The Perfect Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Recipe for Summer Picnics

Crispy smashed potato salad brings an unexpected twist to your summer gatherings.

Potatoes get a delightful makeover with a crisp exterior and creamy center.

Small gatherings or large picnics welcome this playful side dish with open arms.

We crush boiled potatoes until golden and crunchy, then dress them in a zesty vinaigrette.

Fresh herbs scattered across the top add bright color and intense flavor.

Salt and pepper become your best friends in creating this irresistible recipe.

Just wait until you see how quickly people devour these delectable potato bites.

Why Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Is the Best of Both Worlds

• Conquer Kitchen Complexity: Simple steps and basic ingredients make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned kitchen pros.
• Crowd-Pleasing Texture Sensation: Crispy edges combined with soft potato centers create an irresistible mouthfeel that transforms a classic side dish into an exciting culinary experience.
• Versatile Serving Superstar: Perfect as a side dish for barbecues, potlucks, family dinners, or casual gatherings, these smashed potatoes adapt beautifully to multiple meal scenarios and complement various main courses.
• Smart Meal Prep Magic: Prepare components ahead of time and quickly assemble, allowing minimal active cooking time while delivering maximum flavor and visual appeal that will impress dinner guests and family members.

What Goes Into Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

• Red Potatoes: Small, waxy potatoes perfect for creating crispy exteriors while maintaining a creamy interior.
• Russet Potatoes: Starchy potatoes that develop a wonderful golden crunch when roasted.

• Olive Oil, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices and seasonings that enhance the potatoes' flavor and help create a crispy exterior.

• Sour Cream, Mayonnaise: Creamy base ingredients that provide rich texture and tangy flavor to the salad dressing.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a sharp, distinctive taste that complements the potatoes' richness.
• White Vinegar: Introduces a subtle acidic note that balances the dressing's creaminess.
• Chives: Fresh herb that brings a mild onion-like flavor and bright green color to the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh, clean garnish with a light herbal taste.

How to Make Crispy Smashed Potato Salad with Ease

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Turn the oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C) to create the perfect crispy environment for your potatoes.

Step 2: Boil Potato Buddies

Grab your potatoes and give them a good wash.

Place them in a large pot, cover completely with water, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook until they’re super tender – about 15-20 minutes.

You’ll know they’re ready when a fork slides in smoothly.

Step 3: Smash Those Spuds

Carefully drain the potatoes and let them cool down slightly.

Now comes the fun part – gently smash each potato using a fork or potato masher. Don’t go hulk mode – you want them flattened but still holding together.

Step 4: Season And Prep

• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Toss everything so each potato gets a delicious coating.

Step 5: Crisp Them Up

Slide the baking sheet into the hot oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes until the edges turn beautifully golden and crispy.

Your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 6: Whip Up The Creamy Dressing

While potatoes are getting crisp, create the magical sauce.

• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• White vinegar
• Chopped chives

Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.

Step 7: Dress And Garnish

Pull out those crispy potato treasures and let them cool for a few minutes.

Drizzle the creamy dressing generously over the top. Sprinkle some fresh parsley and extra chives for a pop of color and flavor.

Potato Salad Tips for Extra Crunch

• Select waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for the best crispy texture and even cooking.
• Pat potatoes completely dry after boiling to ensure maximum crispiness when roasting.
• Maintain consistent potato size for even cooking and perfect smashing technique.
• Space potatoes widely on the baking sheet to prevent steaming and promote crispy edges.
• Experiment with herbs like rosemary or thyme for additional flavor variations in the seasoning blend.

Creative Twists for Smashed Potato Salad

• Herb-Infused Potatoes: Replace basic seasonings with fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage for an aromatic Mediterranean-style version.
• Spicy Southwestern Smash: Add chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper to create a zesty kick with a sprinkle of jalapeños.
• Cheesy Loaded Potatoes: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and crumbled bacon over roasted potatoes right before serving for a rich, indulgent variation.
• Ranch-Style Remix: Swap the original dressing with ranch seasoning mix blended into sour cream for a tangy, creamy alternative.

What to Serve with Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

• Savor Zesty White Wine Pairing: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the tangy potato salad dressing, cutting through the richness with its bright acidity and herbal notes.
• Elevate with Charcuterie Companion: Serve alongside prosciutto or salami to add a salty, savory dimension that enhances the crispy potato's texture and creamy dressing.
• Match with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light green salad with arugula, fresh dill, and lemon vinaigrette to balance the potatoes' richness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Boost with Craft Beer Selection: Choose a hoppy pale ale or wheat beer that can stand up to the potatoes' robust flavors and cleanse the palate between bites.

Storing Potato Salad the Smart Way

• Refrigeration: Store leftover crispy smashed potatoes in an airtight container, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain texture and prevent moisture absorption.
• Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 375°F, spread potatoes on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-12 minutes until crispy edges return. Drizzle a little olive oil to help restore crunchiness.
• Skillet Reheating: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add a touch of oil, and reheat potatoes for 3-4 minutes, flipping occasionally to crisp all sides and restore their golden texture.

FAQs About Smashed Potato Salad

• Are smashed potatoes different from regular roasted potatoes?

Smashed potatoes are boiled first, then gently flattened before roasting, creating more surface area for extra crispiness compared to traditional roasted potatoes.

• Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

Small to medium-sized waxy potatoes like red potatoes or fingerling potatoes work best because they hold their shape well during boiling and smashing.

• How can I ensure my potatoes get really crispy?

Use a baking sheet with enough space between potatoes, drizzle generously with olive oil, and roast at a high temperature around 425°F to achieve maximum crispiness.

Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45-55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Smashed potato salad brings Mediterranean magic to summer gatherings with its crispy golden edges and zesty herb dressing. Creamy potatoes mingle with fresh ingredients, creating an irresistible side dish that elevates your meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) baby potatoes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Creamy Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

Garnish Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons chives, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F, ensuring a hot environment for achieving crispy potato exteriors.
2. Submerge whole potatoes in a large pot of cold water, bringing to a rolling boil and simmering for 15-20 minutes until easily pierced with a fork.
3. Carefully drain potatoes and allow them to cool slightly, then gently flatten each potato using a fork or potato masher, maintaining their structural integrity.
4. Arrange smashed potatoes on a baking sheet, generously coating with olive oil and sprinkling with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to ensure even seasoning.
5. Roast potatoes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating the tray midway to achieve uniformly golden and crisp edges.
6. Meanwhile, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, and chopped chives in a small mixing bowl to create a creamy, tangy dressing.
7. Remove potatoes from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to stabilize their crisp texture, then lavishly drizzle with prepared dressing.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional chives, serving immediately to preserve the potatoes’ delightful crunch.

Notes

• Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for the best crispy texture and even cooking.
• Ensure potatoes are completely dry after boiling to achieve maximum crispiness when roasting.
• Space potatoes on the baking sheet to allow hot air circulation, creating extra crispy edges.
• For a healthier version, swap sour cream with Greek yogurt and use olive oil spray instead of drizzling.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 20mg