Award-winning Southern Potato Salad Recipe

If there’s a single dish that promises comfort, nostalgia, and a bright pop of color on any picnic table, it’s the Award-winning Southern Potato Salad Recipe. With its creamy dressing, perfectly tender potatoes, and a cheerful swirl of fresh vegetables and herbs, this southern favorite is beloved for good reason. Each bite is a balancing act of zesty, sweet, and savory flavors that will make you the hero of any potluck or family gathering. You won’t want to miss out on serving up a bowl of this true southern classic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Award-winning Southern Potato Salad Recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that unforgettable down-home flavor and vibrant look. From the richness of mayonnaise to the fresh crunch of veggies, make sure you have each of these on hand for the best results.

• Russet or Red Potatoes: Choose russets for a fluffy salad, or red potatoes for a more distinct, cubed texture—both soak up the dressing beautifully.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy goodness is key; opt for your favorite brand since it forms the backbone of the dressing.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Adds the perfect acidic punch that brightens the whole dish.
• Sugar: Just a touch balances out the tangy notes and rounds out the flavors.
• White Onion (minced): Gives a mild, sweet bite that becomes mellow as it sits in the dressing.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer—potatoes, dressing, and veggies alike.
• Red Bell Pepper (julienned): Not only for color, but also for a slightly sweet crunch in every forkful.
• Carrots (julienned): Adds a pleasant, subtle sweetness and an appealing pop of orange.
• Celery (small dice): Crunchy, fresh, and fragrant—don’t skip it!
• Dijon or Yellow Mustard: Brings that southern tang and a golden hue to the finished salad.
• Fresh Chives (minced): Offers a delicate onion flavor and a vibrant color sprinkled throughout.
• Fresh Parsley (minced): Brings brightness and a fresh-from-the-garden aroma.
• Celery Seed: Optional, but it gives even more depth and a classic deli-style finish.

How to Make Award-winning Southern Potato Salad Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Dressing

Start by whisking together your mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a small mixing bowl. Once the mixture is smooth and creamy, fold in the minced white onion. This step infuses the dressing with a gentle savory undertone as it chills. Cover and refrigerate—the flavors intensify as the dressing sits, so don’t rush this crucial step!

Step 2: Prepare Your Potatoes

If you’re going the classic route with russet potatoes, go ahead and peel them. For red potatoes, peel or leave the skins on based on your preference for color and texture. Cut the potatoes into 1/2 inch cubes for a bite that’s just the right size, ensuring each piece gets thoroughly coated later on.

Step 3: Boil to Tender Perfection

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, generously salting it for flavor. Carefully drop in your potato cubes and simmer for 10–15 minutes, just until fork tender. Avoid overcooking—the potatoes should keep their shape in the final salad. Drain the potatoes and rinse them briefly under cool water, then allow them to drain completely so the dressing won’t get diluted.

Step 4: Marinate for Maximum Flavor

While the potatoes are still warm, transfer them to a large bowl and toss them with salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar. Let them cool and marinate—this trick seasons the potatoes all the way through, setting this salad apart from the rest.

Step 5: Prep Your Veggies and Herbs

Now’s the fun part! Julienne the red bell pepper into matchsticks and slice them into bite-sized pieces. Do the same with your carrots, or use pre-cut carrots for convenience—just chop them further as needed. Dice the celery small, and finely mince the fresh chives and parsley. These fresh ingredients transform the salad into a colorful and vibrant masterpiece.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Add your marinated potatoes to a large mixing bowl with the prepared veggies and herbs. Pour the chilled dressing over everything, add the mustard and a dash of celery seed if you like, then toss gently to combine. Taste-test for salt and pepper, and adjust as needed. The blend of textures and flavors at this stage is pure southern magic.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

For the best results, cover your finished salad and let it chill for at least 2 hours—or overnight if you can plan ahead. The flavors meld and intensify over time, making the Award-winning Southern Potato Salad Recipe taste even better. Right before serving, sprinkle extra fresh parsley or chives on top for a gorgeous, appetizing finish.

How to Serve Award-winning Southern Potato Salad Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the impact of a thoughtful garnish! Freshly minced parsley or chives adds a pop of green and a little extra lift to each forkful. For even more southern flair, consider a sprinkle of smoky paprika or a few thinly sliced radishes on top. These finishing touches make the Award-winning Southern Potato Salad Recipe look and taste special every time.

Side Dishes

This salad plays beautifully with all the southern classics. Serve it alongside crispy fried chicken, tender pulled pork, or juicy burgers. It also loves the company of grilled corn, coleslaw, and baked beans. At a picnic or barbecue, the Award-winning Southern Potato Salad Recipe is always the favorite side that guests return to for seconds (or thirds!).

Creative Ways to Present

Up your presentation game by dishing the salad into a vintage bowl, layering it in small mason jars for portable servings, or shaping it with a ring mold for a modern twist. You can even serve it atop leafy greens or inside a hollowed-out pepper for a vibrant, edible bowl—guaranteed to spark conversation and delight at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Potato salad stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container to keep the flavors fresh and the texture just right. As it rests, the flavors become even more harmonious, making leftovers truly crave-worthy.

Freezing

While many salads don’t hold up to freezing, the Award-winning Southern Potato Salad Recipe is best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge. The creamy dressing and tender potatoes can turn watery or grainy once thawed, so plan to make just enough to enjoy within a few days.

Reheating

This classic is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature. If you’d like it a bit warmer (for those cozy winter suppers), let it sit out for 20–30 minutes before serving, but never heat it in the microwave or oven, as that can break the mayonnaise-based dressing.

FAQs

Can I use different types of potatoes in this recipe?

Absolutely! Both russet and red potatoes work beautifully. Russets bring that classic, fluffy southern texture, while red potatoes hold their shape and create a bit more bite. You can even experiment with Yukon Golds for a buttery flavor.

Is there a way to make the salad lighter?

For a lighter twist, try using half mayonnaise and half Greek yogurt in the dressing. It stays creamy while offering a bit of tang and fewer calories, but still keeps everything you love about the Award-winning Southern Potato Salad Recipe.

How far in advance can I make this potato salad?

You can make the full salad up to two days ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. In fact, letting it rest overnight is ideal—the flavors deepen and the potatoes soak up even more deliciousness. Just garnish fresh before serving for the best color.

Can the dressing be made without onions?

Of course! If raw onion isn’t your thing, simply leave it out or swap for a bit more chive or even a touch of shallot for a milder onion note.

What gives this potato salad its southern flair?

It’s the combination of creamy, tangy dressing, the punch of vinegar, and the medley of crunchy, colorful veggies that make the Award-winning Southern Potato Salad Recipe a true southern staple. Plus, the soft addition of fresh herbs really brightens it up and brings home that authentic, comforting flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason this Award-winning Southern Potato Salad Recipe has a special place at every gathering in my house—once you try it, you’ll see why! It’s simple, packed with flavor, and a pure celebration of southern hospitality. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself and your loved ones to a dish they’ll request again and again.

Print