Loaded Potato Salad: A Creamy, Cheesy, and Flavor-Packed Side Dish
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Potato Salad
Hi there, food lovers! Today, I’m excited to share one of my all-time favorite side dishes: Loaded Potato Salad. For those of you who are fans of baked potatoes with everything, especially those of your more picky eaters, this salad is just right. So it take the best parts of a loaded baked potato: crisp bacon, sharp shredded cheddar cheese, tangy sour cream and green onions and turns them into a loaded salad that is super easy to make.
This is such a hit at any family cookout or potluck and it’s just as good to meal prep if you’re craving something indulgent and quick. Let’s dive into why this Loaded Potato Salad deserves a permanent spot at your table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s so much to love about this loaded potato salad. Here are a few reasons why it’s the perfect side dish for any occasion:
- Creamy and Flavorful: The creamy sour cream, crispy bacon, and cheese plus mayo fits together to create a decadent lip-smacking flavor that everyone enjoys.
- Perfect for Gatherings: This potato salad is the tried and true crowd pleaser for all of our summer BBQs, family gatherings, and weekend dinners.
- Customizable: This recipe is easily adjusted to your taste. You can skip the sour cream and add extra bacon, turn it into a spicy twist with some jalapeños.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: In fact, I find this salad much better when it can sit for a few hours or longer, so this is the perfect salad to whip up a head of time for parties and hectic weeknights.
Loaded Potato Salad: A Creamy, Cheesy, and Flavor-Packed Side Dish
Course: Salads, SidesCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes15
minutes450
kcalThis loaded potato salad is rich in creaminess, full of cheese, and full of flavor. It takes all the best of a loaded baked potato and makes it into a salad. Just with those additions of crispy bacon, shredded cheddar, sour cream, and green onions, it was perfect for whatever BBQ was happening, family gatherings, or gave weight to whatever meal.
Ingredients
2 lbs russet potatoes, scrubbed and cubed
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup green onions, sliced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
1/2 cup Greek yogurt (for a lighter version)
Chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick
Chopped parsley for garnish
Extra shredded cheese for serving
Directions
- Cook the Potatoes
So the first time we need to start with boiling the cubed potatoes. Put the potatoes in a large pot, cover with water and a good pinch of salt. Simmer on the heat for 10–15 minutes, until fork tender. Mind your timing, though — you want them tender, not mushy while still staying fast. - Prepare the Bacon
Cook the bacon until crispy, while the potatoes are cooking. When ready, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, and leave it on there to drain the excess fat; crumble it into bite size pieces. - Mix the Dressing
Pour out the sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese and half the crumbled bacon into a large bowl. Can this be mixed well combined and then seasoned with salt and pepper to taste. - Combine the Salad
Cook the potatoes until done and drain them, allowing them to cool slightly. Gently toss the potatoes and creamy dressing while they are still warm so that each piece is coated with the dressing. - Add Toppings
End the potato salad with the remaining bacon, green onions, any extra cheese or snipped parsley as you wish. - Chill and Serve
You can chill the salad in the fridge for at least an hour before it is served so the flavors naturally marry the best. That allows the flavors to marry together beautifully. Enjoy at cold or room temperature!
Recipe Video
Notes
- This fully loaded potato salad can be done by adding jalapeños for a kick and Greek yogurt substituted in for an even lighter option. Sure to please any meal, it should be nicely chilled and rested so all ingredients meld nicely together.
Types of Condiments to Use in Loaded Potato Salad
While this recipe uses sour cream and mayo for a rich, creamy dressing, there are several ways you can switch things up:
- Greek Yogurt: You can lighten this up (and make it tangier) by using some or all of that mayo and sour cream in place of Greek yogurt. It’s an excellent way to cut calories without losing creaminess.
- Spicy Kick: If you like it spicy, add chopped jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce, to the dressing.
- Herb Dressing: For added zesty punch, toss in some fresh herbs such as dill or parsley. If you’re looking for a trick to counterbalance the richness of the bacon and cheese, this is a great method.
Health Benefits of Loaded Potato Salad
Even though this Loaded Potato Salad is an indulgent treat, there are some key benefits you can enjoy:
- Potatoes: Rich in potassium, vitamin C and fiber, potatoes are good for your heart and digestion.
- Bacon: Bacon adds a nice smoky richness without a lot, and lowers the risk on an already fattening meal. Even if you’re not a veggie, bacon is okay, bacon isn’t bad!
- Greek Yogurt (optional): Greek yogurt is also added for extra protein and probiotics in the gut that makes this dish a lot healthier.
Serving Suggestions and Storing Tips
This salad is easy and can be prepared anytime for any occasion. Here’s how you can serve and store it:
- Serve with Grilled Meats: Pair this loaded potato salad with grilled chicken, burgers, or ribs for a complete meal.
- Make Ahead: After it’s had time to chill, this salad tastes even better. And it can be made up to a day ahead, then stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Leftovers: Any leftovers can be stored in fridge for up to 3 days. Cold is best but you can cool to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
Conclusion:
There you have it—my take on Loaded Potato Salad! Everything you love about a baked potato, but salad form. It’s creamy, cheesy, and tons of flavor, which makes it the ideal side dish party snack. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or looking for a satisfying side, this loaded potato salad is sure to be a hit.
I am all excited for you to try it! Please share how you customize your salad and how you create yours in the comments, let me know. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this potato salad lighter?
Yes! In a lighter, tangier version you can replace the mayonnaise and sour cream with Greek yogurt. You can also substitute turkey bacon (less fat) instead of regular bacon.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad is ready to be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge, making it perfect for meap prep or parties. It just develops the flavors even more as you chill.
Can I serve this salad warm?
And yes, you can do served warm, if you prefer. Simply toss the warm potatoes in the dressing and eat right away. But you can let the salad chill to improve the flavor.
Can I use different types of potatoes?
In fact, you can use red potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes for a creamier texture. However, just make sure that the cooking time adjusts as is needed to the recipe.
