Go Back

Classic Southern Potato Salad

This Classic Southern Potato Salad is creamy, tangy, and packed with traditional flavor. Made with tender potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and a rich mustard-mayo dressing, it’s the ultimate comfort side dish. Perfect for picnics, BBQs, and family gatherings, this easy southern potato salad recipe is often called the best potato salad ever thanks to its classic taste and simple ingredients.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs potatoes Yukon Gold or russet, peeled and cubed
  • 4 hard-boiled eggs chopped
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
  • 1/4 cup celery finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Paprika for garnish

Method
 

  1. Boil cubed potatoes in salted water for 10–15 minutes until fork-tender.
  2. Drain and let potatoes cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, mustard, relish, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. Add potatoes, chopped eggs, celery, and red onion.
  5. Gently stir until evenly coated.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours for best flavor.
  7. Sprinkle paprika on top before serving.

Notes

  • Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamy texture or russet for softer potatoes.
  • Mix dressing with slightly warm potatoes for better flavor absorption.
  • Adjust mustard and mayo to taste preference.
  • Add chopped pickles or green onions for extra flavor.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.