Grandma’s Secret Recipe: Southern-Style Potato Salad

This potato salad recipe is a true Southern staple, perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a delicious side dish for any summer meal. Packed with fluffy potatoes, tangy pickles, and a creamy dressing, it’s sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients:

6 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

4 large eggs, hard-boiled and chopped

1 red onion, diced

1 celery stalk, diced

1 cup dill pickles, chopped (with some juice)

1 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

1 tablespoon yellow mustard

1 tablespoon white vinegar

1 teaspoon dried dill

1/2 teaspoon celery seed

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the Potatoes: In a large pot, cover the potatoes with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and set them aside to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, vinegar, dill, and celery seed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled potatoes, eggs, onion, celery, pickles (including some of the pickle juice), and the dressing. Gently fold everything together until evenly combined.

4. Chill and Serve: Cover the potato salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh dill or chopped chives before serving.

Optional Add-Ins: If you’d like to customize your potato salad, consider adding some of these:

1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 350

Fat: 20g

Saturated Fat: 8g

Cholesterol: 130mg

Sodium: 450mg

Carbohydrates: 30g

Fiber: 2g

Sugar: 5g

Protein: 5g

Please note: This is an approximate nutritional calculation and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Conclusion:

This Southern-style potato salad is a delightful and refreshing side dish that’s sure to please a crowd. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, it’s a recipe that anyone can master. So next time you’re looking for a delicious and crowd-pleasing side dish, give this classic recipe a try!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of potato? Yes, you can use other types of potatoes such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes. However, russet potatoes are traditionally used because they hold their shape well and absorb the dressing nicely.
2. How long will this potato salad stay fresh? This potato salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I make this potato salad ahead of time? Absolutely! This potato salad actually tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld. You can make it up to 24 hours in advance.
4. Is this potato salad vegetarian? Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian. However, if you’d like to make it vegan, you can use a vegan mayonnaise alternative and omit the eggs.
5. What can I serve with this potato salad? This potato salad pairs well with a variety of main dishes, such as grilled chicken, pulled pork, or burgers. It’s also delicious served alongside other classic picnic fare like baked beans and coleslaw.