This classic Southern Potato Salad recipe brings the nostalgic flavors of family potlucks and summer barbecues. The creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet dressing combined with the soft potatoes and crunchy veggies deliver a satisfying side dish that's perfect for any gathering.
Most ingredients in this recipe, like russet potatoes, mayonnaise, and yellow mustard, are commonly found in any home kitchen. However, sweet pickles might not be readily available. They are small pickles that have a sweet, tangy flavor and are often found in the condiment aisle of the supermarket. Similarly, apple cider vinegar is a specific type of vinegar that has a distinctive tart flavor. If not already in your pantry, you can find it in the vinegar section.
Ingredients for Southern Potato Salad
Russet potatoes: Starchy potatoes that have a thick skin and fluffy interior when cooked. They absorb dressing well making them ideal for potato salad.
Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess to the dressing. Use a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
Yellow mustard: Gives the dressing a tangy kick. It's smoother and less spicy than Dijon.
Sweet pickles: Adds a sweet and tangy crunch to the salad. Can be replaced with dill pickles for a more savory flavor.
Granulated sugar: Balances the acidity of the mustard and vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds tanginess to the dressing. Distinctive for its fruity flavor.
Garlic powder: Enhances the flavor of the dressing. Less pungent and easier to distribute evenly than raw garlic.
Hard-boiled eggs: Adds protein and richness to the salad. Should be properly cooled and peeled before use.
Green onions: Brings a mild, fresh onion flavor and adds color to the salad.
Celery stalks: Provides a refreshing crunch. Should be finely chopped to distribute evenly.
Kosher salt: Used to season the salad. It's less salty than table salt and dissolves quickly.
Black pepper: Adds a mild heat to balance the flavors.
One reader, Albertine Moser says:
This southern potato salad recipe is a game-changer! The blend of creamy mayo, tangy mustard, and crunchy pickles creates a burst of flavors. The addition of hard-boiled eggs and fresh green onions adds a delightful twist. It's a must-try for any gathering or BBQ. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required for Making Southern Potato Salad
How to cook the potatoes: Boil the potatoes in a large pot of water until they are fork-tender, then drain and let them cool.
How to make the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, yellow mustard, chopped pickles, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder, then whisk to combine.
How to assemble the salad: Add the cooled potatoes, diced hard-boiled eggs, green onions, and celery to the dressing, then gently stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
How To Make Southern Potato Salad
This Southern-style potato salad recipe is a savory mix of herbs and fruits that give off an earthy and warm sensation. Try this at home with steaks.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3lbRusset potatoes
- 1cupmayonnaise
- 1tbspYellow Mustard
- ¼cupsweet pickleschopped, or sweet relish
- 2tspgranulated sugar
- 2tspapple cider vinegar
- ½tspgarlic powder
- 5hard-boiled eggshelled and diced
- 4greenonionsfinely diced
- 2celerystalksfinely diced
- kosher saltto taste
- black pepperto taste
Instructions
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Add the potatoes to a large pot and cover with cold water. Set over high heat and cook just until fork tender. Be careful to keep an eye on the potatoes because if they overcook they will get mushy.
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When the potatoes are soft, drain them in a strainer and let them cool while you prepare the other salad ingredients.
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In a large mixing bowl add mayonnaise, yellow mustard, chopped pickles, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder. Whisk to combine.
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Add the potatoes to the mixing bowl along with the diced hard-boiled eggs, green onions, and celery. Stir gently to combine.
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Taste and season with the desired amount of kosher salt and black pepper.
Nutrition
- Calories: 603.25kcal
- Fat: 25.62g
- Saturated Fat: 4.33g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.66g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 13.99g
- Carbohydrates: 93.44g
- Fiber: 5.11g
- Sugar: 48.15g
- Protein: 8.34g
- Cholesterol: 104.51mg
- Sodium: 976.87mg
- Calcium: 60.59mg
- Potassium: 899.62mg
- Iron: 3.23mg
- Vitamin A: 138.84µg
- Vitamin C: 13.50mg
Essential Technique Tip for Perfect Southern Potato Salad
When boiling your russet potatoes, it's crucial to start with cold water. This allows the potatoes to cook evenly all the way through. If you start with hot water, the outside of the potatoes will cook faster than the inside, resulting in unevenly cooked potatoes. Also, remember to salt the water generously. This will season the potatoes from the inside out, giving your potato salad a more robust flavor.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Southern Potato Salad
Prep ahead: Boil the potatoes and eggs in advance and store them in the fridge until you're ready to assemble the salad. This can save you time on the day you plan to serve the dish.
