There’s something truly special about a classic Southern Potato Salad that just brings everyone together. Whether it’s a family reunion, a picnic, or just a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe never fails to hit the spot. It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor—everything a great potato salad should be! Today, I’m excited to share my secrets for making the best Southern Potato Salad that your family and friends will love. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s dive into this deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A perfect balance of creamy and tangy flavors
- Easy to make ahead for potlucks or weeknight dinners
- Customizable to your taste preferences
- Classic Southern flavors that never go out of style
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Southern Potato Salad Recipe. Don’t worry, it’s all simple, everyday ingredients that you might already have in your pantry!
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s walk through how to make this Southern Potato Salad step by step. It’s easier than you think, and the result is absolutely worth it!
- Place diced potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Add a couple teaspoons of salt and bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook until potatoes are fork tender, about 10 minutes. Watch closely and do not overcook or the potatoes will become mushy. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, stir together mayonnaise, mustard, pickle relish, garlic powder, sugar, and vinegar.
- Add potatoes and stir to coat completely. Fold in eggs, celery, and green onions. Taste and add salt and pepper as desired. If desired, top with a few sliced eggs and a sprinkle of paprika.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are a few tips to ensure your Southern Potato Salad turns out perfectly every time:
- Make sure your potatoes are fork-tender but not mushy. This ensures the best texture.
- Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Don’t overmix the potatoes with the dressing, as this can make the salad too dense.
How to Serve
Southern Potato Salad is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to serve it:
- As a side dish for your next family dinner
- At a picnic or BBQ
- As part of a quick weeknight meal
- Alongside other salads like Cucumber Vinegar Salad or Creamy Cucumber Salad
Make Ahead and Storage
This Southern Potato Salad is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. It’s also a great addition to your meal prep for quick family dinners or easy weeknight meals. For longer storage, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
And there you have it—my secret recipe for the best Southern Potato Salad you’ll ever taste! It’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or even a quick 30-minute meal. Pair it with some Olive Garden Salad for a well-rounded meal that’s sure to please everyone. Enjoy making and devouring this classic dish!

Southern Potato Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Russet potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1.25 cups Mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Yellow mustard
- 0.25 cups Pickle relish
- 0.5 teaspoons Garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Sugar
- 2 teaspoons White vinegar
- 5 Hard boiled eggs diced
- 2 Stalks celery diced
- 5 Green onions diced
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Paprika
Instructions
- Place diced potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Add a couple teaspoons of salt and bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook until potatoes are fork tender, about 10 minutes. Watch closely and do not overcook or the potatoes will become mushy. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, stir together mayonnaise, mustard, pickle relish, garlic powder, sugar and vinegar.
- Add potatoes and stir to coat completely. Fold in eggs, celery and green onions. Taste and add salt and pepper as desired. If desired, top with a few sliced eggs and a sprinkle of paprika.