The Perfect Loaded Potato Salad Recipe

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Do you love potato salad?  I admit, I’m pretty picky about mine but this is one of my favorites and have found it in a few restaurants that’s “pretty good”.  But, I still prefer my own at home so I’m sharing The Perfect Loaded Potato Salad Recipe with you today. 

This loaded potato salad with bacon will blow your taste buds away! The perfect side dish to serve at family BBQ’s this summer. You’ll love how creamy the addition of sour cream makes this homemade potato salad and cuts the mayo taste and the poppy seed dressing adds a little sweetness.  

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This loaded potato salad is not only packed full of flavor, but the texture is the best! Between the delicate crunch of onion and celery to the flavorful burst of crumbled bacon and seasonings, this potato salad has the best flavor of any homemade potato salad that I’ve ever tried.

Don’t worry if you say your family doesn’t like sour cream – they won’t even know it’s in there.  

How long can you keep homemade potato salad in the refrigerator?

If you’re thinking about making this loaded potato salad ahead of time, you can store your homemade potato salad in the refrigerator. Allow your salad to cool to room temperature, place in a bowl with a lid or wrap plastic wrap around a large salad bowl to keep air out. When stored properly, this loaded potato salad will last up to about 3 days, but I bet you eat it before then.

What kind of potatoes should I use for potato salad?

You can use any kind of potatoes for loaded potato salad, but I’ve chosen to use white potatoes. You’ll need 4 pounds of potatoes peeled and cut into chunks. If you prefer another kind of potato, you can use Red Bliss or Fingerling potatoes.  Russet potatoes can fall apart during cooking, but then some prefer a more mashed texture than chunky.  Many times I just use what I have.

What goes with potato salad?

There are many things that pair well with potato salad. I recommend you serve your favorite grilled meat with this loaded potato salad. Pork, steak, or chicken will go well alongside this potato salad dish.

This loaded potato salad is so good that your whole family will soon love homemade potato salad, even if they’ve never liked it before. The salad melts in your mouth with every bite and it’s the perfect make-ahead meal for a picnic, family BBQ, or side dish for an evening meal. Hey, it’s got cheese and bacon – who doesn’t love that?

How to Make Loaded Potato Salad

Gather up the ingredients listed below and follow my step-by-step instructions to this loaded potato salad today!  You know I’m not a spicy person, but just a few drops of Tabasco adds that another layer of flavor to this dish.

Ingredients: 

• 3 – 4 pounds of white potatoes-peeled and cut into large chunks
• 1 large, sweet onion – diced (I love red onions, plus they add a little color)
• 4 stems of celery – washed and sliced
• 1 tsp of minced garlic
• 1 tsp of garlic salt
• 1 pound of bacon – cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 C of mayonnaise
• 1/4 C of sour cream
• 1/3 C of Poppy seed dressing
• 1 Tbsp of honey mustard
• 2 – 3 drops of Tabasco sauce (optional)
• 1 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese (or your favorite – Cheddar works great too)
• 1/2 C of diced chives – for topping (green onions will also do)

Directions: 

1. Peel and chop the potatoes into large pieces.
2. Place the potatoes in a heavy sauce pot, and cover with cold water.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and turn the heat to high. When the potatoes come to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and continue to cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until a fork can easily pierce the potatoes – or potatoes are tender, but not falling apart.
4. Remove from heat and drain water.
5. Rinse the potatoes with cold water to stop the cooking, then pour cold water off potatoes, and place potatoes in a large serving bowl. Add the diced onion, sliced celery, minced garlic, garlic salt, but don’t stir potatoes.
6. In another small dish, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, poppy seed dressing, honey mustard, and Tabasco, until well blended.
7. Pour mayonnaise mixture over potatoes, and gently fold over potatoes, until coated.
8. Add shredded cheese, and crumbled bacon, and gently mix.
9. Top with chives.
10. Refrigerate until time to serve.
11. Serve and Enjoy!
12. Refrigerate any leftovers promptly.

A few easy steps:

Gather ingredients

Cook and cool potatoes

Add creamy mixture

Add your other ingredients

Stir gently – and you have this

 

Do you have Pinterest Boards for your favorite recipes?  

Do you need a few more salad and side dish ideas?  All would be great for your summer cookouts.

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