Why You’ll Love this Creamy Southern Soul Potato Salad
If you’ve been on the hunt for the ultimate potato salad recipe that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy, this Creamy Southern Soul Potato Salad is about to become your new obsession. It’s the perfect blend of creamy and crunchy, with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and just enough tang.
What sets this recipe apart? The combination of eight chopped hard-boiled eggs and a pound of diced fried bacon. Talk about flavor! Plus, the balance of mayo, mustard, and relish creates that classic Southern charm we all crave at picnics and family gatherings.
What Ingredients are in Creamy Southern Soul Potato Salad?
This classic Southern potato salad is all about layers of flavor and texture that come together in perfect harmony. The creamy base wraps around tender potato chunks, while bacon adds smokiness and eggs bring richness. The crunch of fresh vegetables balances the softness, and the tangy dressing ties everything together.
What I love most about this recipe is how each ingredient plays its essential role in creating that nostalgic, comforting taste that makes folks come back for seconds (and sometimes thirds).
- 8 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 8 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1 pound diced fried bacon
- 2 cups diced onions
- 2 cups diced celery
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 4 tablespoons relish
- 2 teaspoons salt
When shopping for this recipe, quality really matters. For the potatoes, Russets or Yukon Golds work beautifully – the former break down a bit more for a creamier texture, while the latter hold their shape better.
And don’t skimp on the mayo, friends. A good-quality mayonnaise makes a world of difference in the final flavor profile. Same goes for the bacon – thick-cut gives you more substantial bites throughout the salad.
Can we take a moment to appreciate how this recipe doesn’t hold back? Eight eggs and a full pound of bacon? That’s how you know it’s authentic Southern cooking, where “a little bit” isn’t in the vocabulary.
How to Make this Creamy Southern Soul Potato Salad
Let’s start with the foundation of any good potato salad – those 8 large potatoes. Peel them thoroughly and dice into bite-sized pieces that’ll be perfect for scooping. Drop them into a large pot of water and bring to a boil. You’re looking for that sweet spot of doneness where they’re tender enough to yield to a fork but not so soft they turn to mush when mixed.
Once they’ve reached that perfect texture, drain them well and—this is essential—let them cool completely. Hot potatoes will soak up too much mayo and turn your salad into a gloppy mess, and nobody wants that at the family reunion.
While your potatoes are cooling, this is the perfect time to prep the rest of your ingredients. Chop those 8 hard-boiled eggs, dice your 2 cups of onions and 2 cups of celery, and make sure that pound of bacon is fried to perfection and diced into heavenly little morsels.
When everything’s ready and your potatoes have cooled down, grab the biggest mixing bowl you have (trust me, you’ll need the space) and combine all ingredients together. For professional-level mixing results, a KitchenAid Professional Stand Mixer can make this job effortless while ensuring all ingredients are perfectly incorporated. Add in your cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of mustard, 4 tablespoons of relish, and 2 teaspoons of salt, then gently fold everything together. I always taste as I go, adjusting the mayo, mustard, and salt as needed—sometimes a potato salad needs that extra bit of tang or creaminess to reach its full potential.
The final step might be the hardest of all: patience. Once your masterpiece is mixed to creamy perfection, pop it in the refrigerator to chill thoroughly before serving. This waiting period isn’t just about temperature—it’s when all those flavors mingle and get to know each other, creating that harmonious Southern potato salad taste we all crave.
When you finally bring it to the table, perfectly chilled and ready to serve, don’t be surprised if it disappears faster than sweet tea on a hot July afternoon. For an elegant serving option that keeps your potato salad at the perfect temperature, consider investing in a premium soup tureen from a quality kitchenware collection. And isn’t that the highest compliment any dish can receive?
Creamy Southern Soul Potato Salad Substitutions and Variations
While tradition serves as the backbone of Southern potato salad, sometimes your pantry situation or dietary needs call for a little improvisation.
No mayo? Try Greek yogurt for a tangy twist with less fat.
Can’t do eggs? Skip ’em—your salad will still taste delicious, I promise.
Vegetarians can replace bacon with smoked paprika for that smoky flavor without the meat.
Spice things up with diced jalapeños or tone it down with sweet bell peppers instead of onions.
Craving more crunch? Toss in some diced pickles or water chestnuts.
Want it creamier? A splash of buttermilk does wonders.
What to Serve with Creamy Southern Soul Potato Salad
Every great Southern meal deserves perfect companions, and this creamy potato salad practically begs for the right dance partners on your dinner table.
I always reach for smoky barbecue ribs, juicy fried chicken, or tender pulled pork as the main attraction. Cornbread, those buttery little squares of heaven, completes the soul food experience.
For a summer spread, add some tangy coleslaw, baked beans, and grilled corn on the cob.
Need something green? Collard greens or a simple garden salad works wonders to cut through the richness.
Trust me, your guests will be too busy eating to talk.
Final Thoughts
After sharing all my favorite tips and serving suggestions for this classic dish, I’m convinced that Southern soul potato salad isn’t just food—it’s practically a love language.
The creamy texture, the perfect balance of tangy mustard and sweet relish, those tender potatoes—it all comes together in a symphony of flavors that speaks straight to the heart.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or bringing a side to Sunday dinner, this recipe delivers comfort in every spoonful. Like a good classic coleslaw recipe, allowing your potato salad to chill for an hour before serving will help all those delicious flavors meld together perfectly.
