“This potato salad is absolutely unbeatable!”

Few dishes capture the spirit of Southern comfort food quite like potato salad. Creamy, tangy, and deeply satisfying, it’s a staple at cookouts, picnics, and family tables everywhere. With tender potatoes, a hint of pickle tang, rich mayonnaise, and a touch of mustard, this timeless recipe has been passed down for generations—and for good reason.

This take delivers everything you expect: a smooth, velvety dressing that clings to every bite, a gentle sweetness, a bit of crunch, and that familiar flavor that instantly recalls Sunday suppers and backyard barbecues.

🥔 Classic Southern Potato Salad

🛒 Ingredients & Why They Matter

Ingredient	Why It’s Important
Potatoes	The heart of the dish. Yukon Golds stay firm and buttery, while Russets give a softer texture. Skip waxy reds for that signature creaminess. Tip: Cook just until tender—overcooked potatoes turn mushy.
Hard-Boiled Eggs	Add richness and protein. The yolks melt into the dressing, while the whites provide light texture.
Onion	Finely diced yellow or sweet onion adds bite and aroma to balance the creamy base.
Sweet Pickle Relish	A true Southern touch, bringing sweetness and tang. Dill relish can be used for a sharper flavor.
Mayonnaise	The creamy foundation. A quality brand like Duke’s or Hellmann’s gives classic flavor.
Yellow Mustard	Adds tang and that traditional golden hue.
Salt & Pepper	Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
Paprika	Adds color and a mild smoky note.
Celery (optional)	Provides a fresh, crisp contrast.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
Peel and cube 3 lbs of potatoes into bite-size pieces. Place them in a pot, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, until just tender. Drain and spread on a baking sheet to cool slightly.
Tip: Starting in cold water helps the potatoes cook evenly.

Step 2: Hard-Boil the Eggs
Place 4 eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then cover, remove from heat, and let sit for 10–12 minutes. Transfer to ice water, peel, and chop.

Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp yellow mustard
• 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Taste and adjust as needed. Optional: add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of sugar for balance.

Step 4: Combine
Add the potatoes, eggs, onion, and celery to a large bowl. Gently fold in the dressing until everything is evenly coated, taking care not to overmix.

Step 5: Chill
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours so the flavors can fully come together.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with paprika and, if desired, garnish with sliced eggs or parsley. Serve well chilled.

✨ Creamy, tangy, and full of nostalgia—this Classic Southern Potato Salad is a timeless favorite that always feels like home.