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–+ servings
Potato Salad from Justin
This potato salad recipe, attributed to someone named Justin, blends classic Southern-style ingredients with a tangy and savory twist. The base of diced potatoes is enriched with bacon drippings, giving it a smoky depth that sets it apart from traditional mayo-only versions. Crunchy celery tops, chopped dill pickles, onions, and pimentos provide texture and bursts of brightness, while the dressing, made with Durkee mayonnaise, mustard, and a touch of hot sauce, adds rich creaminess and a kick of heat. Perfect for cookouts, family gatherings, or holiday spreads, it delivers comfort with a punch of bold flavor.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2-3 slices bacon
  • 6 potatoes (medium, peeled and diced)
  • 1 cup onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 cup celery tops (chopped)
  • ¼ cup dill pickle (finely chopped)
  • 2 tbsp pimentos (chopped)
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise (preferably Durkee)
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp hot sauce (or to taste)
  • salt (to taste)
  • pepper (to taste)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

  • Peel and dice potatoes.
  • Boil in salted water until fork-tender, about 10–12 minutes.
  • Drain and place in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Prepare the Bacon

  • In a skillet, cook 2–3 slices of bacon until crisp.
  • Remove bacon and set aside.
  • Pour bacon drippings over the warm potatoes and gently toss to coat.

Step 3: Chop the Ingredients

  • Finely chop the onion, celery tops, dill pickle, and pimentos.
  • Add them to the bowl with the potatoes.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

  • In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, and hot sauce.
  • Stir until smooth and well blended.

Step 5: Combine and Season

  • Add the dressing to the potato mixture.
  • Crumble the reserved bacon and fold into the salad.
  • Mix gently until everything is evenly coated.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

  • Cover and chill for at least 1 hour for best flavor.
  • Serve cold or at room temperature.

Tips

  • Substitute chopped green onions for regular onion for a milder taste.
  • Use sweet pickles instead of dill for a sweeter flavor profile.
  • Add chopped boiled egg for extra richness.
  • Use smoked paprika for a deeper smoky note instead of bacon.
  • For extra tang, add a splash of pickle juice to the dressing.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 4gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 520mgPotassium: 580mgFiber: 2.5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 280IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg
Keyword bacon drippings, comfort food, family recipe, picnic classic, potato salad, potluck side, vintage recipe
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