Zesty Loaded Potato Salad Recipe: A Crowd-Pleasing Classic

Crisp summer afternoons call for a hearty loaded potato salad that blends comfort with zesty flavors.

Creamy potatoes dance with crispy bacon bits, creating a mouthwatering melody of textures.

Chopped green onions and sharp cheddar cheese add unexpected bursts of tanginess.

Tantalizing herbs weave through each delectable bite, promising a symphony of tastes.

Cool sour cream provides a silky backdrop to this robust dish.

Neighbors and picnic guests will beg for second helpings of this irresistible recipe.

Let’s dive into a culinary adventure that promises pure, unfiltered deliciousness.

What Pairs Well With Loaded Potato Salad

• Boost Bacon Crunch: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the potato salad for an irresistible salty and smoky flavor explosion that adds delightful texture and depth.
• Pair with Chilled Craft Beer: Select a light, crisp pilsner or wheat beer that complements the richness of the loaded potato salad, cutting through its creamy texture and enhancing the overall taste experience.
• Fresh Green Side Kick: Serve alongside a zesty arugula salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the potato salad's creamy and hearty profile, providing a refreshing contrast that brightens the entire meal.
• Sparkling Wine Delight: Choose a dry prosecco or champagne to elevate the dish, its bubbles and acidity creating a perfect counterpoint to the rich, creamy potato salad and bringing a touch of elegance to the table.

Loaded Potato Salad Flavor Swaps

• Spicy Southwest Potato Salad: Add diced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and a dash of chili powder for a zesty kick that transforms the classic recipe into a bold side dish.
• Herb Garden Potato Salad: Mix in fresh chopped dill, chives, and parsley to create a vibrant, aromatic version that brings bright green flavors to the traditional recipe.
• Bacon Cheddar Loaded Potato Salad: Incorporate crispy bacon bits and shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a hearty, indulgent take that mimics the flavors of loaded baked potatoes.
• Mediterranean Potato Salad: Toss with crumbled feta cheese, sliced Kalamata olives, and diced cucumber to give the dish a refreshing Greek-inspired profile.

FAQ Time For Loaded Potato Salad

• Why should I use salted water when boiling potatoes?

Salted water helps season the potatoes from the inside out, giving them more flavor before you mix in other ingredients.

• How do I know if my potatoes are perfectly cooked?

When you can easily pierce the potato cubes with a fork but they’re not falling apart, that’s the perfect doneness for potato salad.

• Is it important to cool the potatoes slightly before mixing?

Yes, letting potatoes cool prevents them from turning mushy and helps them hold their shape when you add other ingredients, creating a better texture in your salad.

• Can I leave the potato skins on for this recipe?

While the recipe suggests peeling, leaving skins on can add extra nutrition, texture, and a rustic look to your potato salad – just make sure to wash them thoroughly first.

What Makes Loaded Potato Salad A Crowd Favorite

• Create Creamy Comfort: This loaded potato salad delivers ultimate comfort food vibes with its rich, hearty texture and familiar ingredients that remind you of family gatherings.
• Master Effortless Cooking: The recipe requires minimal technical skills, making it perfect for beginner cooks who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, with straightforward cutting and boiling steps.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: From start to finish, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, offering a speedy solution for hungry families needing a delicious side dish that doesn't compromise on flavor or satisfaction.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, picnics, and casual dinner parties, this potato salad adapts easily to different occasions and always receives rave reviews from guests of all ages.

Loaded Potato Salad Ingredient Breakdown

• Potatoes: Starchy, creamy base for the salad that provides hearty texture. Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best for a smooth, buttery result.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that boost the overall taste profile. Freshly ground black pepper offers more robust flavor.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy components that bind the salad together and add rich, tangy flavor. Full-fat versions provide better consistency and taste.
• Chives, Green Onions: Fresh herbs that add bright, mild onion flavor and green color for visual appeal. Freshly chopped gives the best taste.

• Bacon: Crispy, salty protein that adds smoky depth and crunchy texture. Thick-cut bacon provides the best flavor and crispness.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that complements the potato's mild flavor. Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly.

