Easy Potato Salad Recipe with a Southern Style Twist

Looking for a summer side dish that tastes amazing and is simple to make? Wait until you try this easy potato salad recipe with a Southern style twist.

When the temperatures dip and I’m craving a cool summer dish, I love to make different versions of salads.

From a simple garden salad using fresh vegetables from my garden to pasta, potato, and Caprese salads, I am a summer salad lover.

Since I’m growing tons of potatoes this year, I thought I’d share my favorite recipe for potato salad which is crazy good and so easy to make.

And because I’m heading to a Southern potluck dinner theme party with my supper club, I thought I’d make this one with a tasty twist.

This scrumptious potato salad recipe is not only bursting with flavor but also features some of the freshest ingredients straight from my garden.

Whether you’re planning a family picnic, a backyard barbecue, or simply a cozy meal at home, this recipe for potato salad is a versatile and tasty addition to your menu.

Wait until you see how easy this is to make!

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A Staple at Summer BBQs, Potlucks, and Picnics

You’ve probably seen some sort of summer salad recipe at a gathering this summer, am I right?

Potato salad is perfect for relaxed summer gatherings because it’s an easy dish to make that’s like comfort food.

Potato salad is a summer staple at BBQs, potlucks, and picnics for several reasons that include:

• Refreshing and Cool: During hot summer months, people often crave cool and refreshing dishes that won’t weigh them down. Potato salad fits the bill perfectly because its chilled nature provides a welcome respite from the heat.
• It’s Portable and Easy to Serve: Potato salad is a convenient dish to bring to outdoor gatherings. It’s easy to transport in containers, doesn’t require elaborate serving arrangements, and can be enjoyed without the need for heating or additional preparation.
• Versatile Pairing: Potato salad pairs well with a wide variety of grilled and BBQ foods, like burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, and ribs. Its mild and creamy flavors complement the smoky, savory tastes of grilled meats.
• All-Ages Appeal: Potato salad is a crowd-pleaser that appeals to people of all ages.
• It’s Customizable: Potato salad is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit different preferences.
• Nostalgia and Tradition: Potato salad often carries a sense of nostalgia and tradition. Many people have fond memories of enjoying potato salad at family gatherings, picnics, and BBQs. And several families pass down their best recipes through generations.
• A Great Make-Ahead Option: Potato salad can be made ahead of time, allowing hosts and attendees to focus on enjoying the event rather than last-minute meal preparation.

Duke’s Mayonnaise: ”The Mayo of the South”

When I told my good friend Anne from Simply 2 Moms that I was making a potato salad recipe for our supper club, she immediately said, “You’ve got to make it then with the Mayo of the South.”

I said, “Mayo of the South? I’ve not heard of this before (cause I’m a Jersey girl born and raised). I need to try this!”

As I drilled down, I learned that, in the South, Duke’s Mayonnaise is a pantry staple and an integral part of many traditional recipes.

It’s used in everything from deviled eggs and pimento cheese to chocolate cake, biscuits, and creamy dressings – dishes that have become iconic symbols of southern cooking.

When it comes to mayonnaise, it’s all a matter of taste. Some prefer Hellman’s, others enjoy Miracle Whip, and many Southerners love Duke’s.

I’ve never seen it available locally to me, so I had to order it on Amazon to use in this dish to see what all the fuss is about! It’s sugar-free and has a bit of tanginess from vinegar with a touch of paprika.

What makes Duke’s Mayo so different is it has a higher ratio of egg yolks than most other commercial mayos, which makes it rich, creamy, and less likely to separate when heated. So it has a thick, almost custard-like texture. 

After testing it out in a few recipes, I LOVE IT. And plan to keep it on subscription order in my Amazon Prime account.

Grabbing Some Fresh Ingredients from My Garden

One of the joys of growing your own vegetables and herbs is the incredible taste they bring to your dishes.

For this potato salad recipe, I’ve handpicked fresh potatoes and green onions from my garden.

Since I’m always looking for great ways to use my vegetable harvest, this recipe fits the bill. The tender texture and earthy flavor of the new potatoes complement the zesty, kick of the green onions perfectly.

Potato Salad Recipe FAQs 

Before we deep dive into the recipe, here are a few potato salad FAQs you may want to know before making this yummy dish.

What’s in a classic potato salad?

A classic potato salad generally includes:

• potatoes
• mayonnaise
• mustard
• vinegar
• celery
• and hard-boiled eggs 

That said, is every recipe made this way?

Nope. The beauty of potato salad is its versatility! And when it comes to ingredients, the options are endless.

Don’t like eggs? Leave them out.

Mayo, not your jam? Toss it with a vinegar-based dressing.

Like a little kick? Add some cayenne.

You can make potato salad your own way with the add-ins you use. Here are just a few ideas of different options to toss in:

• bacon
• onion
• dill
• capers
• olives
• peas
• radishes
• garlic
• jalapenos
• cucumber
• blue cheese
• carrots
• or green peppers. 

What kind of potatoes are best for potato salad?

When it comes to making potato salad, choosing the right kind of potato is crucial to achieving the perfect texture and flavor.

Different types of potatoes have varying levels of starch content, which affects how they hold up during cooking and mixing.

