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Instructions
1. **Boil the Potatoes**:
– Begin by peeling the potatoes (optional—many people love leaving the skin on for added texture) and cutting them into bite-sized cubes. Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover them with water, and bring them to a boil.
– Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the potatoes simmer for about **10-15 minutes**, or until they are fork-tender. Be careful not to overcook them, as you want the potatoes to hold their shape and not turn into mush.
– Once cooked, drain the potatoes and set them aside to cool. It’s a good idea to let them cool slightly before adding the dressing to prevent it from becoming too runny.
2. **Prepare the Eggs**:
– While the potatoes are cooling, hard-boil the eggs. Place the eggs in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn off the heat and cover the pot. Let the eggs sit in the hot water for about **10-12 minutes** before transferring them to a bowl of ice water to cool.
– Once cool, peel the eggs and chop them into small pieces. Set aside.
3. **Make the Dressing**:
– In a large bowl, combine the **mayonnaise**, **yellow mustard**, **apple cider vinegar**, **sugar**, **salt**, and **black pepper**. Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth and creamy. The combination of mayo and mustard gives it that signature Southern flavor, while the vinegar and sugar provide a tangy-sweet balance.
4. **Combine the Ingredients**:
– Once the potatoes have cooled, add them to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold the potatoes in, making sure they are well-coated with the creamy dressing.
– Add in the **chopped eggs**, **diced celery**, **diced onion**, and **chopped pickles**. Mix carefully to combine, being gentle so that the potatoes don’t break apart too much. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—add more salt, pepper, or mustard depending on your preference.
5. **Chill and Serve**:
– Cover the potato salad and refrigerate it for at least **2 hours**, preferably overnight. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and makes the salad even more delicious.
– Before serving, sprinkle a little **paprika** over the top for a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor. Garnish with some **fresh parsley** if you like for an added touch.
### Tips for the Best Southern Potato Salad
1. **Choose the Right Potatoes**: For a creamier, smoother potato salad, go for **Yukon Gold** potatoes. **Red potatoes** also work well, as they hold their shape better and provide a nice texture.
2. **Don’t Overcook the Potatoes**: To avoid mushy potato salad, make sure to check the potatoes frequently as they cook. You want them fork-tender but still firm enough to hold their shape when mixed.
3. **Let It Chill**: The key to the best Southern potato salad is letting it chill in the fridge for a few hours. This allows the flavors to develop and gives the salad the perfect creamy consistency.
4. **Make It Your Own**: Southern potato salad is versatile, so feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your taste. Add more pickles for extra tang, toss in some **hard-boiled eggs** for creaminess, or add a bit of **cayenne pepper** for a spicy kick.
5. **Avoid Mayonnaise Overload**: Some recipes call for a lot of mayo, but you can balance out the creaminess with a bit of **Greek yogurt** or **sour cream** if you want a lighter version without compromising texture or flavor.
### Serving Suggestions
Southern potato salad is a versatile side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses. Here are some delicious ideas for what to serve it with:
– **Fried Chicken**: A Southern classic that’s perfect with creamy potato salad.
– **Barbecue Ribs**: The tangy sweetness of BBQ pairs perfectly with the rich and creamy salad.
– **Grilled Burgers**: Add a side of potato salad for a complete cookout meal.
– **Pulled Pork Sandwiches**: Southern potato salad is the ideal side to balance out the savory, smoky flavors of pulled pork.
### Conclusion
**Southern Potato Salad** is a timeless dish that brings comfort, flavor, and tradition to any table. With its creamy, tangy dressing and tender potatoes, it’s a must-have for picnics, cookouts, and family gatherings. Simple to make and incredibly satisfying, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Whether you’re enjoying it at a holiday gathering or serving it as a side dish to a backyard barbecue, Southern Potato Salad is sure to be the star of the show!
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Enjoy making this comforting classic! Let me know if you need any variations or tips for serving it!
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