Creamy Southern Potato Salad

Creamy Southern Potato Salad: A Picnic-Perfect Side Dish!

Dive into the delightful world of Southern comfort food with this creamy potato salad recipe. It’s a perfect blend of tender potatoes, crunchy celery, and hard-boiled eggs, all enveloped in a lusciously creamy dressing. This classic side dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at your next family gathering or summer barbecue.

The secret to this potato salad’s irresistible flavor lies in its carefully balanced ingredients. The celery seed adds a subtle, earthy undertone that complements the tangy mustard and sweet relish. As you prepare this dish, your kitchen will be filled with the nostalgic aromas of home cooking, transporting you to warm Southern summers and lazy Sunday afternoons.

Potato salad has been a staple of American cuisine since the mid-19th century, with regional variations developing over time. This Southern-style version is known for its creamy texture and the addition of eggs, which not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the protein content. Pair this salad with grilled chicken or barbecue ribs for a complete and satisfying meal.

Creamy Southern Potato Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

2 pounds russet potatoes peeled and cubed

5 large eggs (set one egg aside for garnish)

1 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons yellow mustard

1/4 cup sweet pickle relish

1/2 cup finely chopped celery

1/4 cup finely chopped red or white onion

1 teaspoon celery seed

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Paprika for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

2. While the potatoes are cooking, place the eggs in a separate pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 12 minutes.

3. Drain the cooked potatoes and transfer them to a large bowl. Let cool for about 15 minutes.

4. Drain the eggs and place them in an ice bath. Once cooled, peel and chop the eggs.

5. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, and pickle relish to create the dressing.

6. Add the chopped celery, red onion, celery seed, salt, and pepper to the cooled potatoes. Gently fold in the chopped eggs.

7. Pour the dressing over the potato mixture and gently stir until all ingredients are well combined and evenly coated.

8. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.

9. Before serving, stir the salad gently adjust seasoning if needed. Add extra egg sliced and sprinkle with paprika, if desired for garnish.

Cooking Tip: To prevent your potatoes from becoming waterlogged and mushy, add a tablespoon of white vinegar to the boiling water when cooking the potatoes. The acid helps the potatoes hold their shape while still becoming tender, resulting in a perfect texture for your potato salad.

Notes:

• For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
• Add crumbled bacon or chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor.
• This salad can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Information

Serving size: 1/2 cup

Calories: 220

Fat: 15g

Protein: 4g

Carbohydrates: 20g

Fiber: 2g

Sodium: 280mg

Other Information

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Chill time: 2 hours

Equipment used: Large pot, medium pot, large bowl, medium bowl, cutting board, knife

Estimated cost per serving: $0.75

Total cost: $6.00 (8 servings)

In Conclusion, Creamy Southern Potato Salad

This Southern-style potato salad is a versatile and beloved dish that has stood the test of time. Its creamy texture, balanced flavors, and comforting appeal make it a perfect addition to any meal, from casual picnics to holiday feasts. With this recipe in your culinary arsenal, you’ll be well-equipped to impress friends and family at your next gathering.

Read more about Texas South by Southwest Cuisine here.

Kitchen Helper

 Extra Large Salad Serving Bowl Set with Wooden Lid & Utensils, 6.5Qt.

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