For a classic and delicious potato salad, I recommend using all-purpose potatoes. These varieties are known for their ability to hold their shape when cooked and remain firm yet creamy in salads.

Here are a few potato options that work well in a summer salad.

• New Potatoes
• Red Potatoes
• Yukon Gold Potatoes
• Fingerling Potatoes

Remember, the key is to choose potatoes that won’t disintegrate when cooked and mixed with other ingredients. If you opt for starchy potatoes like russets, they can become too soft and break apart, resulting in a mushy salad.

Should I remove the skin from the potatoes?

Whether to leave the skin on the potatoes depends on your personal preference and the type of potatoes you’re using.

Waxy potatoes such as red potatoes have thin skins that are tender and flavorful. Leaving the skin on can add a rustic look and earthy flavor to your potato salad. The skin is also the healthiest part and can add a nice texture and visual interest. 

How do I cook potatoes for potato salad?

• Wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Peel them or leave the skins on, depending on your preference.
• Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate. Aim for bite-sized cubes or small chunks.
• Place the potato pieces in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
• Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat and then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
• Cook the potatoes for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are easily pierced with a fork. The cooking time may vary based on the size of the potato pieces.
• Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander and let them cool slightly. Transfer them to a baking sheet or tray to cool evenly and allow excess moisture to evaporate.

How do I hard-boil eggs?

Place eggs in a pot and cover them with cold water. The water should be about 1 inch higher than the eggs.

Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat then turn off the heat and cover the pot. Leave the eggs in the hot water for anywhere from 10-12 minutes, depending on how you like your eggs.

The 10-minute eggs will have vibrant, creamy yolks, while the 12-minute yolks will be paler and opaque, with a chalkier texture.

When the time is up, drain the water and immediately run cold water over the eggs until cooled. Rapid cooling helps prevent a green ring from forming around the yolks.

Why should I put vinegar in my potato salad?

Adding serves several important purposes that enhance the overall flavor and texture of the dish. Vinegar brings a tangy and slightly acidic element to your potato salad, balancing out the richness of the creamy dressing and the natural starchiness of the potatoes.

When using vinegar in potato salad, it’s important to exercise moderation. Too much vinegar can overpower the other flavors, while too little might not provide the desired tanginess.

Start by adding a small amount of vinegar to your dressing, then taste and adjust according to your preference.

Some even add vinegar to the cooking water when boiling the potatoes, which allows the vinegar to penetrate the potatoes and infuse them with flavor. But vinegar can also be added directly to the dressing mixture to provide that tangy kick.

How do I keep my potato salad from getting watery?

Watery potato salad can result from excess moisture released by cooked potatoes or other ingredients. It’s important not to overcook the potatoes since this can lead to a mushy texture and excess moisture.

Always drain them well. And make sure the potatoes are completely cooled before mixing them with the dressing and other ingredients. Because warm potatoes can release more moisture when combined with the dressing. 

How long will potato salad keep in the refrigerator?

According to the USDA, leftovers like homemade potato salad should last in the refrigerator for about three to four days. However, if your potato salad was held at room temperature for two or more hours, it’s a good idea to throw it away instead of returning it to the refrigerator.

Can I freeze potato salad?

Yes, you can freeze potato salad, but I don’t recommend it. The salad simply won’t be the same when it thaws. The potatoes will be soggy and can turn gray in the freezer, and the texture may be off.

Instead of freezing it, think of other ways to use the potato salad. Try adding it to a wrap or making potato pancakes with it! I said potato salad is a versatile dish!

How to Make Easy Potato Salad Recipe

Since I’m new to making this recipe with Duke’s Mayonnaise, I have to say I love the creamy texture it adds yet it’s light enough to not overpower the recipe.

Have you ever had a potato salad recipe that was super heavy on the mayo flavors? This isn’t that kind of dish.

Here’s how to make it.

Ingredients

• Yukon Gold Potatoes peeled and cut into bite-size cubes
• Duke’s Mayonnaise
• Dijon Mustard
• Apple cider vinegar
• Hardboiled eggs, peeled and chopped
• Pickle Juice
• Celery ribs, chopped
• Green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Paprika for garnish

Directions

Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Bring them to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for 10-15 minutes or until fork tender. Then, drain them in a colander and let them cool a bit.

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, pickle juice, and apple cider vinegar.

Add hard-boiled eggs, celery, green onions, and drained potatoes. Gently fold the veggies and eggs into the dressing.

Season with salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika. Enjoy!

More About This Easy Potato Salad Recipe

Do you have a favorite potato salad recipe you like to make? Have you ever grown potatoes before? I would love to know more in the comments below.

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More Great Summer Recipes You Might Enjoy

if you are looking for some tasty summer dishes, I got you. Wait until you try these quick and easy recipes.

• Easy Caprese Salad Recipe
• Grandma’s Bruschetta Tomatoes
• Peach Burrata Recipe
• Mouthwatering Peach Recipes You Should Try
• Grilled Chicken with Peach Avocado Salsa
• Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad
• Easy Watermelon Sangria Recipe
• Best Recipe for Peach Sangria
• Cucumber Salad with Dill Recipe
• Best Mixed Drink with Rum Recipe

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