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## **Essential Ingredients for Southern Potato Salad OMG**
The key to making **Southern Potato Salad OMG** is using fresh, high-quality ingredients that bring out the best in each flavor. From the potatoes to the seasonings, each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and taste. Here’s what you’ll need:
### **1. Potatoes**
The heart of any good potato salad is, of course, the potatoes. For **Southern Potato Salad**, you want a variety that holds its shape when boiled but also becomes tender enough to absorb the flavors of the dressing. **Yukon Gold potatoes** are a top choice because of their waxy texture, smooth flesh, and buttery flavor. Russet potatoes can also be used, but they tend to break down more easily, which can lead to a slightly mashed texture.
### **2. Eggs**
Hard-boiled eggs are a classic addition to Southern potato salad. They add richness, a little bit of texture, and a subtle flavor that perfectly complements the potatoes and dressing. You can use large eggs and chop them finely or coarsely, depending on your preference.
### **3. Mayonnaise**
Mayonnaise serves as the base of the creamy dressing for the potato salad. The richness of mayo gives the salad its smooth, luscious texture. You can opt for classic mayonnaise, or for a lighter version, choose a reduced-fat variety. Some people even mix mayonnaise with sour cream to achieve a different balance of creaminess and tang.
### **4. Mustard**
Mustard adds a zesty and tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the mayo. **Yellow mustard** is traditionally used in Southern potato salad, but some variations include Dijon mustard for a more sophisticated flavor. The mustard provides a bit of sharpness and helps balance the creaminess of the mayo.
### **5. Pickles and Relish**
Pickles, or pickle relish, are another key ingredient that gives Southern potato salad its signature sweet and tangy flavor. **Sweet pickle relish** is typically used, but you can opt for dill relish if you prefer a more savory touch. The sweetness of the pickles or relish complements the mustard and mayo, creating a balanced flavor profile.
### **6. Onion**
**Yellow onion** or **green onions (scallions)** are often added to Southern potato salad for a little crunch and bite. You can chop the onions finely or coarsely, depending on how much onion flavor you want in your salad. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak the onions in cold water for a few minutes before adding them to the salad.
### **7. Celery**
Chopped **celery** adds an essential crunch and freshness to the potato salad. It also helps balance out the creaminess of the dressing and adds a bit of color to the dish. Make sure to finely chop the celery for an even distribution throughout the salad.
### **8. Sugar**
A small amount of **sugar** is often added to Southern potato salad to enhance the overall sweetness of the dressing and balance out the tangy and savory flavors. The sugar doesn’t make the salad sweet, but it rounds out the flavors and creates a harmonious taste.
### **9. Salt and Pepper**
Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the potato salad. Salt helps bring out the natural flavors of the potatoes, while pepper adds a bit of bite. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, but be sure to season the salad well to bring all the flavors together.
### **10. Paprika (Optional)**
For garnish and an extra layer of flavor, **paprika** is often sprinkled over the top of the potato salad. It adds a touch of smokiness and color, making the dish visually appealing as well as delicious.
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## **How to Make Southern Potato Salad OMG: A Step-by-Step Guide**
Now that we know the ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making the **Southern Potato Salad OMG** that will have your guests asking for seconds (and the recipe)!
### **Step 1: Boil the Potatoes**
Start by washing your potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Cut the potatoes into evenly sized cubes, about 1 to 1.5-inch pieces. This will help them cook evenly. Place the potatoes into a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water, which helps season the potatoes as they cook.
Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes for about 10-15 minutes or until they are fork-tender. Be careful not to overcook the potatoes, as they can become mushy. Once they are done, drain the potatoes and let them cool for a few minutes. You can also place them in the refrigerator to speed up the cooling process.
### **Step 2: Boil the Eggs**
While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the hard-boiled eggs. Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let the eggs simmer for about 10-12 minutes.
After they are done, remove the eggs from the hot water and place them in a bowl of ice water to cool. Once cooled, peel the eggs and chop them into small pieces. Set them aside.
### **Step 3: Prepare the Dressing**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, sweet pickle relish (or diced pickles), sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Adjust the mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper to taste.
If you want to make the salad extra creamy, you can add a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the dressing.
### **Step 4: Assemble the Salad**
Once the potatoes have cooled to room temperature, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped hard-boiled eggs, celery, onions, and any other ingredients you wish to include. Pour the dressing over the potato mixture and stir gently to combine everything. Be careful not to mash the potatoes; you want to keep them in nice, bite-sized pieces.
### **Step 5: Chill and Serve**
Once the salad is well-mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight if possible. Chilling the potato salad allows the flavors to meld together and gives it that signature creamy texture.
Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and taste it for seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or mustard if needed. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika, and serve it chilled.
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