This Southern Style Potato Salad is creamy, tangy, and packed with classic Southern flavor. Made with tender Yukon gold potatoes, chopped eggs, sweet onion, dill relish, mustard, and mayonnaise, this homemade potato salad is the ultimate side dish for cookouts, holidays, and Sunday dinners.
If you’re looking for a traditional Southern potato salad recipe that tastes just like grandma used to make, this one is it.
Why You’ll Love This Southern Style Potato Salad Recipe
- Creamy and tangy flavor
- Perfect for BBQs and gatherings
- Classic Southern ingredients
- Great make-ahead side dish
- Feeds a crowd
- Balanced texture with crunch from celery and peppers
Ingredients for Southern Style Potato Salad
The Potato Base
3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes
Yukon gold potatoes are ideal because they stay creamy without becoming mushy.
The Classic Southern Add-Ins
4 hard boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
4 celery stalks, chopped
½ cup dill pickle relish
1 small jar diced pimentos
1 large sweet onion, diced
2 poblano peppers, diced
Eggs add richness, while relish and mustard bring that signature Southern tang. Celery and peppers provide texture and flavor depth.
The Creamy Dressing
2 tablespoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
Mayonnaise creates the creamy base, and yellow mustard gives this potato salad its classic Southern color and flavor.
Equipment We Love for This Recipe
- Large pot use code mckmichcollective for 10% off the entire website of our favorite pots and pans!
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Shop All Our Kitchen Favorites on Amazon
Southern Style Potato Salad Recipe: Creamy Classic Potato Salad with Eggs and Relish
Ingredients
- 3 lbs Yukon gold potatoes
- 4 hard boiled eggs chopped
- 4 celery stalks chopped
- ½ cup dill pickle relish
- 1 small jar diced pimentos
- 1 large sweet onion diced
- 2 poblano peppers diced
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
Instructions
- Wash potatoes and cover with water in a large pot.
- Bring to a boil and simmer for about 40 minutes, until tender.
- Drain and allow potatoes to cool.
- Once cooled, peel potatoes.
- Add remaining ingredients to the bowl, breaking up potatoes gently with a spoon.
- Mix until combined.
- Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.
How to Make Southern Style Potato Salad
Start by washing the Yukon gold potatoes and placing them in a large pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 40 minutes until fork tender.
Drain and allow the potatoes to cool completely before peeling. Once peeled, break them apart gently in a large bowl.
Add chopped eggs, celery, relish, pimentos, onion, and diced poblano peppers.
Stir in mayonnaise, yellow mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix gently so the potatoes stay slightly chunky.
Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving so the flavors fully develop.
What to Serve with Southern Style Potato Salad
This classic Southern side dish pairs perfectly with:
• Sunday Roast
• White Chicken Chili Recipe
• Taco Soup
• Raisin Jalapeño Chicken Salad Recipe
It’s also a natural fit alongside:
• Burgers or grilled chicken
• BBQ ribs
• Fried chicken
• Deviled eggs
For a full Southern spread, serve with 3 Bean Salad and Homemade Applesauce.
Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
Not recommended due to the mayonnaise base.
Reheating:
Serve chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it actually tastes better after chilling.
Can I use russet potatoes?
Yes, but Yukon gold holds texture better.
Can I leave out the poblano peppers?
Absolutely.
Can I add paprika on top?
Yes, sprinkle lightly before serving for a classic touch.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Style Potato Salad Recipe is creamy, tangy, and full of traditional flavor. It’s the kind of side dish that shows up at every family gathering and never has leftovers.
If you make this recipe, tag us so we can see. We love seeing how you style your food and bring a little Southern hospitality into your home.
Enjoy!
McKaylee & Michele
MckMich Collective
Comments +