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Southern Potato Salad Recipe
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Southern potato salad recipe is a classic comfort food that boasts a creamy, tangy flavor, making it a favorite at family gatherings and picnics. This traditional recipe includes boiled potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and crunchy celery, all mixed with a rich dressing of mayonnaise and mustard.
For added zest, pickle relish and a dash of paprika are essential, infusing the salad with a delightful kick.
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This dish is not only easy to make but also versatile, serving as the perfect side for barbecue meats or sandwiches. To ensure a flavorful potato salad, let it chill for a few hours before serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Whether for a holiday feast or a summer cookout, southern potato salad is a beloved staple that always pleases a crowd.
Ingredients for Southern Potato Salad Recipe
What you'll need to make this Mustard Potato Salad:
- 5 pounds of golden or red potatoes (do not peel before boiling)
- 1 tablespoon of kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 2 celery stalks, chopped (about ¾ cup)
- 6 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 2 cups of Miracle Whip, mayonnaise, or a half-and-half combination
- If using only mayonnaise, add 1 tablespoon of vinegar
- If using a half-and-half combination, add ¾ teaspoon of vinegar
- ½ cup of pickle relish
- 1½ tablespoons of yellow mustard
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of fresh dill, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
- Paprika, optional (sprinkled on top)
Substitutions and Additions
These easy substitutions and additions can easily be swapped out while still maintaining the deliciousness of this potato salad with eggs!
- Potatoes: Golden or red potatoes are ideal for their low starch content, helping them maintain their shape without getting mushy. Boil them with their skins on to simplify peeling and keep them firm.
- Mayonnaise/Miracle Whip: While some prefer Miracle Whip for its distinct flavor, others opt for creamy mayonnaise. Both choices ensure a creamy consistency; just follow the recipe's suggested adjustments.
- Celery: To maintain crunchiness without using celery, substitute with chopped dill pickles. Adjust the amount of pickle relish accordingly, or omit it if using a lot of pickles.
- Onions: Red onions add a vibrant touch to this easy potato salad, though yellow or sweet onions are also great options. Soaking red onions in water before adding can soften their sharpness, a step that's optional based on taste preference.
- Relish: Both dill and sweet pickle relish are suitable for this recipe, enhancing the flavor profile with their unique tastes.
How to make Southern Potato Salad Recipe
Once you boil the potatoes to the perfect tenderness and let them cool, you can mix up the creamy dressing and toss everything in a bowl before serving.
Follow our step-by-step guide below and learn how to make potato salad.
FIRST STEP: Place unpeeled potatoes in a pan. Cover with cold water, add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, and bring to a boil. Boil potatoes gently for 20 to 25 minutes.
SECOND STEP: Drain potatoes, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and allow to cool for 20 to 25 minutes.
THIRD STEP: While the cooked potatoes are cooling, chop the celery, prepare the hard-boiled eggs, and make the dressing.
FOURTH STEP: For the dressing, combine the Miracle Whip, pickle relish, yellow mustard, onion, fresh dill, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix everything together until it’s creamy. Set aside.
Pro Tips
Reduce Onion Sharpness: To soften the bite of raw onions, soak them in cold water for about 10 minutes before chopping. This mild preparation enhances their flavor without overpowering the salad.
FIFTH STEP: Peel potatoes and coarsely chop them, then add them to a large bowl. Add the celery, eggs, and dressing. Stir well but gently!
Pro Tips
Peeling Potatoes: Avoid using a potato peeler, which can mush the potatoes due to rough handling. Instead, gently peel the potatoes with a paring knife after they've cooled enough to handle. This technique allows for cutting clean, 1-inch chunks and preserves the potato's structure.
STEP SIX: Top with a dash of paprika for a nice touch. Refrigerate.
Pro Tips
Prepare Ahead: For the best flavor, prepare your creamy potato salad a day or two in advance. This allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully, resulting in a richer, more cohesive dish.
Discover the best potato salad with dill! Perfect for picnics and gatherings, it combines creamy dressing, crunchy veggies, and a tangy kick. Easy to make and always a hit!
How to serve this potato side dish
Easy potato salad is a versatile side that pairs exceptionally well with barbecue favorites. It complements the smoky flavors of grilled chicken, ribs, and pulled pork sandwiches beautifully. The creamy texture and tangy notes provide a refreshing balance to the richness of grilled meats.
For a lighter pairing, consider serving this mustard potato salad with seafood.
This dill potato salad goes particularly well with hamburgers, popcorn chicken, and even fried pork chops. The crisp vegetables and creamy dressing in the salad enhance the natural flavors of your main dish without overpowering them.
Serve with southern strawberry sweet tea, raspberry iced tea, or classic homemade sun iced tea to top off your meal.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
FLAVORFUL: The combination of creamy mayonnaise and tangy mustard creates a rich, mouth-watering taste. Pickle relish adds a delightful zest.
VERSATILE: Perfect as a side dish for BBQs or as a hearty addition to a potluck. Easily adaptable with ingredients like bacon or herbs.
SIMPLE: This recipe requires basic ingredients and straightforward steps. It can be prepared in advance, saving time on busy days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Southern potato salad unique?
Southern potato salad stands out with its inclusion of mustard, eggs, and often pickle relish, giving it a distinctive tangy flavor.
Can I make classic potato salad ahead of time?
Yes, it's best to prepare Southern potato salad a day ahead. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully in the refrigerator.
What are the best potatoes to use for Southern potato salad?
Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds are ideal for Southern potato salad, as they hold their shape well and absorb dressings.
How can I add extra flavor to my Southern potato salad?
Incorporate diced onions, celery, and green peppers for crunch, and consider a sprinkle of paprika or a dash of vinegar for enhanced flavor.
Storing this Recipe
Storing this classic summer side dish is incredibly easy, making it a convenient choice for make-ahead meals and leftovers. Its versatility in storage options ensures it remains fresh and flavorful.
In the Fridge: For optimal freshness, refrigerate your potato salad in an airtight container. It's best to make it ahead of time and let it chill for a day. When stored properly, homemade potato salad can last for 3 to 5 days. Keep leftovers refrigerated between servings to maintain freshness.
In the Freezer: Freezing leftover potato salad can extend its shelf life, but it's not recommended. Ingredients such as mayo and celery may not freeze well, with mayonnaise potentially separating and celery becoming mushy upon thawing.
Easy Potluck Recipes
Southern Potato Salad Recipe
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Ingredients
- 5 pounds Yukon gold or red potatoes (do not peel before boiling)
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 2 stalks celery (chopped (about ¾ cup))
- 6 large eggs (hard boiled and chopped)
- 2 cups Miracle Whip, mayonnaise, or a half-and-half combination (If using only mayonnaise, add 1 tablespoon of vinegar. If using a half-and-half combination, add ¾ teaspoon of vinegar)
- ½ cup pickle relish
- 1 ½ tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 medium yellow onion (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- paprika
DIRECTIONS
- Place the unpeeled potatoes in a pan. Cover with cold water, add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, and bring to a boil. Boil gently for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes, sprinkle them with 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and allow them to cool for 20 to 25 minutes.
- While the potatoes are cooling, chop the celery, prepare the hard boiled eggs, and make the dressing.
- For the dressing, combine the Miracle Whip, pickle relish, yellow mustard, onion, fresh dill, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix until creamy. Set aside.
- Peel the potatoes and coarsely chop. Add celery, eggs, and dressing. Stir well but gently. Refrigerate.
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