This Award-winning Southern Potato Salad Recipe is a delightful side dish for any occasion. Whether it’s a backyard BBQ, family reunion, or just a cozy dinner at home, this potato salad stands out with its creamy dressing and crunchy vegetables. The combination of tender potatoes and zesty ingredients makes it a crowd favorite that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Dressing
- For the Potato Base
- For the Veggies
- How to Make Award-winning Southern Potato Salad Recipe
- Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
- Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Step 4: Chill & Serve
- How to Serve Award-winning Southern Potato Salad Recipe
- At a BBQ
- For Family Gatherings
- As a Picnic Treat
- With Grilled Veggies
- How to Perfect Award-winning Southern Potato Salad Recipe
- Best Side Dishes for Award-winning Southern Potato Salad Recipe
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Award-winning Southern Potato Salad Recipe
- Reheating Award-winning Southern Potato Salad Recipe
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes this an Award-winning Southern Potato Salad Recipe?
- Can I make this potato salad ahead of time?
- How should I customize my Award-winning Southern Potato Salad Recipe?
- What is the best way to serve this potato salad?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal effort, you can whip up this delicious potato salad in no time.
- Flavorful: The zesty mayo dressing combined with fresh veggies creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Versatile: Perfect for any gathering, this salad pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own.
- Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe is tried and true, making it a guaranteed hit with family and friends.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for meal prep; you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, gather the necessary tools before starting. Having everything ready will help streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling the potatoes evenly, ensuring they are cooked to perfection.
- Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to combine all ingredients without spilling.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables while keeping your kitchen organized.

Ingredients
To create this delicious Award-winning Southern Potato Salad Recipe, gather the following ingredients:
For the Dressing
- 1 c. mayonnaise
- 2 T. red apple vinegar
- 1 t. sugar
- ½ c. white onion (minced)
- A pinch of salt
For the Potato Base
- 4 large russet potatoes (for fluffy potato salad)
or - 5 large red potatoes (for cubed potato salad)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Veggies
- 1 red bell pepper (julienned and then cut into thirds)
- 1 c. from a bag of julienned carrot sticks (or 2 carrots, julienned)
- 1 stalk celery (small dice)
- 1 t. Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
- ¼ c. fresh chives (minced)
- 2 T. fresh parsley (minced)
- Dash of celery seed
How to Make Award-winning Southern Potato Salad Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
- Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil.
- Peel and cube the potatoes if using russet; leave them whole if using red potatoes.
- Add the potatoes to the boiling water and cook for about 15 minutes until tender.
- Drain the potatoes and let them cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red apple vinegar, sugar, minced onion, and salt until smooth.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, add cooled potatoes along with diced celery, julienned bell pepper, carrot sticks, chives, parsley, mustard, and celery seed.
- Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently fold until everything is well coated.
Step 4: Chill & Serve
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled as a delightful side dish at your next gathering!
How to Serve Award-winning Southern Potato Salad Recipe
This delicious Award-winning Southern Potato Salad is versatile and can enhance any meal. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or enjoying a family dinner, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dish.
At a BBQ
- Serve it chilled alongside grilled chicken or turkey for a refreshing contrast.
- Add a sprinkle of paprika on top for a pop of color and flavor.
For Family Gatherings
- Place it in a large bowl with a garnish of fresh parsley for an appealing presentation.
- Pair it with homemade rolls or bread for a satisfying meal.
As a Picnic Treat
- Pack it in individual containers for easy serving and transport.
- Include fresh fruit or veggie sticks as complementary snacks.
With Grilled Veggies
- Serve alongside grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus to add extra color and nutrition.
- Drizzle some olive oil over the veggies to enhance their flavor.
How to Perfect Award-winning Southern Potato Salad Recipe
Creating the perfect potato salad is all about technique and choosing the right ingredients. Here are some tips to ensure your dish stands out.
- Choose the right potatoes: Use russet potatoes for a fluffy texture or red potatoes for a firmer bite. Each type brings its unique quality to the salad.
