Southern Potato Salad

Ingredients:

  • 3 lbs russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 5 large eggs
  • 1 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s is traditional in the South)
  • 2 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish (plus a little juice)
  • ½ cup celery, finely diced
  • ½ cup onion, finely diced (white or sweet onion works best)
  • ¼ cup dill pickles, finely chopped (optional for extra tang)
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional, balances flavor)
  • ½ tsp paprika (plus more for garnish)
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Potatoes
    Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add 1 tbsp salt. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 12–15 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.
  2. Cook the Eggs
    In a saucepan, cover eggs with cold water. Bring to a boil, then turn off heat, cover, and let sit for 12 minutes. Transfer eggs to ice water, peel, and chop.
  3. Make the Dressing
    In a large mixing bowl, stir together mayonnaise, mustard, pickle relish, a splash of pickle juice, sugar (if using), paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Assemble Salad
    Add cooled potatoes, chopped eggs, celery, onion, and dill pickles (if using). Gently fold everything together until coated. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. Chill & Serve
    Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best) to let flavors meld. Sprinkle with paprika before serving.

Storage:

  • Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Not recommended — mayonnaise-based salads don’t freeze well.

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