Loaded Potato Salad Recipe is a classic and hearty side dish loved by everyone. It’s perfect for family dinners, barbecues and picnics. This recipe is creamy, flavorful and full of textures from fresh ingredients.
Each bite has tender potatoes, crispy bacon and a tangy dressing. Making it is simple and fun, even for beginners. You can serve it warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
Learn how to make Loaded Potato Salad step by step for an easy, delicious dish that everyone will enjoy.
The Secret Behind This Delicious Loaded Potato Salad
The secret to a perfect Loaded Potato Salad is balancing flavors and textures. The potatoes must be tender but not mushy. Crispy bacon adds crunch, while cheese adds richness.
A creamy dressing ties everything together with tangy flavor. Using fresh herbs like chives or parsley brings brightness. Red onion adds a little bite and boiled eggs make it hearty.
Mixing gently ensures the potatoes hold their shape. The combination of creamy, crunchy and fresh ingredients makes this salad irresistible.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Loaded Potato Salad
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Course: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Medium saucepan
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving bowl
Ingredients You Need for Loaded Potato Salad
- 2 lbs baby or red potatoes
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh chives or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes
Wash potatoes thoroughly. Cut into bite-size pieces. Keep skin on for extra texture and nutrients. - Boil the Potatoes
Place potatoes in a medium saucepan. Cover with water and add a pinch of salt. Boil until tender, about 15–20 minutes. - Drain and Cool Potatoes
Drain potatoes in a colander. Let them cool slightly while preparing the other ingredients. - Cook the Bacon
Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces. - Boil the Eggs
Place eggs in a small saucepan. Cover with water and boil for 10 minutes. Cool in ice water, then chop. - Prepare the Dressing
In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper until smooth. - Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add potatoes, bacon, eggs, red onion and shredded cheddar. - Add the Dressing
Pour the prepared dressing over the potato mixture. Gently fold to coat all ingredients evenly. - Adjust Seasoning
Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. Mix gently to keep potatoes from breaking. - Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped chives or parsley on top for color and freshness. Serve warm or chilled.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for creamier texture.
- Add pickles or pickle juice for extra tang.
- Mix in roasted vegetables like bell peppers or peas for more color.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier option.
- Prepare a day ahead and refrigerate to let flavors meld.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve Loaded Potato Salad with grilled meats, fried chicken or sandwiches. It’s also perfect for potlucks, picnics and holiday dinners. Pair with a side salad or fresh bread to complete the meal. It’s hearty enough to serve as a main for a casual lunch or dinner.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Mix gently before serving as dressing may settle.
- Avoid freezing, as the potatoes and dressing may separate.
- Serve cold or slightly warm depending on preference.
Loaded Potato Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs baby or red potatoes
- 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 hard-boiled eggs chopped
- ¼ cup red onion finely chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh chives or parsley chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes
- Wash potatoes thoroughly. Cut into bite-size pieces. Keep skin on for extra texture and nutrients.
Boil the Potatoes
- Place potatoes in a medium saucepan. Cover with water and add a pinch of salt. Boil until tender, about 15–20 minutes.
Drain and Cool Potatoes
- Drain potatoes in a colander. Let them cool slightly while preparing the other ingredients.
Cook the Bacon
- Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces.
Boil the Eggs
- Place eggs in a small saucepan. Cover with water and boil for 10 minutes. Cool in ice water, then chop.
Prepare the Dressing
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper until smooth.
Combine Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, add potatoes, bacon, eggs, red onion, and shredded cheddar.
Add the Dressing
- Pour the prepared dressing over the potato mixture. Gently fold to coat all ingredients evenly.
Adjust Seasoning
- Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. Mix gently to keep potatoes from breaking.
Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle chopped chives or parsley on top for color and freshness. Serve warm or chilled.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for creamier texture.
- Add pickles or pickle juice for extra tang.
- Mix in roasted vegetables like bell peppers or peas for more color.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier option.
- Prepare a day ahead and refrigerate to let flavors meld.
FAQs about Loaded Potato Salad
Q1: Can I make Loaded Potato Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a day in advance. Keep it chilled and add fresh herbs just before serving.
Q2: Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, shredded cheddar is classic, but Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even feta can work. Adjust for flavor preference.
Q3: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, omit the bacon or replace it with smoked tempeh or crispy mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Q4: Can I make this salad healthier?
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, reduce mayonnaise and include extra vegetables like peas or bell peppers.
Q5: How do I prevent potatoes from getting mushy?
Cut evenly and boil until just tender. Avoid overmixing when adding dressing to keep chunks intact.
Conclusion
Loaded Potato Salad Recipe is creamy, hearty and full of flavor. Tender potatoes, crispy bacon, fresh herbs and tangy dressing make it a crowd-pleaser. You now know how to make Loaded Potato Salad step by step.
Use expert tips to customize flavors and make it your own. Perfect for gatherings, barbecues, and family meals, this salad is both easy and satisfying.
With Loaded Potato Salad Recipe, cooking becomes simple and enjoyable. Serve it chilled or slightly warm for a dish that everyone will love. Make it ahead for convenience and impress your family and friends with this classic, loaded version of potato salad.
Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.