It’s basically the recipe my mother taught me ages ago. Whenever we went to gatherings, she was always asked to make the potato salad

This Southern Potato Salad recipe delivers all the comforting, savory flavors you expect from this beloved side dish. Featuring tender potatoes coated in a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet dressing, along with crunchy celery, zesty onion, and hard-boiled eggs, it’s a perfect accompaniment for any picnic, barbecue, or family meal.

Southern Potato Salad

Ingredients:

For the Potatoes:

For the Dressing:

For the Mix-Ins:

Instructionsz:

1. Step 1: Boil the Potatoes Place the 2 lbs halved or quartered small red potatoes or Yukon Golds in a large pot and cover them with cold, salted water. Add 1 teaspoon of white vinegar to the water; this helps preserve the potatoes’ bright color. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender but still hold their shape. Drain the potatoes completely and let them cool thoroughly before handling. You can spread them on a baking sheet to speed up cooling.
2. Step 2: Prepare the Dressing In a mixing bowl, whisk together the 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup yellow mustard, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, salt, pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (if using) until smooth and well combined. Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as needed—add more sugar for sweetness, more mustard for tang, or more cayenne for heat, according to your preference.
3. Step 3: Assemble the Salad Once the potatoes are completely cooled, place them in a large mixing bowl. Add the 3 chopped hard-boiled eggs, 1/2 cup diced celery, 1/4 cup diced sweet onion, and 1/4 cup chopped dill pickles. Pour the prepared dressing over the potato mixture and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated. Be careful not to mash or break the potatoes into smaller pieces, maintaining some texture.
4. Step 4: Chill and Set Cover the potato salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This chilling time is essential to allow the flavors to meld together and deepen, significantly improving the taste. For best results, prepare the salad the night before serving, as it tastes even better after marinating overnight.
5. Step 5: Garnish and Serve Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or dill over the top for added freshness and a pop of color. Serve chilled alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a classic Southern-inspired spread.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: This is crucial! Stop cooking when they’re tender enough to pierce with a fork but still hold their shape firmly. Overcooked potatoes will fall apart too easily and can make the salad mushy.
• Customize the Heat: If you prefer a spicier salad, don’t hesitate to increase the amount of cayenne pepper, or even add some finely diced jalapeños for fresh heat.
• Make It Ahead: Preparing the salad in advance is key for flavor development. The extended chilling time allows all the ingredients to meld and deepen their individual tastes, resulting in a much more flavorful and harmonious dish.
• Use Quality Mayonnaise: Since mayonnaise is the base of the dressing, a good-quality brand will significantly enhance the overall creaminess and flavor of the dish.
• Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider stirring in some cooked and chopped shrimp, ham, or chicken. This transforms the side dish into a more substantial main course.