- Don’t skip the chilling time: Allowing your potato salad to chill for at least an hour lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Experiment with herbs: Fresh chives and parsley add brightness. Feel free to mix in dill or thyme for an extra layer of flavor.
- Adjust seasoning wisely: Taste before serving! A dash more salt or vinegar can elevate the taste significantly, so adjust according to your preference.
Best Side Dishes for Award-winning Southern Potato Salad Recipe
When planning your meal, consider these delightful side dishes that pair perfectly with the Award-winning Southern Potato Salad.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers – Tender pieces of marinated chicken grilled to perfection provide a hearty main dish.
- Vegetable Platter – A colorful array of fresh veggies served with hummus offers a healthy crunch alongside potato salad.
- Corn on the Cob – Sweet, juicy corn adds sweetness and complements the creamy texture of the potato salad.
- Deviled Eggs – Classic deviled eggs bring creaminess and flavor that pairs wonderfully with the potato salad.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balances well with the creamy potato salad.
- Baked Beans – Sweet and savory baked beans offer warmth and richness as an excellent companion dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes will help you achieve the best results with your Award-winning Southern Potato Salad Recipe. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using the wrong potatoes: Different types of potatoes yield different textures. For a fluffy potato salad, use russet potatoes; for a firmer texture, opt for red potatoes.
- Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season your salad! Adding salt and pepper enhances the flavors of all ingredients, so taste and adjust as needed.
- Overcooking the potatoes: Cooking them too long can lead to mushy potatoes. Boil until just tender, then drain and cool immediately.
- Neglecting the dressing: A well-balanced dressing is key. Make sure you’re using enough mayonnaise and vinegar for the right creaminess and tang.
- Not chilling before serving: Allow your potato salad to chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This helps the flavors meld and improves the overall taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best eaten within 3-5 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Award-winning Southern Potato Salad Recipe
- Not recommended, as freezing can alter texture and flavor.
Reheating Award-winning Southern Potato Salad Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil to retain moisture while heating.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this an Award-winning Southern Potato Salad Recipe?
This recipe combines tender potatoes with crunchy veggies and a zesty mayo dressing that creates a delicious balance of flavors.
Can I make this potato salad ahead of time?
Yes! Preparing it a day in advance allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Just chill it in the fridge until ready to serve.
How should I customize my Award-winning Southern Potato Salad Recipe?
Feel free to add ingredients like boiled eggs, pickles, or even different herbs like dill for a unique twist on this classic dish.
What is the best way to serve this potato salad?
Serve chilled as a side dish at barbecues, picnics, or family gatherings. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or sandwiches.
Final Thoughts
This Award-winning Southern Potato Salad Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or seasonings. It’s perfect for any gathering or simply as a comforting side dish. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Award-winning Southern Potato Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
This Award-winning Southern Potato Salad Recipe is a mouthwatering side dish that brings comfort and flavor to any gathering. With its creamy dressing, tender potatoes, and crunchy vegetables, this potato salad is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Perfect for barbecues, family reunions, or cozy dinners at home, it’s a versatile addition to any meal. The zesty mayo dressing combined with fresh veggies creates a delightful burst of flavor in every bite. Easy to prepare and make ahead, this recipe allows you to enjoy the deliciousness without stress.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons red apple vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ cup white onion (minced)
- Salt to taste
- 4 large russet potatoes or 5 large red potatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 red bell pepper (julienned)
- 1 cup julienned carrot sticks
- 1 stalk celery (small dice)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
- ¼ cup fresh chives (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (minced)
- Dash of celery seed
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil.
- Peel and cube the potatoes if using russet; leave them whole if using red potatoes.
- Add the potatoes to the boiling water and cook for about 15 minutes until tender.
- Drain the potatoes and let them cool.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red apple vinegar, sugar, minced onion, and salt until smooth.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
- In a large mixing bowl, add cooled potatoes along with diced celery, julienned bell pepper, carrot sticks, chives, parsley, mustard, and celery seed.
- Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently fold until everything is well coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg





