There are few things more iconic at a Southern picnic or backyard barbecue than a big bowl of creamy, tangy Southern Potato Salad . It’s the kind of dish that brings people together — whether it's served alongside fried chicken, hot off the grill ribs, or just eaten straight from the bowl (no judgment here!).
This classic side dish is rich, comforting, and packed with flavor — featuring tender potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, crispy bacon, and a perfectly balanced mayonnaise-based dressing.
In this post, we’ll walk you through how to make the ultimate Southern potato salad from scratch , plus share expert tips, variations, and even how to monetize this content if you run a blog or YouTube channel.
Let’s get started!
🧑🍳 What Makes Southern Potato Salad Special?
Unlike its lighter, vinegar-based Northern cousin, Southern Potato Salad is all about richness, texture, and bold flavor . It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and loaded with add-ins like mustard, relish, celery, and bacon — making it an instant crowd-pleaser.
It’s:
- Creamy and dreamy
- Loaded with texture and flavor
- Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or family dinners
- Easy to make ahead
- Totally customizable
Whether you're bringing it to a church supper, a summer cookout, or your own dinner table, this potato salad will steal the show every time.
🛒 Ingredients You'll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for 8–10 servings:
For the Potatoes:
- 4 lbs Yukon Gold or red potatoes (skin on for extra texture)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 tbsp white vinegar (for boiling eggs)
For the Dressing:
- 1 ½ cups mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or pickle juice (for tang)
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, for balance)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mix-Ins:
- 4 stalks celery, finely chopped
- ½ cup sweet pickle relish (or dill relish for a tangier kick)
- ½ small red onion, finely diced
- 4 slices cooked and crumbled bacon (optional but highly recommended)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or green onions
💡 Tip: Some folks swear by adding a spoonful of Miracle Whip or a dash of paprika for extra flair.
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
