Mom'S Southern Potato Salad

Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 7 Cuisine: Southern

Mom's Southern Potato Salad features tender potatoes, chopped eggs, and a creamy, tangy dressing, perfect for family gatherings and picnics with classic Southern flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 5 medium potatoes
  • 8 c. water
  • 1 Tbsp. salt
  • 6 hard-cooked eggs
  • 1 c. mayonnaise
  • 1 Tbsp. sugar
  • 1/8 tsp. prepared mustard
  • 1/2 c. chopped sweet pickles
  • 1/4 c. chopped onion
  • paprika

Instructions

  1. Place potatoes, water, and salt in a large pan.
  2. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender.
  3. Refrigerate potatoes until cool, then peel.
  4. Chop potatoes and 5 eggs; reserve the remaining egg for garnish.
  5. Combine sugar, salt, mustard, pickles, onion, and mayonnaise in a large bowl.
  6. Add chopped potatoes and eggs to the bowl and mix well.
  7. Quarter or slice the reserved egg and garnish the top of the salad.
  8. Sprinkle with paprika before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt alongside the mayonnaise. You can substitute dill pickles for sweet pickles if you prefer a tangier taste. If you're short on time, store-bought hard-boiled eggs can be a convenient alternative. Make sure to adjust the salt to taste, especially if using seasoned mayonnaise.

Serving Suggestions

This potato salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or sandwiches and makes a great addition to any summer picnic. Serve it alongside dishes like BBQ ribs or fried chicken. For a complete meal, consider adding a fresh garden salad or serving it with Honey Chews for dessert to balance the flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, consume it cold straight from the fridge. If you need to reheat, gently warm it in the microwave but be cautious not to overheat, as it may affect the texture of the potatoes and eggs.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mom'S Southern Potato Salad contains roughly 916 calories, with 17g protein, 154g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (135% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (87% of the Daily Value), and potassium (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 675mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).

916 kcal 46% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 17.1g 34% DV
Total Fat 32g 41% DV
Carbs 153.7g 56% DV
Fiber 24.5g 87% DV
Sugar 6.5g 13% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 675.2mg 29% DV
Potassium 2445.5mg 52% DV
Cholesterol 5.5mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 468.8mcg 52% DV
Vitamin C 121.6mg 100% DV
Calcium 165.4mg 13% DV
Iron 7.4mg 41% 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 in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the potato salad a day ahead of time. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld. It's often even tastier the next day, as the ingredients have time to combine. Just give it a good stir before serving.

What can I add to make this potato salad healthier?

To make this potato salad healthier, consider using low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt as a substitute. You can also add diced celery or bell peppers for extra crunch and nutrition. Incorporating some fresh herbs like dill or parsley can enhance the flavor without added calories.

Is it possible to freeze potato salad?

Freezing potato salad is not recommended, as the texture of the potatoes and eggs can change when thawed. Instead, it's best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge and consume within a few days for optimal taste and texture.

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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