Mama'S Southern Potato Salad

Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Cuisine: Southern

Mama's Southern Potato Salad is a creamy, tangy dish with chopped potatoes, eggs, pickles, and onions, perfect for family gatherings and comfort food lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 5 medium potatoes
  • 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
  • 1 Tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp prepared mustard
  • 1/2 cup sweet pickles, chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped onions
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • paprika

Instructions

  1. Cook potatoes until fork-tender.
  2. Refrigerate until cool and peel.
  3. Chop potatoes and 5 eggs.
  4. Reserve 1 egg for garnish.
  5. In a large bowl, combine chopped potatoes, eggs, chopped pickles, chopped onions, sugar, salt, pepper, and prepared mustard.
  6. Add mayonnaise and mix well.
  7. Garnish with the reserved boiled egg and a sprinkle of paprika before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt in place of half the mayonnaise. If you prefer a tangier flavor, add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. You can also substitute dill pickles for sweet pickles if you want a different taste. Ensure the potatoes are fully cooked but not falling apart for the best texture. If time permits, make this dish a day in advance to let the flavors meld.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mama's Southern Potato Salad chilled as a side dish at barbecues, picnics, or family gatherings. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or sandwiches. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Garden Fresh Vegetables for a refreshing contrast. This dish also works well as part of a potluck spread, complementing other favorites like baked beans or coleslaw.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. To maintain freshness, avoid leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If you need to reheat, do so gently in the microwave, adding a splash of mayonnaise if it seems dry. Cold potato salad is often enjoyed straight from the fridge.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mama'S Southern Potato Salad contains roughly 859 calories, with 16g protein, 140g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (119% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (77% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (76% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 838mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).

859 kcal 43% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 16.2g 32% DV
Total Fat 30g 38% DV
Carbs 140.3g 51% DV
Fiber 21.2g 76% DV
Sugar 9.9g 20% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 838.1mg 36% DV
Potassium 3066.5mg 65% DV
Cholesterol 3.2mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 688.6mcg 77% DV
Vitamin C 106.8mg 100% DV
Calcium 178.1mg 14% DV
Iron 6.8mg 38% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Egg

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this potato salad ahead of time?

Yes, this potato salad can be made a day in advance. In fact, allowing it to sit in the refrigerator overnight helps the flavors develop and meld together, making it taste even better. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge.

What type of potatoes work best for potato salad?

Waxy potatoes, such as red or Yukon gold, are ideal for potato salad as they hold their shape well after boiling. Avoid starchy potatoes like Russets, which can become mushy. For the best texture, cook the potatoes until fork-tender but still firm enough to cut into pieces.

Can I add other ingredients to this potato salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your potato salad by adding ingredients like celery for crunch, bacon for flavor, or even green onions for a fresh touch. You can also experiment with different pickles and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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