Classic Creamy Southern Potato Salad: The Ultimate Homemade Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a truly delicious, homemade Southern Potato Salad. This classic side dish, rich with tender Russet potatoes and perfectly hard-boiled eggs, all enveloped in a luxuriously creamy, tangy, and subtly sweet mayo-based sauce, is a staple for good reason. Our recipe captures the authentic flavors of the South, offering a dish that’s not only incredibly satisfying but also surprisingly easy and inexpensive to prepare. In under 45 minutes, you can create a crowd-pleasing potato salad that’s ideal for any gathering, from casual backyard barbecues to festive holiday potlucks.

Whether you’re hosting a large family get-together, heading to a picnic, or simply craving a comforting side, this Southern Potato Salad delivers every time. It’s a dish that transcends seasons, bringing a taste of warmth and tradition to your table year-round. While often associated with summer, its robust flavors make it a welcome addition to any meal, any day. This recipe isn’t just a side; it’s an experience, a nod to cherished Southern culinary heritage that always leaves everyone asking for more. Trust us, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to!

A generous serving of creamy Southern Potato Salad, ready to be enjoyed.

Why This Southern Potato Salad Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite

This isn’t just another potato salad; it’s *the* Southern Potato Salad you’ve been searching for. Here’s why this recipe stands out and why it will quickly become a cherished favorite in your culinary repertoire:

Effortlessly Perfect for Any Occasion: This potato salad is your ultimate companion for any social event. Whether it’s a casual potluck with friends, a lively outdoor picnic, or a classic backyard BBQ party, its universal appeal makes it an instant hit. It travels well and serves beautifully, ensuring you’re always bringing a dish that impresses.
Achieve Your Ideal Potato Texture: The secret to great potato salad lies in perfectly cooked potatoes. This recipe guides you to cook them until they are buttery and tender, yet still firm enough to hold their shape without crumbling. This balance ensures each bite offers a satisfying texture. You have the flexibility to adjust the cooking time to your personal preference, whether you like them slightly firmer or leaning towards a creamier, almost mashed consistency by gently mashing some when mixing.
The Quintessential Side Dish: From grilled meats to fried chicken, this creamy Southern potato salad is the ultimate versatile side. Its rich flavor profile complements almost any main course, enhancing the overall dining experience. It’s hearty enough to feel substantial but light enough not to overpower your main dish, making it a perfect accompaniment year-round.
Unrivaled Creaminess and Flavor: Prepare for a potato salad that is super creamy, bursting with layers of balanced flavors. The dressing is meticulously crafted to be both rich and tangy, with a hint of sweetness and a secret ingredient that elevates it beyond the ordinary. Despite its gourmet taste, it’s incredibly simple to put together, proving that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated.

Ingredient Notes and Smart Substitutions

Crafting the perfect Southern potato salad starts with understanding your ingredients. While this recipe offers tried-and-true choices for the most authentic flavor, we also provide flexible substitutions so you can adapt it to your pantry and preferences.

