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When the summer sun begins to shine down, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing side dish to brighten up your meals. This Loaded Potato Salad is my go-to for bringing smiles to the table. Imagine the comforting blend of creamy ingredients, crispy bacon, and fresh herbs mingling together—it’s like a warm hug wrapped in a bowl!

I created this recipe after a delightful afternoon BBQ with friends. As everyone gathered around, I was reminded that the best dishes are those that invite conversation and connection. With tender baby potatoes, zesty mustard, and the savory satisfaction of bacon, this salad is a creamy and tangy treat that brings joy to any gathering.

Whether you’re fending off the fast-food blues or searching for a unique potluck dish, this Loaded Potato Salad promises that familiar comfort of a baked potato but with a twist perfect for summer gatherings. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to your preferences—how can you say no to that? Let’s dive in!

Why is Loaded Potato Salad a summer favorite?

Comforting Tradition: This Loaded Potato Salad hits all the right notes with its creamy, savory flavors, making it a beloved staple for summer gatherings.
Versatile Ingredients: You can easily mix up the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs, like swapping bacon for a vegetarian option.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether served at BBQs or potlucks, this salad is sure to impress and spark conversations!
Easy Preparation: The straightforward steps mean you can whip this up in no time, leaving you more hours to enjoy your summer days.
Refreshingly Tangy: With a zesty mustard kick, it’s the perfect compliment to grilled meats or fried chicken. Try making this salad chilled as a delightful side dish to brighten your barbecue spread!

Loaded Potato Salad Ingredients

For the Salad
• Baby Red Potatoes – Provide the base structure and bulk of the salad; substitute with Yukon Gold potatoes for a similar texture.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs – Add creaminess and protein; can be omitted for a lighter version.
• Crispy Bacon – Introduces a savory, smoky flavor; replace with smoked tempeh or coconut bacon for a vegetarian option.
• Red Onion – Offers a sharp and crunchy contrast; sweet onions can be used for a milder taste.
• Chives – Fresh herbal note that enhances flavor; green onions can serve as a substitute.
• Dill – Adds a unique herbal aroma; can replace with parsley or omit if desired.

For the Dressing
• Mayonnaise – Forms the creamy base of the dressing; for a lighter option, substitute half with Greek yogurt.
• Sour Cream – Adds tanginess and creaminess; can be swapped with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
• Yellow Mustard – Enhances flavor with a slight zing; Dijon or whole-grain mustard can create a different flavor profile.
• Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning the salad to taste.

How to Make Loaded Potato Salad

Prepare Potatoes: Wash and halve the baby red potatoes, then boil them in salted water for 12–15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain them well and let them cool completely.
Boil Eggs: Place the eggs in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, let them cook for 9–10 minutes, then peel and quarter them.
Cook Bacon: Fry the bacon in a pan over medium heat until it’s crispy. Once cooled, crumble it into small pieces to add that delicious crunch!
Chop Vegetables: Finely dice the red onion, and chop the chives and dill to bring freshness to the salad.
Make Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, yellow mustard, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Combine Ingredients: Gently fold in the cooled potatoes, chopped hard-boiled eggs, crumbled bacon, red onion, dill, and chives into the dressing. Be careful not to mash those lovely potatoes!
Chill: Place the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully. Garnish with additional bacon and chives for an extra touch.

Optional: Drizzle with extra olive oil before serving for a lovely shine.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Loaded Potato Salad

Chill Time Matters: Allow the salad to chill for at least an hour to enhance flavors; overnight chilling is even better!
Crisp Bacon: Add bacon just before serving to keep it crispy. If added early, it can become soggy and lose its delightful crunch.
Potato Selection: Avoid starchy potatoes like Russets, which can easily turn mushy. Stick to waxy varieties like baby red or Yukon Gold for better texture.
Mixing Techniques: Gently fold the ingredients when combining to prevent mashing the potatoes—no one wants a potato paste!
Ingredient Flexibility: Feel free to customize the Loaded Potato Salad with your favorite add-ins, like cheddar cheese or pickles, to make it truly yours.

What to Serve with Loaded Potato Salad?

When summer gatherings call for a side dish that delights, think of what pairs perfectly with this creamy, tangy salad.

