Jump to Recipe Print RecipeWhen I first stumbled across the concept of a crispy smashed potato salad, I couldn’t help but think, “Why hasn’t anyone done this before?” This twist on a classic side dish transforms ordinary gatherings into culinary highlights, thanks to the golden, roasted potatoes and a tangy dressing mirrored by crunchy pickles. The best part? Not only is this recipe quick to prepare, but it’s also versatile enough to customize based on your tastes or dietary needs. Imagine bringing this vibrant, creamy concoction to your next barbecue or potluck—a guaranteed showstopper that’ll take the spotlight. Ready to give your potato salad a fun, crunchy makeover? Let’s dive in! Why Is This Potato Salad So Irresistible? Crispy Texture: Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch, making this salad a delightful departure from the typical creamy versions. Flavor Explosion: The combination of tangy dressing, fresh herbs, and crunchy pickles infuses every spoonful with irresistible flavor. Customizable Delight: Whether you prefer to go vegan or add a smoky twist with crumbled bacon, the variations are endless! Crowd-Pleasing Option: It’s a guaranteed hit for potlucks and gatherings, always leaving everyone asking for more. For more great side dish inspiration, don’t miss our Egg Pasta Salad or pair this with our tasty Garlic Butter Potatoes! Smashed Potato Salad Ingredients • Ready to make your salad shine? Here’s what you’ll need! For the Potatoes Baby Potatoes – Creamy, buttery texture when roasted; feel free to swap with baby red potatoes for added sweetness. Olive Oil – Ensures crispy golden goodness; choose extra virgin for superior flavor. For the Dressing Greek Yogurt – Adds a delightful creaminess and tang; full-fat is best, but vegan yogurt works well for a dairy-free option. Kewpie Mayonnaise – Offers a unique umami flavor compared to regular mayo; swap with regular mayo if preferred. Dijon Mustard – Introduces a zesty depth that brightens the dressing. Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed for optimal brightness and flavor. Garlic and Shallot – Provide aromatic richness; adjust according to your taste. For the Mix-Ins Fresh Parsley – Cuts through the richness of the salad; can replace with dill for a classic twist. Dill Pickle – Adds an unexpected crunch and brininess to elevate your smashed potato salad. Scallions – Offer a mild onion flavor and a splash of color; optional for garnish. Feel free to get creative and adjust these smashed potato salad ingredients to match your own tastes! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Step 1: Boil Potatoes Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil, then carefully add the baby potatoes. Allow them to cook for 7-8 minutes until fork-tender but firm. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly so they’re easier to handle, yet still warm. Step 2: Smash Potatoes Transfer the cooled potatoes onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently smash each potato with the bottom of a glass or a potato masher until they are about ¼ inch thick. Drizzle olive oil over the smashed potatoes, ensuring they are well-coated, and season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor while prepping your crispy smashed potato salad. Step 3: Roast Potatoes Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the potatoes for 45-60 minutes. Halfway through the roasting time, carefully flip the potatoes using a spatula to ensure they cook evenly. Look for a golden-brown color and crispy edges, which is the key to bringing out the delightful crunch in your smashed potato salad. Step 4: Prepare Dressing While the potatoes roast, whisk together the Greek yogurt, Kewpie mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, and shallot in a medium bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference, adding salt and pepper as needed. This creamy dressing will add richness and tang to your crispy smashed potato salad. Step 5: Combine Ingredients Once the potatoes are perfectly roasted and crispy, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the creamy dressing over the warm potatoes and add in the chopped dill pickle and parsley. Using a spatula, gently toss the mixture until the potatoes are well-coated, preserving some crispy bits for garnishing later. Step 6: Serve Dish out the crispy smashed potato salad onto a serving platter. Garnish with the remaining crispy potato bits and a sprinkle of finely chopped scallions for a pop of color and flavor. Serve this delightful salad warm for the best texture, allowing everyone to indulge in the irresistible crunch that elevates the classic potato salad. What to Serve with Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Elevate your dining experience by pairing this vibrant dish with delightful complementing sides and refreshing beverages. BBQ Ribs: The smoky, tender meat from BBQ ribs beautifully contrasts with the crunchy potatoes, creating a satisfying, hearty meal. Fried Chicken: Crispy fried chicken enhances the comfort food vibe, while its savory flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy potato salad. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet, juicy corn on the cob adds a burst of freshness and a delightful crunch to your plate, balancing richness beautifully. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw introduces a refreshing crispness, adding a delightful contrast to the creamy, savory elements of the salad. Roasted Vegetables: Mixed roasted veggies offer a medley of colors and flavors, providing a nutritious and tasty accompaniment to your meal. Lemonade: A cold glass of freshly squeezed lemonade cuts through the richness of the potato salad, offering a bright, citrusy complement. Chardonnay: An oaked Chardonnay harmonizes beautifully with the creamy dressing, enhancing the overall flavor palette of your meal. Chocolate Chip Cookies: For the perfect sweet ending, classic chocolate chip cookies provide a comforting treat that everyone loves. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad, bursting with seasonal fruits, lightens up the meal and adds a hint of sweetness to balance the savory potato salad. Storage Tips for Smashed Potato Salad Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This helps preserve the fresh flavors of your crispy smashed potato salad. Freezer: Freezing is not recommended as it may compromise the texture of the potatoes and dressing. Instead, enjoy it fresh! Reheating: For the best texture, reheat potatoes in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, allowing them to regain some crispiness before serving again. Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the dressing and roast the potatoes a day ahead, storing them separately in the fridge. Simply reheat before combining for serving to keep everything fresh and flavorful. Make Ahead Options These Crispy Smashed Potato Salad components are perfect for meal prep, saving you time on busy weeknights! You can boil and smash the potatoes up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them in the refrigerator (make sure they are dry to maintain their crispiness). The dressing can also be prepared 2-3 days ahead—just keep it sealed in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, roast the prepped potatoes as directed, and then toss them with the dressing right before enjoying to keep that fresh flavor intact. This way, your crispy smashed potato salad will be just as delicious and convenient for last-minute gatherings! Expert Tips for Smashed Potato Salad Keep Them Dry: Make sure the boiled potatoes are thoroughly dry before roasting to achieve maximum crispiness in your smashed potato salad. Boil Smart: Only boil potatoes until fork-tender to prevent them from falling apart during the smashing process—this keeps your salad intact. Air Fryer Shortcut: Use an air fryer at 400°F for 10-20 minutes for a quicker alternative that still guarantees crispy potatoes for your salad. Cornstarch Boost: Sprinkling a light dusting of cornstarch on the potatoes before roasting enhances their crunch factor, giving you that satisfying bite. Creative Additions: For extra texture and flavor, consider adding diced celery, crumbled bacon, or even chopped nuts to your smashed potato salad. Smashed Potato Salad Variations Invite your culinary creativity to shine with these delightful twists on the classic recipe! Vegan Option: Substitute Greek yogurt with a creamy vegan yogurt for a wholly dairy-free delight. This swap keeps the tanginess while catering to plant-based eaters. Herb Variation: Try using fresh chives or dill instead of parsley for a burst of fresh flavor, adding depth to your potato salad. It’s a wonderful way to elevate the dish! Crunchy Add-Ins: Introduce toasted nuts or crunchy seeds for an unexpected texture boost that makes each bite even more satisfying. Their delightful crunch will have everyone coming back for seconds! Smoky Flavor: Add crumbled bacon or smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor that brings a savory depth, making this salad truly irresistible. Spicy Kick: To spice things up, toss in jalapeño slices or a dash of hot sauce, perfect for those who crave a bit of heat in their salads! Cheesy Delight: Mix in some crumbled feta or shredded cheddar cheese to add a creamy, cheesy element, intensifying the comfort factor of your salad. Mediterranean Twist: Swap out the dressing for a blend of tahini and lemon juice, giving a fresh, nutty twist while still being creamy and zesty. Pickled Enhancements: Instead of dill pickles, try chopped pickled red onions or sweet relish to surprise your taste buds with a different dimension of flavor. These variations not only cater to different dietary preferences but also open a world of flavors to your smashed potato salad! Looking for more inspiration? Check out our delicious Egg Pasta Salad or enjoy it alongside our flavorful Garlic Butter Potatoes! Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best baby potatoes for this recipe? Absolutely! Look for baby potatoes that are firm and smooth with no dark spots or blemishes. They should have a shiny skin and feel heavy for their size. If you find any with dark spots or softness, it’s better to skip them for a fresher taste and texture in your crispy smashed potato salad. What’s the best way to store leftover Crispy Smashed Potato Salad? You can easily store your leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to keep it sealed to maintain its crispy bits. When it’s time to enjoy it again, reheat the smashed potatoes in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, allowing them to regain their delightful crunch. Can I freeze the Crispy Smashed Potato Salad? Freezing this salad isn’t recommended, as it can affect the crispiness of the potatoes and the creamy dressing’s texture. Instead, enjoy your salad fresh. If needed, you can freeze the dressing separately for up to 3 months and then use it with freshly roasted potatoes later. What should I do if my smashed potatoes aren’t as crispy as I’d like? If your potatoes aren’t crispy enough, there could be a few reasons. First, ensure you boiled them just until fork-tender, without overcooking, so they maintain structure. Make sure they are thoroughly dried after boiling and coated well with oil before roasting. Consider flipping them halfway through for even cooking. A light dusting of cornstarch before roasting can also enhance their crunchiness! Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind? Of course! This crispy smashed potato salad can easily be adapted for various dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt with a quality vegan yogurt and Kewpie mayonnaise with a vegan alternative. If there are allergies to garlic or onions, feel free to omit those ingredients or replace them with herbs that fit your dietary restrictions. Always check labels if you’re serving guests with specific allergies. Crispy Smashed Potato Salad: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser! No ratings yet A delightful twist on a classic potato salad, featuring crispy smashed potatoes and a tangy dressing with pickles, perfect for gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: SaladsCuisine: AmericanCalories: 200 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Potatoes2 pounds baby potatoes or baby red potatoes4 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin preferredFor the Dressing1 cup Greek yogurt full-fat or vegan1/4 cup Kewpie mayonnaise or regular mayo2 tablespoons Dijon mustard2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed2 cloves garlic minced1 small shallot mincedFor the Mix-Ins1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped1/2 cup dill pickle chopped2 stalks scallions optional for garnish Equipment large potBaking SheetwhiskMixing BowlSpatula Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot and add the baby potatoes. Cook for 7-8 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and cool slightly. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, smash each potato to about ¼ inch thick. Drizzle olive oil over them and season with salt and pepper. Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking until golden-brown and crispy. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, Kewpie mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic, and shallot until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted potatoes with the dressing, chopped dill pickle, and parsley. Gently toss until well-coated. Serve the salad warm, garnished with crispy potato bits and scallions. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 5gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 4gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg NotesTo enhance crispiness, ensure boiled potatoes are dry before roasting. You can use an air fryer for quicker results. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