How To Whip Up Loaded Potato Salad

Step 1: Prepare Potatoes

Wash the potatoes thoroughly. Grab a sharp knife and cutting board. Peel the potatoes carefully, removing all the skin. Chop the potatoes into bite-sized cubes, aiming for roughly 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and perfect texture.

Step 2: Boil Potatoes

Grab a large pot and fill it with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to enhance the potato flavor. Gently slide the potato cubes into the water. Place the pot on the stove and turn the heat to high. Bring the water to a rolling boil, watching for bubbles to form and rise rapidly.

Step 3: Cook to Perfection

Reduce the heat to a medium simmer. Let the potatoes bubble away for about 15-20 minutes. Check their doneness by piercing with a fork – you want them tender but not falling apart. The potatoes should offer a slight resistance when poked but break easily.

Step 4: Cool and Prepare

Turn off the heat. Carefully drain the potatoes in a colander, letting the steam escape. Spread the potato cubes on a baking sheet or wide plate. Allow them to cool for a few minutes, giving them time to stop steaming and reach a comfortable handling temperature.

Step 5: Mix Delicious Toppings

• Crispy bacon bits
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped green onions
• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Cracked black pepper
• Salt to taste

Step 6: Create the Loaded Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled potato cubes with the toppings. Gently fold everything together, ensuring each potato piece gets coated with creamy goodness. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Cover the potato salad and refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors mingle. When ready to serve, give it a quick stir and garnish with extra green onions or a sprinkle of bacon bits.

Enjoy your mouthwatering Loaded Potato Salad – a crowd-pleasing side dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Helpful Hints For Loaded Potato Salad Perfection

• Cube Potatoes with Precision: Cut potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the salad.
• Salt Water Strategically: Add salt to boiling water before cooking potatoes to enhance their natural flavor and create a more delicious base.
• Master the Doneness Test: Check potato tenderness by piercing with a fork; they should be soft but not mushy, maintaining a slight firmness for the perfect potato salad texture.
• Cool Carefully: Allow potatoes to cool slightly after draining to prevent overcooking and help them absorb dressing more effectively without becoming soggy.
• Prevent Potato Discoloration: Toss warm potatoes with dressing immediately to seal in moisture and prevent browning, keeping the salad looking fresh and appetizing.

How To Store Loaded Potato Salad Properly

• Refrigerate the loaded potato salad in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Keep the salad chilled to maintain its fresh flavor and creamy texture.
• Avoid leaving the dish at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.
• Gently stir the salad before serving if the ingredients have settled during storage, ensuring all the delicious mix-ins are evenly distributed.

Loaded Potato Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy loaded potato salad brings classic comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to modern tables. Crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and green onions mingle with tangy sour cream, creating a crowd-pleasing side dish you’ll crave at every summer gathering.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled & cubed
• 6 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) green onions, sliced

Creamy Base:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)

Seasonings:

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt & black pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Meticulously dice potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes after peeling, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
2. Transfer potato chunks into a spacious pot, generously seasoning the water with salt to enhance flavor profile.
3. Submerge potatoes completely in cold water, positioning them to allow uniform heat distribution.
4. Ignite burner and bring liquid to a rolling boil, maintaining vigorous bubbling throughout cooking process.
5. Reduce heat slightly and allow potatoes to simmer, gently testing tenderness with a sharp fork after approximately 18 minutes.
6. Once potatoes yield easily when pierced but maintain structural integrity, immediately remove from heat.
7. Carefully drain potatoes using a colander, allowing excess moisture to escape completely.
8. Spread cooked potato cubes on a clean surface, permitting natural cooling and preventing further cooking from residual heat.

Notes

• Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for the best texture and flavor in your potato salad.
• Cut potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and a consistent bite in every spoonful.
• Salt the water generously before boiling to help season the potatoes from the inside out, creating a more flavorful base.
• Test potato doneness by gently piercing with a fork; they should be tender but not falling apart, which prevents a mushy final dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg