The Crunchiest Smashed Potato Salad Recipe You’ll Ever Love

Crispy, golden-brown smashed potato salad promises a delightful twist on classic comfort food.

Potatoes crushed and seasoned with herbs create an irresistible texture that surprises your palate.

Creamy dressing weaves through each golden morsel, adding richness and depth.

Rustic ingredients blend seamlessly, bringing vibrant flavors to your plate.

Summer gatherings or casual weeknight dinners welcome this playful side dish.

Crunchy edges and soft centers make each bite a delectable adventure.

You’ll want to savor every mouthwatering spoonful of this inventive potato creation.

What Makes Smashed Potato Salad So Special

• Crowd-Pleasing Texture: Enjoy a unique potato salad with rustic, smashed potatoes that deliver a delightful mix of crispy edges and creamy interiors.
• Super Adaptable Dish: Perfect for picnics, barbecues, potlucks, and family gatherings, this recipe works beautifully as a side or standalone meal.
• Nutritious and Wholesome: Keeping potato skins intact preserves extra nutrients and fiber, making this a healthier twist on traditional potato salad.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps ensure anyone can create this delicious dish without extensive culinary skills.

Smashed Potato Salad Ingredients to Grab First

• Red Potatoes, Baby Potatoes: Fresh potatoes that provide the hearty and rustic foundation of the salad.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy ingredients that create a rich and smooth base for the salad.
• Dijon Mustard, Olive Oil: Tangy and smooth elements that enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Green Onions, Chives, Parsley: Fresh herbs that add bright, crisp flavor and visual appeal to the potato salad.
• Dried Dill, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Seasonings that provide depth and balanced seasoning to the dish.

• Hard-Boiled Eggs: Protein-rich ingredient that adds extra texture and nutritional value to the salad.

How to Make Crispy Smashed Potato Salad at Home

Step 1: Clean Potato Treasures

Scrub red and baby potatoes under running water, keeping their beautiful skins on to preserve nutrients and add rustic charm.

Step 2: Boil Potato Perfection

Fill a large pot with cold water and a pinch of salt. Submerge potatoes and bring to a rolling boil. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are fork-tender but still holding their shape, around 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Smash Potato Transformation

Drain potatoes and spread them on a baking sheet. Use a fork or potato masher to gently smash each potato, creating delightfully uneven surfaces that will catch dressing perfectly.

Step 4: Cool Potato Surfaces

Let smashed potatoes rest and cool for 10 minutes, allowing excess moisture to evaporate and surfaces to develop slight texture.

Step 5: Create Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Dijon mustard
• Olive oil

Blend until smooth and luxuriously creamy.

Step 6: Chop Flavor Boosters

• Hard-boiled eggs
• Green onions
• Chives
• Parsley

Ensure uniform, small pieces for even distribution.

Step 7: Coat Potatoes

Gently fold cooled smashed potatoes into the creamy dressing, being careful not to break them completely.

Step 8: Season With Flair

• Dried dill
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Mix carefully to distribute seasonings evenly.

Step 9: Add Flavor Companions

Fold in chopped eggs, green onions, chives, and parsley, creating a vibrant and delicious potato salad.

Step 10: Chill and Develop Flavors

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing ingredients to mingle and flavors to intensify. Serve chilled or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.

Top Tips for Flawless Smashed Potato Salad

• Select Fresh Potatoes: Choose small red or baby potatoes with smooth, unblemished skins for the best texture and flavor in your salad.
• Prevent Potato Mashing: Use a light touch when smashing potatoes to maintain their rustic shape and prevent turning them into a mushy mess.
• Control Moisture Level: Allow smashed potatoes to cool completely and release excess water before mixing with dressing to keep the salad from becoming watery.
• Season Generously: Don't be shy with herbs and seasonings – fresh chives, parsley, and dill will elevate the potato salad's overall taste profile.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow ingredients to blend and develop a more complex, delicious taste.

Unique Takes on Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

• Herb Garden Potato Salad: Replace dried dill with fresh dill, basil, and thyme for a vibrant, aromatic herb-infused version that brings garden-fresh flavors to the classic recipe.
• Spicy Southwest Potato Salad: Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, and chopped cilantro to create a zesty, kick-packed potato salad with southwestern flair.
• Bacon Ranch Potato Salad: Mix in crispy bacon bits and ranch seasoning for a rich, savory update that adds smoky depth and creamy ranch notes to the original recipe.
• Mediterranean Potato Salad: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, sliced kalamata olives, and chopped red bell peppers to transform the dish with bright Mediterranean ingredients.

Serving Ideas for Smashed Potato Salad

• Enhance Your Smashed Potato Salad Experience
• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or unoaked chardonnay to complement the creamy, tangy potato salad and cut through its richness.
• Grill Complementary Proteins: Serve alongside grilled chicken or herb-crusted salmon to create a balanced meal with contrasting textures and flavors.
• Add Refreshing Summer Sides: Include a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a peppery, citrusy counterpoint to the creamy potato dish.
• Elevate with Craft Beer: Choose a light pilsner or wheat beer that offers crisp carbonation and subtle hop notes to refresh the palate between bites.

How to Keep Smashed Potato Salad Crisp

• Transfer leftover potato salad to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, ensuring no air can enter. Keep chilled for up to 3-4 days, maintaining maximum freshness and flavor.
• Steer clear of freezing this potato salad, as mayonnaise and sour cream-based dressings tend to separate and become watery when thawed, compromising texture and taste.
• Always store the potato salad in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically the back shelf, away from the door to prevent temperature fluctuations that can spoil the dish quickly.
• Remove the potato salad from the refrigerator no more than 2 hours before serving, and discard if left at room temperature for longer to prevent potential bacterial growth and foodborne illness.

Smashed Potato Salad FAQ Guide

• Why smash the potatoes instead of cutting them?

Smashing creates more surface area for the dressing to cling to, resulting in more flavor in every bite and a rustic, textured presentation that looks homemade and appetizing.

• Can I use different types of potatoes?

Red and baby potatoes work best because they hold their shape well after boiling and smashing, providing a creamy interior with a crispy exterior when prepared.

• Is this potato salad healthier than traditional versions?

Yes, keeping potato skins on adds extra nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making this version more nutritionally dense compared to peeled potato salads.