This Easy Southern-Style Potato Salad is perfect for picnics and family gatherings! It’s creamy, tangy, and loaded with diced potatoes, eggs, and crunchy pickles that make every bite tasty.
I love how simple it is to whip up! Just boil, mix, and chill. Serve it with burgers or hot dogs, and watch it disappear! Who needs fancy when you have comfort food? 🥔✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Yukon gold or red potatoes work best for their creamy texture. If you need a substitute, try Russets, but they may be a bit starchier. I prefer Yukon gold for its buttery flavor.
Eggs: They add creaminess and protein. If you’re vegan, try using mashed avocado or tofu to mimic the texture instead.
Mayonnaise: This is the base for the creamy dressing. You can use Greek yogurt for a lighter option or vegan mayo for a dairy-free version.
Sweet pickle relish: This adds a hint of sweetness. If you don’t have it, chopped dill pickles or a splash of pickle juice work nicely as a substitute.
Mustard: Yellow mustard gives that tang. If you want a different flavor, Dijon mustard can add a nice twist!
What’s the Best Way to Boil Potatoes Without Them Being Mushy?
Boiling potatoes properly is key to getting the right texture for potato salad. Follow these steps:
- Start with cold water and add potatoes to ensure even cooking.
- Use a pinch of salt to flavor the potatoes as they cook.
- Check doneness with a fork—poke the potatoes gently; they should be tender but retain their shape.
- Drain them right away and let them cool to prevent further cooking.
This method helps avoid mushy potatoes and keeps them firm for salads!
Easy Southern-Style Potato Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 pounds Yukon gold or red potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Paprika, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious potato salad requires about 20 minutes for preparation and cooking time, plus at least 2 hours of chilling in the fridge. So, plan ahead to let all those fantastic flavors mingle for the best result!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Boil the Potatoes:
Start by placing your diced potatoes in a large pot and covering them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer until they are tender, which should take about 10-12 minutes. Drain the potatoes and allow them to cool.
2. Prepare the Eggs:
While the potatoes are cooling, take another saucepan, place the 4 eggs in it, and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then cover the pot and remove it from heat. Let the eggs sit for 12 minutes. After that, drain and cool the eggs under cold running water before peeling and chopping them.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, chopped onion, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture until everything is smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Potatoes and Eggs:
Gently fold the cooled potatoes and chopped eggs into the dressing mixture. Be careful not to mash the potatoes; you want them to remain in chunks for that perfect texture!
5. Taste and Adjust:
Now, take a moment to taste the potato salad. If you feel it needs more salt or pepper, adjust the seasoning to your liking.
6. Serve and Chill:
Transfer the potato salad to a serving bowl. Sprinkle paprika on top for a beautiful finish and garnish with fresh parsley if you like. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours before serving. This chilling time allows all the flavors to blend together perfectly!
7. Enjoy!
Once chilled, serve your creamy Southern potato salad cold. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering!
This classic Southern potato salad is creamy, tangy, and full of comforting flavors—the perfect side dish for summer cookouts and gatherings!
Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Southern-Style Potato Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Yes! While Yukon gold or red potatoes are preferred for their creamy texture, you can also use Russet potatoes. Just keep in mind that Russets may be a bit starchier, which can affect the texture of the salad.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Potato Salad?
Leftover potato salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, as some water may separate when it sits.
Can I Make This Potato Salad Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just prepare the salad and refrigerate it. It will stay fresh and delicious for a couple of days!
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. For a vegan alternative, try using a plant-based mayo or mash up some avocado for creaminess!
