Best-Ever Classic Southern Potato Salad Recipe
Introduction
Classic Southern potato salad is a creamy, tangy side dish perfect for gatherings and barbecues. Made with tender Yukon Gold potatoes and a flavorful, spiced mayo dressing, this recipe brings a comforting Southern twist to your table.

Ingredients
- 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-1 1/2″ cubes
- 4 cups (32 ounces) low sodium chicken stock or broth
- 1 cup full-fat mayonnaise, preferably Duke’s
- 1/2 cup sweet salad cubes
- 2 medium stalks of celery, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons Creole mustard (we use Zatarain’s)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 4-5 hard-boiled eggs, chopped or sliced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, plus more for garnishing
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Hot sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, add the peeled and chopped potatoes. Pour the chicken stock or broth over the potatoes, making sure they are fully submerged. If necessary, add a few splashes of water until all potatoes are covered.
- Step 2: Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Cook the potatoes for 10-15 minutes, or until they are fork tender but not mushy.
- Step 3: Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them cool for at least 10 minutes before assembling the salad.
- Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet salad cubes, chopped celery, Creole mustard, fresh dill, white vinegar, chopped hard-boiled eggs (reserve some for garnish), onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and celery salt. Stir well to blend all ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Step 5: Place the cooled potatoes into a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the potatoes and gently toss to fully coat the mixture.
- Step 6: For best flavor, cover the potato salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Step 7: Before serving, garnish the salad with additional fresh dill, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, and the reserved hard-boiled eggs.
- Step 8: Serve the potato salad cold, accompanied by hot sauce if desired. Enjoy this classic Southern side at your next meal!
Tips & Variations
- Use Duke’s mayonnaise for an authentic Southern flavor, but any full-fat mayo will work.
- Creole mustard adds a nice kick—substitute with spicy brown mustard if needed.
- For a lighter version, swap half the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt.
- Add chopped dill pickles or relish for extra tang and crunch.
- Use red potatoes or Russets if Yukon Golds aren’t available, but Yukon Golds hold their shape best.
Storage
Store the potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gently stir before serving again. It is best enjoyed chilled and should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this potato salad ahead of time?
Yes, preparing the salad a few hours or even the day before allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated and give it a gentle toss before serving.
What if I don’t have chicken broth or stock?
You can substitute with water, but the potatoes will have less flavor. Adding a bit of salt during cooking helps enhance the taste if you use water.
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Best-Ever Classic Southern Potato Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Best-Ever Classic Southern Potato Salad is a creamy, flavorful side dish featuring tender Yukon Gold potatoes combined with a tangy mayonnaise-based dressing enhanced with Creole mustard, fresh dill, celery, and hard-boiled eggs. Perfectly balanced with smoked paprika and celery salt, it’s an ideal cold salad for picnics, barbecues, or family dinners.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Cooking Liquid
- 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1–1 1/2 inch cubes
- 4 cups (32 ounces) low sodium chicken stock or broth
Dressing and Mix-ins
- 1 cup full-fat mayonnaise, preferably Duke’s
- 1/2 cup sweet salad cubes
- 2 medium stalks of celery, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons Creole mustard (Zatarain’s recommended)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 4–5 hard-boiled eggs, chopped or sliced (reserve some for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Hot sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Potatoes: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, add the peeled and cubed Yukon Gold potatoes. Pour the low sodium chicken stock over the potatoes, ensuring they are fully submerged. If needed, add a splash of water so all potatoes are covered.
- Boil Until Tender: Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Let the potatoes cook for 10-15 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork but not falling apart.
- Drain and Cool: Drain the potatoes in a colander and allow them to cool for at least 10 minutes before proceeding to assembly. This helps prevent the salad from becoming mushy.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet salad cubes, finely chopped celery, Creole mustard, fresh dill, white vinegar, chopped hard-boiled eggs (reserve some for garnish), onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and celery salt. Stir thoroughly to blend all ingredients.
- Season the Dressing: Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as preferred. You may also add more spices or mustard to suit your taste.
- Combine Potatoes and Dressing: Place the cooled potatoes in a large bowl, pour the prepared dressing over them, and gently toss to coat the potatoes evenly without breaking them up.
- Chill for Best Flavor: While the salad can be served immediately, cover it and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld for the best taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the potato salad with additional fresh dill, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, and reserved hard-boiled egg slices. Optionally, serve with dashes of hot sauce to add a spicy kick. Enjoy this classic Southern potato salad cold as a perfect side dish.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture and ability to hold shape after boiling.
- Low sodium chicken stock is recommended to control overall saltiness.
- Creole mustard adds unique tangy spice; substitute with Dijon mustard if unavailable.
- Allowing the salad to chill enhances the melding of flavors.
- Handle the potatoes gently after boiling to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Hard-boiled eggs can be adjusted to taste or quantity preferred.
- This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Keywords: Southern potato salad, classic potato salad, creamy potato salad, easy potato salad, Yukon Gold potatoes, Creole mustard potato salad, picnic side dish