Potatoes: We highly recommend Russet potatoes for their starchy texture, which breaks down beautifully to absorb the creamy dressing while still maintaining some structure. They contribute to that classic, fluffy Southern potato salad consistency. However, if Russets aren’t available or you prefer a slightly different texture, Yukon Gold potatoes offer a naturally buttery flavor and a creamier, slightly denser texture, while red skin potatoes (left unpeeled for extra color and nutrition) hold their shape exceptionally well, providing a firmer bite. Choose what you love, but Russets and Yukon Golds are typically the top contenders for this style of potato salad.
Onions: The original recipe calls for scallions (green onions) and shallots, which I personally adore for their milder, more nuanced onion flavor compared to larger, sharper onions. They add a delicate savory note without overpowering the other ingredients. However, feel free to use any type of onion you have on hand: finely diced white onions or red onions will provide a sharper, more pungent flavor, while fresh chives offer a very mild, fresh onion essence, perfect for a subtle touch.
Mayonnaise: The quality of your mayonnaise truly makes a difference in Southern potato salad. I typically use Hellmann’s (or Best Foods in some regions) for its rich, creamy texture and balanced flavor. Other excellent choices include Duke’s Mayo, a Southern favorite known for its tangy, less sweet profile, or even Miracle Whip if you prefer a sweeter, tangier dressing. The key is to use a good quality mayonnaise that you genuinely enjoy the taste of, as it forms the base of your dressing.
Old Bay Seasoning: This is my “secret ingredient” and while not strictly traditional in all Southern potato salads, it adds an incredible layer of savory depth and a unique spice blend that perfectly complements the potatoes and eggs. Old Bay is a classic American spice blend often used with seafood, featuring a mix of celery salt, paprika, black pepper, and other spices. Don’t skip it if you can help it; it truly elevates the flavor profile!
Sweet Relish: Essential for adding both a delightful crunch and a welcome touch of sweetness to balance the savory elements. If you don’t have sweet relish, you can easily substitute it with finely chopped sweet pickles. Alternatively, for a less sweet and more tangy profile, consider using dill relish.
Vinegar: A splash of white vinegar is added for a bright, tangy lift that cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise. It’s a simple addition that makes a big impact on flavor balance. You can experiment with other vinegars like red wine vinegar for a slightly fruitier tang or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce if you want to introduce a subtle heat and acidity.
Hard-boiled eggs: While not listed separately in the notes, they are a critical component of Southern Potato Salad. Ensure they are perfectly hard-boiled (not overcooked to avoid a green ring around the yolk) and cooled before chopping.

All the fresh ingredients laid out, ready for assembly.

How to Master Homemade Southern Potato Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making a truly exceptional Southern potato salad is simpler than you might think. Follow these clear steps to achieve a perfectly creamy, flavorful, and unforgettable dish:

Prepare and Cook the Potatoes: Start by thoroughly washing your Russet potatoes. Peel them carefully, then chop them into uniform 1-inch cubes. Uniformity is key here for even cooking. Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot, ensuring they are covered with cold water by at least an inch. Generously season the water with salt (this is crucial for flavoring the potatoes from the inside out!). Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are perfectly fork-tender but not mushy. They should hold their shape when pierced but offer no resistance.
Cool and Combine the Ingredients: Once the potatoes are cooked, immediately drain them in a colander. Allow them to cool completely. This step is vital; mixing hot potatoes with mayonnaise can lead to a watery dressing and affect the overall texture. Once cooled, transfer the potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Add the hard-boiled eggs (chopped to your desired size), mayonnaise, sweet relish, Dijon mustard, sugar, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, vinegar, finely diced shallots, and sliced scallions. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Mix and Refrigerate: Gently mix all the ingredients until everything is well combined and the potatoes are evenly coated with the creamy dressing. For an even creamier texture, you can lightly smash a small portion of the potatoes with the back of a spoon or a fork while mixing. This releases some starch and helps bind the dressing. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – you might want more salt, pepper, or a touch more tanginess from vinegar. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour (or preferably longer, up to several hours or overnight) before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a much more delicious potato salad.

Perfectly cooked and peeled potatoes, ready for the creamy dressing.

Top Tips and Creative Flavor Variations for Your Potato Salad

Elevate your Southern Potato Salad with these expert tips and exciting variations, ensuring every batch is a masterpiece:

