Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite picnic staple: the Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Recipe. Imagine impossibly crisp, golden potatoes tossed in a punchy, creamy dressing loaded with crunchy pickles, fragrant dill, and zesty Dijon, then finished with a flurry of green onions. This isn’t your grandmother’s potato salad, but after just one bite, it may just become your most-requested dish at every potluck and backyard barbecue!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This short and sweet ingredient list transforms simple staples into pure magic, where every single component brings out crowd-pleasing flavor and color. Don’t be tempted to skip anything — it’s the combination of freshness, tang, and crunch that sets this Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Recipe apart!

• Baby potatoes: These cook quickly and develop the ideal golden exterior while keeping a fluffy center, making them perfect for smashing.
• Olive oil: Helps the potatoes crisp up beautifully in the oven and adds a lovely richness to every bite.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning at every step; don’t be shy!
• Garlic powder: Adds depth and savory warmth without overwhelming the salad.
• Mayonnaise: A creamy base for the dressing that coats everything without feeling heavy.
• Dijon mustard: Brings irresistible tang and subtle heat that balances the richness.
• Apple cider vinegar: Provides a light, bright acidity that wakes up the whole dish.
• Red onion, finely chopped: A punch of crunch and color, plus a sweet-sharp bite.
• Dill pickles, chopped: Bold, briny, and bursting with personality — they’re the secret ingredient here.
• Fresh dill, chopped: Herbal, fresh, and unmistakably summery for that garden-fresh finish.
• Green onions, sliced: Lively and mild, they round out the salad with a pop of green.
• Optional: Crumbled bacon or chopped hard-boiled eggs: For extra heartiness and delicious flavor, if you want to amp up your salad.

How to Make Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Baby Potatoes

Begin by placing the baby potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring them to a boil and simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until they’re completely fork-tender and cooked through. The salt is crucial here — it seasons the potatoes all the way to the core, so don’t skimp! Drain them thoroughly and let them cool just enough to handle.

Step 2: Smash and Season

Transfer the cooked, slightly cooled potatoes to a greased baking sheet. Now for the fun part: gently press each potato with the bottom of a sturdy glass or measuring cup until they’re flattened but still holding together. This smashing step is what gives the Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Recipe its namesake texture! Once smashed, drizzle them generously with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder so every nook and cranny soaks up the flavor.

Step 3: Roast Until Golden and Crispy

Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven at 425°F (220°C). Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the potatoes about halfway through to ensure both sides get those irresistible crispy edges. Keep an eye out for deep golden browning — that’s the sign you’ve reached max crunch!

Step 4: Make the Creamy Dill Dressing

While those potatoes work their magic in the oven, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, finely chopped red onion, dill pickles, fresh dill, and green onions in a large bowl. Taste as you go; this punchy, herby dressing is the secret sauce that ties the Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Recipe together.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Let the roasted potatoes cool just a bit, then gently toss them in your big bowl with the dressing. You want them warm but not piping hot, so they soak up flavor while staying deliciously crisp. Toss gently so you don’t lose all the craggy crunch! Serve the salad warm or at room temperature, with plenty of optional toppings if you’re feeling extra.

How to Serve Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Recipe

Garnishes

A shower of extra fresh dill, a handful of sliced green onions, or even a scattering of crispy bacon or chopped hard-boiled eggs will take this salad from weekday staple to dinner party showstopper. Don’t hold back — the more little touches, the better!

Side Dishes

This vibrant salad pairs gorgeously with almost anything off the grill — think juicy burgers, smoky sausages, or charred vegetables. It’s also brilliant alongside roasted chicken or as part of a hearty brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Recipe in a shallow platter so those golden potato edges are on full display, or scoop it into mason jars for picnic-perfect individual servings. For an appetizer twist, plate it in lettuce cups or alongside mini skewers for a playful presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The potatoes may soften a bit, but the flavors meld beautifully over time.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you must freeze, do so before adding the dressing. Place cooled, roasted potatoes in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month, then thaw and toss with dressing just before serving for optimal texture.

Reheating

If you want to revive that signature crispiness, spread the potatoes out on a baking sheet and reheat at 400°F for 10 minutes. Add the dressing after warming, or serve the salad cold and enjoy its robust flavors straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Absolutely! Just cut them into large chunks before boiling and smashing. Baby potatoes offer the sweetest flavor and creamiest interior, but other varieties like Yukon Gold work beautifully too.

Is this Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your mayonnaise and Dijon are certified gluten-free, this salad fits right into a gluten-free diet. Always double-check labels if you have sensitivities.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Definitely! Swap in your favorite vegan mayonnaise, and check that your Dijon mustard is egg-free. The result will be a plant-based salad everyone can enjoy.

How far ahead can I assemble the salad?

For the crispiest results, toss the warm potatoes with dressing just before serving. However, you can roast the potatoes and make the dressing a day in advance, keeping both separate in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

What’s the best way to transport this salad?

If you’re bringing the Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Recipe to a picnic or party, assemble it just before serving or transport potatoes and dressing separately. Give it a gentle toss on arrival to maintain maximum crunch.

Final Thoughts

If you love potato salad but crave bold flavors and shatteringly crisp texture, this Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. Once you experience that irresistible combination of creamy, tangy dressing and golden, crunchy potatoes, you’ll want to make it for every occasion — and share the delicious secret with all your friends!

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