Use a food processor: Instead of hand-chopping the pickles, celery, and onions, consider using a food processor to quickly and uniformly chop these ingredients.
Multi-task: While the potatoes are boiling, use that time to prepare the dressing and chop the other ingredients. This can help streamline the overall preparation process.
Organize ingredients: Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are organized and easily accessible. This can help prevent any last-minute scrambling during the cooking process.
Efficient peeling: Use a vegetable peeler to quickly peel the potatoes and eggs, ensuring a faster prep time.
Substitute Ingredients For Southern Potato Salad Recipe
russet potatoes - Substitute with Yukon Gold potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes have a similar texture and flavor to russet potatoes, making them a suitable substitute for potato salad.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise, providing a creamy texture and tangy flavor.
yellow mustard - Substitute with Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard offers a slightly spicier and more complex flavor compared to yellow mustard, adding depth to the potato salad.
sweet pickles - Substitute with dill pickles: Dill pickles can be used as a substitute for sweet pickles, providing a tangy and slightly sour flavor to the potato salad.
granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add sweetness to the potato salad while also offering a unique flavor profile.
apple cider vinegar - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can be used as a substitute for apple cider vinegar, providing a mild acidity to the potato salad.
garlic powder - Substitute with minced fresh garlic: Fresh garlic can be used as a substitute for garlic powder, offering a more intense and aromatic flavor to the dish.
hard-boiled egg - Substitute with smoked tofu: Smoked tofu can be used as a vegan substitute for hard-boiled eggs, providing a similar texture and smoky flavor.
green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives can be used as a substitute for green onions, offering a mild onion flavor and a pop of color to the potato salad.
celery stalks - Substitute with fennel: Fennel can be used as a substitute for celery, providing a crunchy texture and a hint of anise flavor to the potato salad.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of salinity to the dish.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a substitute for black pepper, offering a milder and slightly earthy flavor to the potato salad.
Best Way to Present Potato Salad
Elevate the plating: Arrange the potato salad in a neat and organized manner on the plate, ensuring each ingredient is visible and well-distributed.
Incorporate garnishes: Sprinkle a touch of freshly chopped parsley or chives over the potato salad to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Utilize high-quality serving ware: Present the potato salad in elegant, porcelain bowls or on chic platters to enhance the visual appeal.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component, ensuring that the presentation is meticulous and refined.
Emphasize texture: Consider adding a delicate crunch element, such as a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs or a few crispy shallots, to elevate the dish.
Incorporate complementary elements: Pair the potato salad with a complementary side, such as a small serving of artisanal bread or a selection of house-made pickles, to enhance the overall dining experience.
Highlight the colors: Ensure that the colors of the ingredients pop on the plate, creating an inviting and visually appealing presentation.
Embrace simplicity: Let the natural beauty of the dish shine through by keeping the plating elegant and uncomplicated.
Essential Tools for Making Southern Potato Salad
Potato peeler: A tool used to remove the skin from potatoes.
Large pot: A cooking vessel used for boiling or steaming ingredients such as potatoes.
Strainer: A kitchen tool used to separate liquids from solids by filtering them through a mesh.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining ingredients together.
Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients.
Knife: A cutting tool used for chopping and dicing ingredients such as pickles, celery, and green onions.
Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: Utensils used for accurately measuring ingredients.
Large spoon or spatula: Used for stirring and mixing the potato salad.
Tasting spoon: A small spoon used for tasting and adjusting the seasoning of the potato salad.
How To Store and Freeze Southern Potato Salad
- To store leftover southern potato salad, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together and taste even better the next day!
- If you want to freeze the potato salad, it's best to do so before adding the mayonnaise and other dressing ingredients. Cook and cool the potatoes, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
- When ready to serve, thaw the frozen potatoes in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, mix in the mayonnaise, mustard, pickles, and other ingredients according to the recipe.
