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Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Loaded Baked Potato Salad transforms the classic baked potato into a creamy, flavorful salad packed with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, fresh green onions, and a tangy dressing. This crowd-pleasing dish offers the perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it an ideal side for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

  • 45 medium russet potatoes

Bacon

  • 6 slices of bacon

Cheese and Vegetables

  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 green onions, chopped

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the potatoes: Start by boiling the russet potatoes until they are fork-tender but still firm, generally about 15-20 minutes. Let them cool completely before moving on to the next step to avoid a watery salad.
  2. Prepare the bacon: While the potatoes cook, crisp the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Once cooled, crumble into bite-sized pieces to add that perfect savory crunch.
  3. Mix the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Whisk these together until smooth and creamy for that signature tangy dressing base.
  4. Combine ingredients: Chop the cooled potatoes into bite-sized chunks and fold them gently into the dressing mixture. Then add the bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions, stirring carefully to distribute evenly without mashing the potatoes.
  5. Chill and serve: Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors meld wonderfully. Serve chilled for a refreshing taste experience that’s perfect for gatherings.

Notes

  • Use room temperature potatoes to keep the salad creamy and prevent dressing from breaking.
  • Don’t overcook the potatoes; keep them firm to avoid a mushy texture.
  • Mix gently to maintain potato chunks and preserve the salad’s texture.
  • Crisp bacon fresh; baking bacon on a sheet pan provides even crispness.
  • Adjust seasoning after chilling by adding more salt or vinegar if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: Loaded baked potato salad, creamy potato salad, bacon potato salad, picnic salad, crowd-pleaser side dish