Add a Crunchy Texture: While I prefer my potato salad without it, many enjoy the crisp texture that finely diced celery adds. If you’re a fan of that extra crunch, feel free to incorporate about 1/2 cup of finely chopped celery into the mix. It adds a refreshing contrast and a classic touch.
Incorporate Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs can brighten the entire dish. Finely chopped fresh dill and parsley are excellent additions, lending a fragrant, herbaceous note. You can also experiment with a hint of fresh tarragon for an unexpected layer of flavor. Add them right before serving for maximum freshness.
Spice It Up: For those who crave a bit of heat, transform your potato salad with a spicy kick. Stir in some finely diced jalapeños (remove seeds for less heat, keep for more) or a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the dressing. A dash of your favorite hot sauce can also do the trick, adding both heat and a vinegary tang.
Boost Flavor in the Cooking Water: Instead of simply cooking your potatoes in water, try using chicken stock (or vegetable stock for a vegetarian option). This infuses the potatoes with an extra layer of savory flavor right from the start, contributing to a more complex and delicious overall taste.
Prepare Ahead of Time: Potato salad is often even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. If you plan to make it ahead for a party or meal, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before serving, give it a good stir, and if it appears a bit dry or has thickened too much, refresh it by stirring in an extra couple of tablespoons of mayonnaise and a sprinkle of additional spices (salt, pepper, and a bit more Old Bay) to bring back its perfect creaminess and vibrant flavor.
Storage and Shelf Life: Leftover potato salad should always be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. Unfortunately, freezing potato salad is not recommended. The texture of the potatoes and the mayonnaise-based dressing can become unpleasantly watery and separated upon thawing, significantly compromising the quality of the dish.
Egg Texture Preferences: I personally love my hard-boiled eggs in potato salad to be on the chunkier side, providing distinct bites of egg. However, you have complete control over their texture. Feel free to smash them completely into the dressing for a smoother, more integrated egg flavor, or slice them for a more elegant presentation.
Add a Smoky Element: For a deeper, more complex flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika alongside the regular paprika, or even a very small amount of finely crumbled crispy bacon bits just before serving (if not catering to vegetarians).

A close-up of the rich and creamy texture of the Southern Potato Salad.

What to Serve with Southern Potato Salad: Perfect Pairings

This versatile Southern Potato Salad pairs beautifully with a wide array of dishes, making it a perfect accompaniment for almost any meal. Here are some highly recommended pairings that complement its creamy, tangy, and savory flavors:

Classic Southern BBQ: It’s a natural match for any BBQ spread! I highly recommend serving it alongside oven-baked BBQ chicken, smoky ribs, or pulled pork. The cool creaminess of the potato salad offers a perfect contrast to the rich, often spicy flavors of barbecued meats.
Fried Favorites: For a truly Southern comfort meal, pair it with crispy Southern-fried shrimp or classic fried chicken. The textures and flavors balance each other wonderfully.
Hearty Entrees: Don’t limit it to just summer! This potato salad is a fantastic side for more substantial dishes like honey-baked turkey wings or even a simple grilled steak.
Fresh Bread: Round out any meal by serving it with warm, homemade dinner rolls or a slice of cornbread, perfect for soaking up any extra dressing.
Vegetarian Options: For a lighter meal, pair it with grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, or a fresh green salad.

No matter what you serve it with, this Southern Potato Salad is guaranteed to be a hit!

Have you tried this irresistible Southern potato salad recipe? We would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Please consider leaving a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or sharing your thoughts in the comments section further down the page. Your feedback helps other home cooks discover and enjoy this delicious recipe. And don’t forget to connect with us on social media; you can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest for more culinary inspiration and recipe updates!

5 from 1 vote

Southern Potato Salad

By Julie Maestre

This Southern potato salad is made with russet potatoes and hard-boiled eggs tossed in a creamy mayo sauce. Made in under 45 minutes, inexpensive to make, and perfect for a large crowd!

Prep: 10 minutes

Cook: 30 minutes

Total: 40 minutes

Servings: 8

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Ingredients

▢ 3 lbs Russet Potatoes , peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
▢ 1 cup mayo
▢ 6 eggs, hard-boiled
▢ 2 tbsp sweet relish
▢ 2 tsp dijon mustard
▢ 1 tsp sugar
▢ 1 tsp old bay seasoning
▢ 1/2 tsp paprika
▢ 1 tsp vinegar
▢ 1/4 cup shallots, finely diced
▢ 1/4 cup scallions
▢ salt and pepper to taste , season generously

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Instructions

Begin by washing, peeling, and chopping the potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and add salt. Cook for 30 minutes or until the potatoes are fork- tender.
Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them cool completely. Place the potatoes and the rest of the ingredients in a large bowl, season generously with salt and pepper, and mix well. You can smash some of the potatoes for a creamier texture.
Cover and refrigerate for one hour before serving.

Notes

If you want to make it ahead of time and serve it the following day, make sure to add a couple of tbsp of mayo and more spices right before serving.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author: Julie Maestre

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: 8

Calories: 252

Keyword: Creamy Potato Salad, How to make potato salad, Southern Potato Salad

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