hard boiled egg over the top and dust everything with paprika for classic color and subtle heat. If you want to add some zing, a handful of extra green onion or even a smattering of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill brings fresh flavor and a pop of green.

Side Dishes

This Southern Potato Salad Recipe shines next to all your favorite barbecue mains—everything from smoky pulled pork to sizzling hot dogs or grilled chicken. It also partners beautifully with lighter fare like cold sandwiches or fresh picnic salads, making it a true all-occasion side dish. Keep it simple, and let the potato salad be the star it was born to be!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your potato salad in a vintage glass bowl to show off its colors, or try individual mason jars for portable picnics. For a fun twist, spoon it into lettuce cups for a pretty presentation at a garden luncheon. However you serve it, this eye-catching Southern Potato Salad Recipe always gets plenty of attention.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually meld and deepen as it sits, making day two as delicious (if not even better) than day one. Properly covered, it’ll keep nicely for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing

Potato salad is best enjoyed fresh, since freezing can change the texture of the potatoes and cause the creamy dressing to separate. If you must freeze, place in an airtight container, but expect a bit of liquid when thawed. Stir well after defrosting, but honestly, this Southern Potato Salad Recipe truly shines when kept chilled—not frozen.

Reheating

This is a salad meant to be served cold or at cool room temperature. If it’s been refrigerated for a while, simply stir, taste, and allow it to rest out of the fridge for 15–20 minutes before serving. There’s no need to reheat, as chilling brings out its best creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato?

Absolutely! While russet potatoes are classic for the Southern Potato Salad Recipe, Yukon Gold potatoes are a great alternative—they hold their shape beautifully and their slightly buttery flavor is delicious. Red potatoes also work well and add a lovely color to the finished salad.

Is it possible to lighten up the dressing?

Yes, you can easily swap part of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt or light mayo for a bit less richness while keeping that creamy texture. Just make sure to taste and adjust the seasonings, as these substitutes can be tangier or milder than regular mayo.

How long can I leave Southern Potato Salad Recipe out at room temperature?

Since the salad contains mayonnaise and eggs, it shouldn’t sit out for more than two hours—especially outdoors on a hot day. Keep it chilled in the fridge until ready to serve, and return leftovers to the fridge promptly for food safety.

Can I prepare the Southern Potato Salad Recipe in advance?

Definitely! In fact, making it up to 24 hours ahead allows the flavors to blend and deepen. Just hold off on adding any delicate garnishes like fresh herbs or egg slices until just before serving so everything looks and tastes as fresh as possible.

My potatoes ended up mushy. What went wrong?

It’s easy to overcook potatoes if you don’t watch them closely. Be sure to check for doneness with a fork after about 10 minutes of boiling—the potatoes should be tender but still firm enough to hold their shape when mixed. Drain them as soon as they reach this point to avoid mushiness.

Final Thoughts

This Southern Potato Salad Recipe is so much more than a side dish—it’s a celebration of family gatherings, summer picnics, and everything delicious about Southern comfort food. Give it a try for your next get-together and watch it disappear in record time—I promise your family and friends will be asking for the recipe!