Southern Potato Salad

Nothing says Southern side dish like potato salad. With a creamy mayo and mustard base, this potluck staple is exactly the kind of recipe you have come to expect at a BBQ.

Plus, smothered with extras like chopped crispy bacon and shredded cheese, you can really take this side dish recipe to the next level as far as a common potato salad is concerned.

Made with golden potatoes over red potatoes, you get a finer, more silky and creamy potato that has an old fashioned and classic recipe taste. Grab your sweet tea and let’s get started!

Potato Salad Ingredient List

Before starting in on this homemade potato salad recipe, it’s good to see if you have all the ingredients on hand. Here is a quick glance grocery list and once you verify you have everything to start, scroll down for in depth instructions and a printable recipe card.

In this country potato salad, I use Gold potatoes. Gold potatoes refer to yellow potatoes or what are called Yukon potatoes. They have medium starch and hold up really well, which you need once all that creamy mayo and sour cream gets added.

• gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2″ slices
• sour cream
• real mayonnaise
• mustard
• ranch powder
• bacon, cooked and crumbled
• shredded cheddar cheese
• salt and pepper
• parsley garnish

Prep Potatoes for Salad

Before you get started, its time to boil! First cut the potatoes down in slices and cube.

Add cubed golden potatoes and cold water to a large sauce pan.

Make sure there is enough water to cover the potatoes by 1″.

Heat pan on medium high heat until the water begins to boil.

Continue boiling potatoes for 10-15 minutes or until a fork pressed into a piece goes in easily.

Once done, remove from heat, drain and rinse with cold water. Let the potatoes cool down completely before moving onto the next part of the recipe.

How to make the Best Southern Potato Salad!

In a large mixing bowl, add pre-cooked and cooled potatoes, sour cream, mayonnaise, mustard and ranch powder.

Mix well. (side note that you can pre-combine the ingredients into homemade dressing first and then combine into potatoes if preferred)

Season potato salad with salt and pepper.

Mix again very well.

Add in cooked, crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese and mix well.

Refrigerate potato salad for about 4 hours or overnight before serving, which allows the flavors to acclimate. Potato salad is always one of those recipes that does better the next day, so I encourage you to make this one ahead.

Because this salad has dairy, there is a shelf life. I would not recommend keeping over 3-4 days. Take care to tightly cover and keep cold. As with many recipes that are left in the fridge, they may lose moisture. It is fine to add a bit more mayo and mustard to bring it back to life if needed.

Potluck Favorite Recipes

Looking for more picnic and potluck friendly recipe that pleases a hungry crowd?

• If you are looking for another classic, this is my Grandma’s favorite Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad recipe!
• Nothing says Thanksgiving like adding a green marshmallow and pistachio Watergate Salad.
• As far as sides go, Ambrosia Salad, complete with maraschino cherries and mandarin oranges, is a kid friendly and family holiday favorite.
• If you love a little bit of spice with BBQ, these Slow Cooked Baked Beans are hot and ready all day long!