Loaded Potato Salad is a classic summer dish that is perfect for backyard barbecues, picnics, or any casual gathering. This side dish is a twist on the traditional potato salad, with the addition of bacon, cheese, and a creamy dressing. It’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a convenient option for parties or potlucks.
LOADED POTATO SALAD
Loaded Potato Salad takes the traditional potato salad recipe to the next level. Adding bacon and cheese to this popular dish is an easy way to add a ton of flavor! The simple dressing is made with sour cream, mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar.
Ingredients in Loaded Potato Salad
Potatoes – The potatoes in this salad are left with the skin on, but can be peeled if preferred. Use a variety of potatoes that are suitable for boiling (red or new potatoes work best).
Bacon – You will need a cup of chopped and crumbled bacon. I prefer to cook bacon in the oven, but you can cook it however you’d like before crumbling, cooling and adding to the salad.
Cheese – Just a 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese adds so much flavor! You can use a different type of cheese if you prefer.
Green onions – Thinly sliced green onions add flavor and a little bit of texture as well. And if you don’t like onions? Leave them out!
Sour cream and mayonnaise – Sour cream and mayonnaise give the dressing that perfectly thick creaminess. You can swap out the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt to save a few calories and add some protein.
Apple cider vinegar – Just two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar gives the dressing that subtle tangy flavor. You can use white white vinegar instead if you prefer.
Salt and pepper – Add a little salt and pepper to taste.
Parsley – Chopped parsley makes the perfect garnish for the salad, but it is completely optional.
How to make Loaded Potato Salad
Boiling the Potatoes
To start, chop 3 pounds of potatoes into bite-sized pieces and add them to a medium saucepan filled with cold water. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and cover it. Bring the water to a boil and let the potatoes boil for about 10 minutes, or until they are just softened. Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and set them aside to cool.
Creating the Dressing
While the potatoes are cooling, it’s time to make the creamy dressing. In a small bowl, combine 3/4 cup of sour cream, 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Stir until well combined and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Assembling the Salad
Once the potatoes have cooled, it’s time to assemble the salad. In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked and cooled potatoes, 1 cup of chopped cooked bacon, 1/2 cup of shredded cheese, and 4 thinly sliced green onions. Add the creamy dressing to the bowl and mix until well combined.
For an optional garnish, sprinkle 1/4 cup of chopped parsley over the top of the salad. Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy your delicious loaded potato salad.
Loaded Potato Salad
Ingredients
- 3 pounds potatoes chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup bacon cooked and chopped
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 green onions thinly sliced
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup chopped parsley for garnishing (optional)
Instructions
- Add the chopped potatoes to a medium saucepan filled with cold water and place over a medium-high heat. Cover and bring to the boil. Boil for 10 minutes, or until just softened. Drain and set aside to cool.
- While the potatoes are cooling, make the creamy dressing by adding the sour cream, mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar to a small bowl. Stir until well combined and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- To assemble the salad, add the cooked and cooled potatoes, chopped bacon, shredded cheese and sliced green onions to a large salad bowl. Add the creamy dressing, and mix until well combined. Sprinkle the chopped parsley on top if desired. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition
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Serving Suggestions
Loaded Potato Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few suggestions for how to enjoy this delicious salad:
- As a side dish: Loaded Potato Salad is the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, such as burgers, hot dogs, and chicken. It also pairs well with barbecue dishes and sandwiches. We love to serve it with BBQ Pulled Pork or our amazing steak!
- As a main course: Add some protein, such as grilled chicken or shrimp, to the salad to make it a filling and satisfying main course.
- For picnics and potlucks: Loaded Potato Salad is a great dish to bring to outdoor gatherings. It can be made ahead of time and transported easily. Serve it alongside other picnic favorites, such as watermelon, deviled eggs, and coleslaw.
- With a twist: Get creative with your toppings and add-ins. Try adding diced avocado, roasted corn, or pickled jalapeños to make the salad even more unique!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Loaded potato salad is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their quality and safety. Here are some tips for storing and reheating loaded potato salad:
- Storage: Store leftover potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Discard any potato salad that has been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- Reheating: Loaded potato salad is best served cold, but if you prefer it warm, you can reheat it in the microwave or oven. To microwave, transfer the potato salad to a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. To reheat in the oven, transfer the potato salad to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Tips: To prevent the potato salad from becoming too dry or watery when reheating, add a splash of milk or sour cream before reheating. You can also add additional toppings, such as more cheese or bacon, to freshen up the flavors.
Tips for making Potato Salad
Here a few tips that will help to ensure that your potato salad turns out perfectly every time:
- Cool the potatoes quicker by rinsing in a colander under cold water.
- The potatoes can be peeled before chopping if preferred
- Be sure not to overcook the potatoes, as this may cause the potatoes to fall apart when mixed through the salad.
- You can use any type of potatoes you like, but waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes hold their shape the best after cooking and won’t become mushy.
Loaded Potato Salad is made with potatoes, bacon, cheese and a simple dressing. Easy side dish recipe for parties and potlucks!
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