Southern Potato Salad Recipe – Creamy, Tangy & Perfect for BBQs!
No Southern cookout, family gathering, or backyard BBQ is complete without a big bowl of classic Southern Potato Salad.
Creamy, tangy, and perfectly seasoned, this recipe brings together tender potatoes, chopped eggs, a touch of mustard, and just the right amount of crunch from pickles and celery.
It’s the kind of dish that makes people go back for seconds (and ask for the recipe!). Made with love and a few simple ingredients, this potato salad is a comforting, crowd-pleasing favorite that’s just as good chilled as it is at room temp.
Perfect for pairing with fried chicken, ribs, burgers, or any grilled dish.
Why You’ll Love This Southern Potato Salad
🥔 Creamy and rich, with mayo and hard-boiled eggs
🌶️ Tangy and flavorful, thanks to mustard and pickle relish
🥄 Hearty and comforting, with the perfect texture
⏱️ Great make-ahead dish for parties and picnics
🍗 Pairs beautifully with any classic BBQ fare
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup mayonnaise (Duke’s or Hellmann’s preferred)
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish (or dill for less sweetness)
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- ½ cup celery, finely diced
- ¼ cup red onion or green onion, finely chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: paprika for garnish, extra sliced egg on top
How to Make Southern Potato Salad
🥔 Boil the potatoes: Place cubed potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 10–15 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
🍳 Prepare the eggs: Hard-boil the eggs while the potatoes cook. Cool, peel, and chop.
🥣 In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, and pickle relish.
🥗 Add cooled potatoes, chopped eggs, celery, and onion to the dressing. Gently stir until everything is well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
🧊 Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (longer is better!) to allow the flavors to meld.
🌶️ Before serving, garnish with paprika and extra egg slices if desired.
Optional Add-Ins and Variations
🥓 Add crumbled bacon for smoky flavor
🥒 Swap in diced dill pickles for extra tang
🧄 Stir in a dash of garlic powder or celery seed for depth
🥬 Mix in chopped fresh parsley or chives for a herby twist
🌶️ Add a splash of hot sauce or cayenne for a subtle kick
Tips for the Best Southern Potato Salad
✔ Use waxy potatoes (like Yukon Gold) for a creamy texture that holds its shape
✔ Let the potatoes cool slightly before mixing to prevent them from breaking down
✔ Make ahead—the flavor improves after a few hours in the fridge
✔ Taste and adjust the seasoning after chilling, as flavors can mellow over time
Storage
📦 Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
❄️ Not freezer-friendly, as the texture of potatoes and mayo will change
🍽️ Best served chilled or at room temp for picnics and potlucks
Final Thoughts
This Southern Potato Salad is the ultimate side dish for any summer gathering or comfort food feast.
Creamy, tangy, and bursting with Southern charm, it’s everything a great potato salad should be.
Make it once, and it’ll become your go-to recipe for every BBQ, holiday, or potluck. Just don’t be surprised when it disappears fast! 🥔💛🍽️