Grilled Chicken: The smoky flavor of grilled chicken beautifully complements the rich creaminess of the salad, creating a delightful balance.
Beef Burgers: Juicy burgers topped with your favorite fixings alongside loaded potato salad make for a classic, satisfying meal.
BBQ Ribs: Sweet and tangy barbecue ribs are a mouthwatering match for the loaded potato salad, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
Corn on the Cob: Perfectly grilled or boiled corn brings a sweet, crunchy element that adds freshness to your plate.
Coleslaw: This crunchy, vinegary side dish offers a contrasting texture and flavor that pairs well with the creamy salad.
Sweet Tea: A glass of refreshing sweet tea harmonizes exceptionally, bringing a touch of Southern charm to your meal.
Fruit Salad: A light, fruity salad adds refreshing brightness and a hint of sweetness to balance the savory loaded potato salad.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: Surprise guests with a sweet finish; classic cookies bring a nostalgic touch to a summer spread.
Lemonade: A pitcher of chilled lemonade provides a zesty contrast to the flavors of the salad while keeping everyone cool on warm days.

Make Ahead Options

These Loaded Potato Salad make-ahead options are a lifesaver for busy home cooks! You can prepare the potatoes and hard-boiled eggs up to 24 hours in advance by cooking them as directed, then cooling them completely and storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The bacon can be cooked and stored for the same timeframe, ensuring it stays crisp until you’re ready to serve. To maximize flavor, mix the dressing ingredients and refrigerate them for up to 3 days ahead of time. When you’re ready to enjoy this meal, simply combine everything, fold gently, and let it chill for an hour before serving for a delicious and hassle-free dish!

Loaded Potato Salad Variations

Step away from the ordinary and let your creativity shine with these delightful twists!

Dairy-Free: Swap mayonnaise and sour cream for a blend of avocado and tahini for a creamy texture.
Vegan Delight: Replace bacon with crispy coconut bacon or smoked tempeh for a satisfying flavor that everyone can enjoy. It adds a delightful crunch without compromising taste!
Cheesy Flavor: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese for an indulgent, cheesy bite. A sprinkle on top before serving adds an appealing finish and extra richness!
Zesty Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy twist that will awaken your taste buds and bring excitement to every mouthful!
Herbaceous Boost: Integrate fresh basil or cilantro alongside chives for a fragrant, herbal lift that brings a bright, refreshing flavor to the salad. These herbs enliven every bite!
Crunchy Add-Ins: Toss in diced celery or crunchy cucumbers to bring a fresh crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of the potatoes. This addition makes the salad feel even lighter!
Sweet Surprise: Mix in a handful of sweet pickle relish or dried cranberries for a burst of sweetness that beautifully complements the savory elements. It’s a fun fusion of flavors!
Mustard Mix: Experiment with flavored mustards, like honey mustard or spicy brown, for a unique flavor profile that adds depth and complexity to the dressing. Each bite will have a deliciously surprising twist!

How to Store and Freeze Loaded Potato Salad

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended due to potential separation of the creamy dressing, which can alter the salad’s texture upon thawing.
Reheating: If you must reheat, gently warm the salad on the stove and adding a splash of sour cream or mayo to revive its creaminess, but best enjoyed cold.
Serving Suggestions: Always serve chilled or at cool room temperature for an appetizing experience, perfect alongside grilled meats or fried chicken.

Loaded Potato Salad Recipe FAQs

What type of potatoes work best for Loaded Potato Salad?
I highly recommend using baby red potatoes since they hold their shape well and have a delightful texture. Yukon Gold potatoes are also a great alternative. Avoid starchy potatoes like Russets, as they tend to become mushy when boiled.

How long can I store my Loaded Potato Salad?
Store your Loaded Potato Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep it tightly sealed to maintain its fresh flavor. Always give it a good stir before serving again!

Can I freeze Loaded Potato Salad?
Freezing is not recommended for this salad due to the creamy dressing. Freezing can cause the ingredients to separate, leading to a less-than-pleasant texture when thawed. If you want to prepare it in advance, it’s best to store it in the fridge and enjoy it within a few days.

What if my salad seems too dry?
If your Loaded Potato Salad appears dry after chilling, don’t worry! Simply add a spoonful of mayonnaise or sour cream and mix gently until you reach your desired consistency. This will help revive the creaminess without overwhelming the flavors!

Are there any allergy considerations with this recipe?
Yes! This recipe can easily accommodate gluten-free diets by using gluten-free bacon and mustard. Additionally, if you have egg allergies, you can leave out the hard-boiled eggs and still enjoy all the flavors of this creamy, savory dish without compromising your dietary needs.

What’s the best way to bring extra flavor to my Loaded Potato Salad?
For an extra flavor boost, I often suggest adding shredded cheddar cheese, chopped pickles, or even a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. Feel free to mix in diced jalapeños for a spicy kick, or add chopped fresh herbs like parsley for a refreshing twist!