Jump to Recipe Print RecipeEvery summer BBQ or family picnic tells the story of flavorful gatherings centered around comforting dishes, and for me, Southern Potato Salad is the star that shines the brightest. This gluten-free creamy classic captures the essence of Southern hospitality, blending tender potatoes, rich hard-boiled eggs, and a medley of fresh ingredients into a bowl of pure joy. With its quick prep time, you can whip it up in under 30 minutes, making it not just a family favorite but also the ultimate potluck-friendly side dish. As you mix and mingle flavors, you’ll find that this potato salad charms palates and warms hearts alike. Ready to add this easy-to-make recipe to your repertoire? Let’s dive into the creamy goodness of Southern Potato Salad! Why is Southern Potato Salad a Crowd Favorite? Comforting, this Southern Potato Salad is the definition of nostalgia in a bowl, providing that feeling of home with every creamy bite. Quick and easy, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings, letting you focus on what matters—spending time with loved ones. Versatile enough to pair well with Southern Fried Chicken or BBQ Meatballs, it’s the perfect potluck side. Make-ahead friendly, you can prepare this salad a day in advance, letting those flavors meld beautifully while you relax. Plus, it’s gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs without compromising on taste! Don’t forget to check out pairing ideas like Cucumber Strawberry Salad for a refreshing twist at your next event! Southern Potato Salad Ingredients • Discover what makes this creamy classic shine! For the Salad Large Russet Potatoes – Provides the structure and base of the salad; Yukon Golds can be used for a creamier texture. Hard-Boiled Eggs – Adds protein and richness; can be omitted for a vegan version. Green Onions (¼ cup, diced) – Introduces a fresh, mild onion flavor; use chives for a more delicate taste. Celery (½ cup, chopped) – Offers crunch and freshness; diced pickles can add a zing instead. Sweet Relish (¼ cup) – Brings sweetness and tang to the salad; substitute chopped pickles or adjust sugar to taste. Garlic (1 tablespoon, minced) – Enhances flavor depth; roasted garlic lends a milder taste. Dijon Mustard (2 tablespoons) – Adds a slight tang and complexity; yellow mustard works for a simpler flavor. Mayonnaise (½ cup) – Contributes creaminess, a traditional element in potato salads; Greek yogurt serves as a lighter option. Creole Seasoning (1 teaspoon) – Infuses the salad with a distinct Southern spice; adjust based on your spiciness preference. Salt and Pepper – Essential for flavor enhancement; adjust to personal taste. Feel the warmth of Southern hospitality with this Southern Potato Salad! Whether it’s served at a backyard BBQ or a cozy family dinner, each bite is bound to create lasting memories. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Southern Potato Salad Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes and Eggs Start by filling a large pot with water and adding a generous pinch of salt. Bring it to a rolling boil over high heat, then add the peeled and quartered large Russet potatoes. Cook for about 15 minutes until fork-tender. In a separate pot, boil the hard-boiled eggs for 10-12 minutes. Once both are cooked, drain the potatoes and let them cool before dicing. Cool the eggs in an ice bath, then peel and chop them. Step 2: Combine the Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled potatoes and chopped eggs. Toss in the diced green onions, chopped celery, and sweet relish. Next, incorporate the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and creamy mayonnaise into the mixture. Sprinkle in the Creole seasoning, salt, and pepper. Using a spatula, gently combine all the ingredients until everything is well-coated, ensuring a delightful Southern Potato Salad. Step 3: Chill and Serve Once thoroughly mixed, transfer the Southern Potato Salad into an attractive serving bowl. To let the flavors meld beautifully, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. This chilling time enhances the taste, making it even more enjoyable. Serve cold as a side dish to complete your family gathering or summer BBQ, delighting everyone with that classic Southern comfort. What to Serve With Southern Potato Salad Looking to create a full meal that resonates with the flavors of summer gatherings? This creamy classic is versatile and pairs beautifully with a range of delicious options. Southern Fried Chicken: Juicy, crispy chicken complements the creamy salad perfectly, creating a delightful Southern feast. BBQ Ribs: The smoky, sweet flavors of BBQ ribs harmonize wonderfully with the richness of potato salad, making every bite a joy. Hot Dogs: A casual classic, hot dogs with your favorite toppings make for a fun, laid-back meal alongside your potato salad. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet, buttery corn on the cob adds a fresh crunch that balances the creamy texture of the salad delightfully. Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw brightens the plate and contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture of the Southern Potato Salad. Sweet Tea: Nothing says Southern like a refreshing glass of sweet tea, perfectly complementing your meal and quenching your thirst. Watermelon Wedges: Juicy, sweet watermelon slices offer a refreshing respite from the savory dishes and keep your summer meal light and festive. Chocolate Chip Cookies: For dessert, classic chocolate chip cookies add a sweet ending, wrapping up the meal with a touch of nostalgia. Peach Cobbler: Indulge in a warm, comforting peach cobbler for a perfect sweet finish that echoes Southern traditions. Sparkling Lemonade: A zesty, bubbly drink that invigorates your palate and pairs well with the rich flavors of the meal. How to Store and Freeze Southern Potato Salad Fridge: Store leftover Southern Potato Salad in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it’s well covered to maintain freshness and avoid unwanted odors from other foods. Freezer: If you need to freeze your potato salad, place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Note that the texture may change slightly upon thawing, but it will still be delicious! Reheating: For best results, thaw the salad in the refrigerator overnight. Stir well before serving it cold again. Optionally, add a splash of mayonnaise or yogurt to refresh the creamy texture if needed. Expert Tips for Southern Potato Salad Cool the Potatoes: Allow potatoes to cool completely before mixing them with the mayonnaise to prevent separation and achieve a creamier texture. Chill for Flavor: Refrigerating your Southern Potato Salad for several