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Bowl of classic Southern potato salad garnished with paprika and herbs

Classic Southern Potato Salad

This Classic Southern Potato Salad is a timeless comfort dish made with creamy mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and tender potatoes, finished with a touch of paprika. Perfect for barbecues, picnics, or family gatherings!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 heure 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American, Southern
Servings 6 servings
Calories 290 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Mixing bowls
  • Colander
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Spatula
  • Refrigerator

Ingrédients
  

  • 2 pounds potatoes Yukon gold or red potatoes, cleaned
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise for creaminess
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard adds tang
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar balances flavor
  • 1/2 cup diced celery adds crunch
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion for sweetness
  • 3 boiled eggs chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Paprika for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Wash and peel potatoes if desired. Cut into chunks of even size.
  • Boil potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
  • Once potatoes are warm but not hot, add them to the dressing along with celery, red onion, and chopped eggs.
  • Season with salt and pepper. Mix gently to coat the potatoes without breaking them.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to let the flavors meld.
  • Before serving, sprinkle paprika on top and serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

For a lighter version, replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. To make it vegan, omit eggs and use vegan mayo. Avoid overcooking potatoes to prevent a mushy texture.
Keyword BBQ, Picnic, Potato Salad, Southern