Southern Potato Salad {Classic Recipe} - Grandbaby Cakes (2024)

If you enjoy potato salad, you’re going to love this classic Southern Potato Salad. Loaded with tangy flavor and delicate textures, it’s a crowd-pleaser that deserves a place at every cookout, picnic, or family gathering. As soon as you taste it, you’ll know why it’s a staple in Southern cuisine. From my new cookbook Everyday Grand.

Whenever there’s a family gathering or friends have invited me over for dinner, this Southern potato salad is the first thing that comes to mind. It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and always has people asking for the recipe!

Plus, I love to infuse some Southern flare onto the table whenever I can. It’s just the thing you should be bringing to all your Fourth of July celebrations!

What Is Southern Potato Salad?

Southern potato salad is rooted deeply in Southern American cuisine. While each family may have their own variation, the common elements remain potatoes, pickles, mustard, and boiled eggs. This recipe comes from my new cookbook Everyday Grand, and it is from my cousin Johnnie Mae. She is the queen of potato salad in my family.

This flavorful side dish showcases a blend of creamy, tangy, and sweet tastes, enhanced by the crunchy texture of pickles and soft, hearty potatoes.

Typically, this salad is meant to be served chilled, allowing the potatoes to cool and the flavors to blend together. It makes the perfect side to accompany grilled meats, burgers, or hearty sandwiches.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• White potatoes: Provide a smooth, creamy texture and a subtle earthy flavor. Yukon Gold potatoes will also make a good substitute if needed.
• Mayonnaise: This gives the salad its quintessential creaminess. I prefer good quality mayonnaise, such as Duke’s, but any brand will work. You can also use a vegan mayo for a dairy-free version.
• Sweet baby pickles: These add a tangy crunch to the salad. If they’re unavailable, dill pickles or relish can be used instead. Don’t forget to reserve some of the brine!
• Yellow mustard: Adds a sharp tangy flavor and a pop of color. If you don’t have yellow mustard, try Dijon mustard in a pinch.
• Granulated sugar: Balances out the tanginess of the salad with a delicate sweetness. Cane sugar will also work.
• Vinegar: For an extra touch of tanginess. Apple cider vinegar or regular white vinegar both make great options.
• Seasonings: I use a mixture of seasoned salt (preferably Lawry’s), celery salt, black pepper, and accent seasoning or MSG in my recipe. They help to add depth and enhance the overall flavor of the salad.
• Hard-boiled eggs: Add a rich texture and so much flavor! Boiled eggs are a staple in Southern potato salad but can be omitted for dietary restrictions.
• Paprika: I like to use some sweet paprika as a garnish for a mild sweet-peppery flavor and a pop of color. Feel free to omit this ingredient if you’d like.

How to Make Southern Potato Salad

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Start by boiling your peeled and cubed white potatoes. Make sure the water level is high enough to cover all the potatoes, then bring the water to a boil over high heat. Cook the potatoes for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender.

You want to avoid overcooking the potatoes to ensure they don’t turn out mushy. Once the potatoes are done, drain and rinse them under cold running water for about 30 seconds. Then set them aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

While the potatoes are cooling off, grab a large bowl to prepare the dressing. Whisk together your mayonnaise, sweet baby pickles, pickle brine, yellow mustard, granulated sugar, vinegar, and all the seasonings. Keep whisking until the mixture is well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Take four of your hard-boiled eggs and chop them very finely. Add them to the bowl of dressing, then introduce the cooled potatoes to this mixture. Gently fold the potatoes in until they are thoroughly coated in the dressing.

Step 4: Final Adjustments

Give your salad a taste test and adjust the seasonings according to your liking. It’s important to remember that it’s your dish, so it should suit your taste buds! You can serve this Southern potato salad at room temperature or cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready to eat.

Just before serving, slice the remaining hard-boiled egg and fan it out on top of the salad. If you’re using some, sprinkle the top with sweet paprika for that perfect pop of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

If you’re wondering what goes well with Southern potato salad, here are just a few simple yet delicious options to choose from:

• Grilled meats: The creamy, tangy flavor of Southern potato salad complements a wide array of grilled meats. Think BBQ baby back ribs, grilled steak, or even a juicy bacon cheddar burger.
• Classic cookout sides: Pair this robust salad with cookout classics like coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread salad or grilled corn for an authentic Southern spread.
• Sandwiches: For a casual meal, Southern potato salad pairs well with sandwiches like a simple Tomato Sandwich or an Italian Beef Grilled Cheese.

Recipe Variations

• Potatoes: Use red potatoes for a different texture and color.
• Sour cream: Try a blend of sour cream and mayonnaise for the dressing.
• Bacon: Add some cooked, chopped bacon for a smoky touch.
• Bell peppers: Include diced bell peppers for a pop of color.
• Spicy: Add a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Tips and Tricks

• Don’t overcook: Do not overcook the potatoes! They should be tender but not mushy.
• Cool the potatoes: Let the potatoes cool before adding them to the dressing to prevent them from breaking down.
• Chill: Chill the salad before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
• Quality mayonnaise: Use a good-quality mayonnaise for the best potato salad flavor.

What To Do with Leftovers

If you have any leftover Southern potato salad, follow these simple storage instructions:

• Fridge: Store your potato salad in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing potato salad as the texture will change too much upon thawing. It’s best to keep this recipe in the refrigerator.

Additional Recipes

If you enjoyed this Southern potato salad, take a peek at some more of my most popular Southern side dish recipes:

• Southern Green Beans
• Creamed Spinach
• Southern Smothered Potatoes
• Southern Hot Water Cornbread
• Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
• Baked Potato Salad

Frequently Asked Questions