hours, or even overnight, will deepen the flavors, making it taste even better. Mix Gently: Be gentle when combining ingredients to avoid breaking down the potatoes too much; you want a nice, chunky texture. Taste as You Go: Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning as needed; everyone’s palate is different, and tweaking flavors can make all the difference. Add Freshness: For a pop of color and added flavor, consider incorporating fresh herbs like dill or parsley right before serving. Southern Potato Salad Variations & Substitutions Invite your taste buds to explore delightful twists on the classic Southern Potato Salad that will add unique flair while staying true to comfort. Dairy-Free: Substitute Greek yogurt with vegan mayo for a creamy touch that everyone can enjoy. Heat Boost: Toss in jalapeño or diced serrano peppers to ignite your salad with a spicy kick that’ll excite the palate. Crunchy Twist: Swap celery for diced radishes to add a delightful crunch and a peppery bite to each forkful. Herbal Freshness: Incorporate fresh dill or parsley for an aromatic burst that enriches the overall flavor. Flavor Fusion: Mix in diced bell peppers for sweetness and vibrant color, creating a visually appealing addition. Zesty Variation: Substitute sweet relish with chopped dill pickles or even a splash of pickle juice to enhance tanginess. Vegan Delight: Omit the hard-boiled eggs, or use tofu scrambled in turmeric to add protein without compromising the vegan vibe. For more nostalgic flavors, consider pairing this potato salad with Tuna Noodle Salad or enjoy a refreshing side of Cucumber Strawberry Salad at your next gathering! Let your culinary creativity flourish, and find joy in making this classic your own! Make Ahead Options These Southern Potato Salad is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can boil the potatoes and hard-boiled eggs up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Simply cool them completely before refrigerating to prevent any moisture from affecting the texture. Additionally, you can pre-chop the vegetables (green onions and celery) and mix the dressing (mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and seasonings) up to 3 days prior, keeping everything in airtight containers. When you’re ready to enjoy the salad, simply dice the cooled potatoes and eggs, combine with the prepped ingredients, and refrigerate once more before serving. This way, you’ll have a delicious Southern Potato Salad ready with minimal last-minute effort, making it a true time saver for busy weeknights or gatherings! Southern Potato Salad Recipe FAQs What type of potatoes are best for Southern Potato Salad? For Southern Potato Salad, I recommend using large Russet potatoes as they provide a great structure and creamy texture. If you prefer a creamier finish, Yukon Golds are an excellent alternative. Just make sure to choose potatoes that feel firm and free of dark spots! How can I store leftover Southern Potato Salad? Absolutely! To keep your Southern Potato Salad fresh, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for about 3-4 days. Just ensure the container is sealed well to prevent it from absorbing any odors from other foods. Can I freeze Southern Potato Salad? Yes, you can! To freeze your Southern Potato Salad, transfer it into a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Keep in mind, however, that the texture might change slightly, so adding a dollop of mayo or yogurt can help refresh its creaminess. What if my potato salad is too watery? Very common! If your Southern Potato Salad ends up a bit watery, you can try draining off excess liquid by letting it sit in a colander for a bit. Additionally, you could mix in a touch more mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to balance it out. Be sure to taste as you go; you can always add in more ingredients to adjust the flavors to your liking. Can I make Southern Potato Salad vegan-friendly? Definitely! To create a vegan version of Southern Potato Salad, simply omit the hard-boiled eggs and replace the mayonnaise with a vegan mayo. You might also want to enhance the flavor with a dash of additional mustard or seasoning to taste. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients to craft a salad that resonates with your palate! How long should I chill Southern Potato Salad before serving? I recommend chilling your Southern Potato Salad for at least an hour in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste. However, if you can prepare it the night before, that’s even better! Just give it a quick stir before serving to mix everything back up. Southern Potato Salad: The Creamy Classic You Need Now This Southern Potato Salad combines tender potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and fresh ingredients, making it a gluten-free, creamy classic perfect for BBQs and family gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsChilling Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins Servings: 8 servingsCourse: Best Recipe IdeasCuisine: SouthernCalories: 230 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Salad4 large Russet Potatoes Peeled and quartered4 large Hard-Boiled Eggs Chopped0.25 cup Green Onions Diced0.5 cup Celery Chopped0.25 cup Sweet Relish1 tablespoon Garlic Minced2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard0.5 cup Mayonnaise1 teaspoon Creole SeasoningSalt To tastePepper To taste Equipment Large PotMixing bowlSpatula Method Preparation StepsFill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Add the peeled and quartered potatoes and cook for 15 minutes until fork-tender.In a separate pot, boil the hard-boiled eggs for 10-12 minutes, then cool in an ice bath, peel, and chop.Drain the potatoes and allow them to cool before dicing.In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled potatoes and chopped eggs, along with the diced green onions, chopped celery, and sweet relish.Add the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and mayonnaise. Sprinkle in the Creole seasoning, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until well-coated.Transfer the mixture into a serving bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour.Serve cold as a side dish at your family gathering or BBQ. Nutrition Serving: 1cupCalories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 5gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 550mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg NotesCool the potatoes completely before mixing with mayonnaise to achieve a creamier texture. Refrigerate the salad for deeper flavors, and consider adding fresh herbs before serving. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
