Henton’s Potato Salad is a beloved Southern classic that features tender potatoes, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing. Known for its perfect balance of flavors and textures, this potato salad is a great addition to barbecues, picnics, or family gatherings.

What is Henton’s Potato Salad?

Henton’s Potato Salad is a traditional potato salad recipe that combines boiled potatoes with a rich dressing made from mayonnaise, mustard, and seasonings. It often includes crunchy vegetables like celery and onions, along with hard-boiled eggs for extra richness. The salad is creamy and slightly tangy, with a perfect balance of textures, making it a staple at Southern gatherings.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Creamy and Tangy: The mayonnaise and mustard dressing brings a creamy and tangy flavor to the dish.
Perfect for Gatherings: Great for barbecues, potlucks, and family get-togethers.
Simple Ingredients: Made with basic pantry items and fresh vegetables.

Versatile Side Dish: Pairs well with a variety of main dishes.
Rich and Flavorful: The addition of hard-boiled eggs adds richness to the salad.

Ingredients Needed to Make Henton’s Potato Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Southern side dish:

2 pounds of russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup yellow mustard

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon celery seed (optional)
1 small red onion, finely chopped

2 celery stalks, finely chopped
3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish (optional)

Paprika for garnish (optional)

Equipment

For this recipe, you’ll need:

Large Pot: For boiling the potatoes.

Mixing Bowl: For combining the dressing and salad ingredients.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: These are used to measure the ingredients accurately.
Spatula or Spoon: For mixing the salad.

Instructions to Make Henton’s Potato Salad

Cook the Potatoes: Place the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the potatoes for 10-12 minutes, or until they are fork-tender but not falling apart. Drain the potatoes and set them aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, and celery seed (if using). Stir until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
Mix the Salad: Add the cooled potatoes to the dressing in the bowl. Gently toss the potatoes to coat them evenly with the dressing. Add the chopped red onion, celery, hard-boiled eggs, and sweet pickle relish (if using). Stir gently until all the ingredients are well mixed.

Chill the Salad: Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the taste.
Serve: Before serving, give the potato salad a quick stir. Sprinkle with paprika for garnish if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy!

What Goes Well With Henton’s Potato Salad

Henton’s Potato Salad is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses:

Grilled Meats: Serve alongside grilled chicken, ribs, or steaks for a hearty meal.
Burgers and Hot Dogs: A perfect side for classic barbecue fare like burgers and hot dogs.
Fried Chicken: The creamy salad complements the crispy texture of fried chicken.

Pulled Pork: The tangy flavors of the potato salad go well with slow-cooked pulled pork.
Fish: Serve with grilled or fried fish for a fresh and balanced meal.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Henton’s Potato Salad

Follow these tips to ensure your potato salad turns out perfectly:

Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Cook the potatoes until they are just fork-tender, but not too soft, to avoid them becoming mushy when mixed with the dressing.
Cool the Potatoes Slightly: Let the potatoes cool slightly before mixing them with the dressing to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
Customize the Seasonings: Adjust the salt, pepper, and mustard to your taste preference for the perfect balance of flavors.

Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating the salad before serving helps the flavors meld and improves the texture.
Use Yukon Gold Potatoes: For a creamier texture, try using Yukon Gold potatoes, which hold up well in potato salads.

Variations of Henton’s Potato Salad

Feel free to get creative with this recipe by trying different variations:

Bacon Potato Salad: Add crispy crumbled bacon for extra flavor and texture.
Spicy Potato Salad: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Dill Potato Salad: Stir in fresh chopped dill for a refreshing herbal note.

Cheesy Potato Salad: Mix in shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy twist.
Vegan Potato Salad: Use vegan mayonnaise and skip the eggs for a plant-based version.

Storing Henton’s Potato Salad: Best Practices

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them properly:

Refrigerate Properly: Store the potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Do Not Freeze: Potato salad doesn’t freeze well due to the texture of the mayonnaise and potatoes.

FAQs

How do I keep potato salad from getting watery?

To keep potato salad from getting watery, make sure to drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly before mixing them with the dressing. Let the potatoes cool slightly to reduce moisture buildup. Also, avoid overcooking the potatoes, as this can cause them to break down and release excess moisture.

Can I make potato salad the day before?

Yes, making potato salad the day before is actually a great idea. It allows the flavors to meld together, making the salad taste even better. Just be sure to cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve.

What kind of potatoes work best for potato salad?

Yukon Gold or red potatoes are the best choices for potato salad because they have a creamy texture and hold their shape well after boiling. Russet potatoes can also work but may become softer and break apart more easily.

How long does homemade potato salad last in the fridge?

Homemade potato salad can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container. Always check for any changes in texture or smell before serving to ensure it’s still fresh.

Final Words

Henton’s Potato Salad is a rich and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy dressing, tender potatoes, and crunchy vegetables, this salad is sure to become a favorite at your next gathering.

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