- If you've already mixed the potato salad with the dressing, it's not ideal for freezing as the texture and consistency may change. The mayonnaise can separate and become watery, affecting the overall quality of the dish.
- For best results, enjoy the southern potato salad fresh or within a few days of making it, storing any leftovers in the refrigerator for optimal taste and texture.
How To Reheat Leftover Potato Salad
Microwave: transfer the desired amount of leftover southern potato salad to a microwave-safe dish. cover the dish with a damp paper towel to prevent the salad from drying out. microwave on high for 30-second intervals, stirring gently between each interval, until the salad reaches your desired temperature. be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the mayonnaise to separate and the potatoes to become mushy.
Oven: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). transfer the leftover potato salad to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. place the dish in the preheated oven and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the salad is warmed through. stir gently before serving to ensure even heat distribution.
Stovetop: place the desired amount of leftover southern potato salad in a non-stick skillet or saucepan over low heat. stir the salad gently and continuously to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. heat the salad until it reaches your desired temperature, being careful not to overheat and cause the ingredients to break down.
Room temperature: if you prefer your leftover potato salad at room temperature, simply remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving. this method works best if you plan to consume the salad within 2 hours of removing it from the refrigerator to ensure food safety.
Refresh the flavors: regardless of the reheating method you choose, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a sprinkle of fresh green onions to brighten up the flavors of your leftover southern potato salad. a dash of salt and black pepper can also help revive the taste.
Random Fact About Southern Potato Salad
Southern potato salad is a staple dish in Southern cuisine and is often served at picnics, barbecues, and potlucks. It is believed that the dish originated in the Southern United States and has been a popular side dish for generations. The combination of creamy mayonnaise, tangy mustard, and crunchy vegetables makes it a versatile and delicious addition to any meal.
Is Making Potato Salad at Home Economical?
The southern potato salad recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as potatoes, mayonnaise, and eggs, are budget-friendly and easily accessible. The addition of sweet pickles and green onions enhances the flavor without significantly increasing the cost. This recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it a versatile and economical choice for a family meal. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and delicious outcome. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, making it a budget-friendly option.
Is Southern Potato Salad Healthy or Unhealthy?
This Southern potato salad recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main culprits are the high-fat ingredients like mayonnaise and the inclusion of sugar, which add unnecessary calories and saturated fat to the dish. Additionally, the recipe relies heavily on starchy potatoes, which have a high glycemic index and can cause blood sugar spikes.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Swap out half of the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt, which is lower in fat and higher in protein
- Reduce the amount of sugar or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
- Increase the proportion of vegetables like celery and green onions to boost the fiber content
- Use a mix of potatoes, including nutrient-dense sweet potatoes or red potatoes with the skin on for added vitamins and minerals
- Opt for a healthier mayonnaise alternative made with avocado oil or olive oil instead of soybean oil
- Add herbs and spices like dill, paprika, or cayenne pepper to enhance flavor without relying on salt or sugar
By making these adjustments, you can create a healthier version of this classic Southern dish that still satisfies your taste buds while providing a better balance of nutrients.
Editor's Thoughts on This Classic Southern Dish
The Southern potato salad recipe is a classic and comforting dish. The combination of creamy mayonnaise, tangy mustard, and crunchy pickles creates a delightful flavor profile. The addition of hard-boiled eggs, green onions, and celery adds texture and depth to the salad. The balance of sweetness from the sugar and tanginess from the apple cider vinegar elevates the overall taste. However, to enhance the dish further, consider adding a touch of fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a pop of freshness. Overall, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser and a perfect side dish for any gathering.
Why trust this Southern Potato Salad Recipe:
This recipe is a classic southern potato salad that has been passed down through generations. The combination of mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and a touch of sweet pickles creates a creamy and tangy flavor profile. The addition of hard-boiled eggs and celery provides a satisfying crunch, while the apple cider vinegar adds a subtle hint of acidity. The use of russet potatoes ensures a fluffy and hearty texture. Trust in the traditional ingredients and balanced flavors of this recipe for an authentic taste of the South.
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