Classic Southern Potato Salad

Classic Southern Potato Salad

Need a rock-solid side dish that never misses? This creamy, Southern-style potato salad is always a hit—at cookouts, holiday spreads, family reunions, or just a laid-back Sunday dinner. It’s built on tender russet potatoes, rich mayo, tangy mustard, and a kick of bold seasoning from Heath Riles BBQ rubs. It’s familiar, comforting, and a total crowd-pleaser.

I first made this recipe for a big backyard party, thinking it’d just be a basic side. But once folks tried it, they kept coming back for seconds—and asking for the recipe. Since then, it’s been a permanent fixture at every gathering I host. It's reliable, flexible, and always leaves the bowl scraped clean.

Classic Southern Potato Salad | Heath Riles BBQ

What I love most is how easily you can make it your own. Serve it warm for that nostalgic, straight-off-the-stove feel, or chill it overnight and let those flavors really come together. Either way, you’ve got a winning dish that works with everything from smoked meats to grilled burgers. It’s a true Southern staple that delivers every time.

The Ingredients

You don’t need anything fancy to pull this off—just a few kitchen staples and the right seasoning.

Russet potatoes. I used six baking potatoes for this recipe. Russets are starchy and fluffy once boiled, which makes them perfect for soaking up all that flavor. Peel and dice them into medium chunks so they hold their shape without turning to mush.

Eggs. One per potato. I went with six hard-boiled eggs, separating the yolks and mashing them for richness while finely chopping the whites for texture.

Mayonnaise. Between 1 and 1¼ cups, depending on how creamy you like your salad. The mayo binds everything together and adds a silky texture.

Mustard. Five tablespoons of your favorite kind—yellow, Dijon, spicy brown, or a mix. It brings in that zippy tang that makes potato salad pop.

Pickle relish. I used ¾ cup of Wickles relish, which has a spicy-sweet kick I love. Use sweet or dill if that’s your thing, or mix the two for a custom blend.

Red onion. About ¾ of one red onion, finely chopped. It adds a sharp, fresh bite. You can also substitute yellow or sweet onion for a milder flavor.

Heath Riles BBQ Everyday Rub. A full tablespoon gives this salad a well-rounded, savory punch. It seasons the dish all the way through without overpowering the other ingredients.

Heath Riles BBQ Garlic Jalapeño Rub. Just a dash adds a little heat and depth. Totally optional, but a great way to introduce a subtle spicy note.

Paprika. A small amount goes into the mix for flavor and color, and a little more gets sprinkled on top as garnish for that classic Southern finish.

Chicken bouillon. Instead of salting the water when boiling the potatoes, I stirred in about a tablespoon of chicken bouillon. It adds an extra layer of flavor from the start and helps season the potatoes from the inside out.

The Process for Making Potato Salad

Step 1: Boil the potatoes.

Peel and dice your six russet potatoes into uniform chunks using a good vegetable peeler and a sharp knife. Toss them in a large pot and fill with just enough water to cover the potatoes by about a finger’s width. Add a tablespoon of chicken bouillon and bring it to a boil. Keep an eye on the pot—potato water loves to bubble over.

Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain and let them cool enough to handle.

Step 2: Prep the mix-ins.

While the potatoes cook, peel your hard-boiled eggs. Mash the yolks with a fork and finely chop the whites on a cutting board. In a large mixing bowl, combine yolks and whites with mayo, mustard, relish, onion, and your seasonings, Heath Riles BBQ Everyday Rub, Garlic Jalapeño Rub, and paprika.

Give it all a good stir using a spatula. You should end up with a creamy, golden base that smells just as good as it looks.

Step 3: Fold in the potatoes.

Add the drained, slightly cooled potatoes to the bowl. Gently fold everything together. Don’t overmix—some chunks are good. The potatoes will soak up all that flavor as they sit.

Step 4: Taste and tweak.

Grab a clean spoon and sample your mix. Adjust as needed—more mustard for tang, mayo for creaminess, or rub for punch. This recipe is all about making it your own.

The Results

This potato salad is creamy, tangy, and full of texture. You've got that silky mayo-mustard base, fluffy potato chunks, and just enough crunch and bite from the onions and relish. The Everyday Rub delivers a balanced savory profile, and the Garlic Jalapeño adds a mild kick that lingers in the best way.

It’s familiar, comforting, and perfect for any gathering—big or small.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve this potato salad warm, at room temp, or chilled straight from the fridge. Here are a few of my favorite pairings:

Want to dress it up? Add chopped green onions, crispy bacon, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley to finish it off.

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh:

  • Store in an airtight container or half-size foil pan covered tightly with plastic wrap.
  • Keep it refrigerated for up to 5 days.
  • Stir before serving—potatoes tend to absorb some moisture, so you might need a touch more mayo to loosen it back up.
  • Don’t freeze it—mayo-based salads don’t hold up well after thawing.

Final Thoughts

This Southern-style potato salad is easy, flexible, and full of flavor. Whether you’re making it ahead for a cookout or just need a simple side to round out dinner, this dish gets the job done. Bold seasoning, creamy texture, and familiar ingredients make this one an instant classic.

Let us know how yours turns out—tag us when you make it, and we’ll catch you next time with another crowd favorite.

Equipment and Tools

Large pot, Cutting board, Vegetable peeler, Sharp knife, Large mixing bowl, Measuring cups and spoons, Spatula, Half-size foil pan, Plastic wrap, Gloves

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