Introduction

Crispy Smashed Potato Salad is a flavorful and comforting twist on the classic potato salad. Imagine the crunch of golden-brown, crispy smashed potatoes paired with a creamy, tangy dressing and fresh herbs. The crispy potatoes provide a delightful crunch with each bite, completely changing the potato salad game. It’s the perfect side dish for picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings, and it’s guaranteed to be the star of the table!

What I love most about this dish is the contrast in textures. The crispy exterior of the smashed potatoes offers a satisfying crunch, while the creamy dressing ties everything together beautifully. I first made this recipe for a summer barbecue, and it was a huge hit—everyone loved how different and delicious it was compared to traditional potato salad. The herbs add a burst of freshness, making each bite feel like a perfect bite of comfort.

This Crispy Smashed Potato Salad is super versatile, too! You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste—add bacon for a savory crunch or throw in some pickles for a zesty kick. Whether you’re serving it at a casual get-together or a more formal gathering, this potato salad will quickly become a crowd favorite. The combination of flavors and textures is simply unbeatable, making it the perfect dish to bring to any occasion.

Perfect for:

Summer barbecues
Holiday gatherings
Picnic sides
Potluck dishes
Comfort food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

Here’s why Crispy Smashed Potato Salad will quickly become your go-to dish:

Crispy Texture: The smashed potatoes are roasted until golden and crispy, offering a satisfying crunch that elevates this potato salad to new heights.
Creamy Dressing: The creamy dressing perfectly balances the crispy potatoes, providing a smooth contrast to the crunchy texture.
Flavor-Packed: With the addition of fresh herbs, garlic, and a touch of Dijon mustard, this potato salad is bursting with flavor in every bite.
Easy to Make: It’s simple to prepare and doesn’t require complicated steps, making it a great option for a quick and tasty side dish.
Versatile: This salad pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even as a standalone dish, making it perfect for any meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6-8 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Crispy Smashed Potato Salad:

2 pounds small Yukon Gold or baby potatoes, scrubbed clean
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
2 boiled eggs, chopped (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes are creamy and buttery, perfect for smashing and roasting. Their golden skin adds color and flavor to the dish.
Mayonnaise: The base of the creamy dressing, mayonnaise gives the salad a rich, smooth texture.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy bite that balances the richness of the mayonnaise.
Fresh Herbs: Chives, parsley, and dill give the salad a fresh, vibrant flavor, making it more aromatic and flavorful.
Boiled Eggs (Optional): Chopped hard-boiled eggs add extra richness and protein to the salad, making it even more satisfying.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Crispy Smashed Potato Salad:

Prepare the Potatoes:

Boil the Potatoes: Place the scrubbed potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Drain and Cool: Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly until they are cool enough to handle, about 5-10 minutes.

Smash the Potatoes:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Smash the Potatoes: On a baking sheet, gently smash each potato with the back of a spoon or potato masher, creating a flat, cracked surface. Don’t press too hard—just enough to break them open while keeping them intact.
Drizzle with Olive Oil: Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Roast the Potatoes: Roast the smashed potatoes in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges. Flip halfway through for even crispiness.

Prepare the Dressing:

Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Salad:

Combine the Potatoes and Dressing: Once the potatoes are crispy and cool enough to handle, transfer them to a large bowl. Add the dressing and gently toss to coat the potatoes.
Add the Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle in the chopped chives, parsley, and dill, and mix gently to combine.
Add the Eggs (Optional): If using, fold in the chopped boiled eggs for added texture and richness.

Chill and Serve:

Chill the Salad: Transfer the salad to the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve: Serve chilled or at room temperature for a delicious, hearty side dish.

How to Serve Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

Crispy Smashed Potato Salad is a versatile side that can be served in various ways:

With Grilled Meats: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, steaks, or pork chops, adding a crispy, creamy contrast to your main dish.
For Picnics and Barbecues: It’s an ideal dish for picnics and outdoor gatherings, offering a refreshing and filling option alongside other barbecue sides.
As a Standalone Dish: It can also be enjoyed as a light lunch or a side dish on its own, especially when topped with extra herbs and boiled eggs.
With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted vegetables like asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
For Potlucks: This salad is easy to transport and always a hit at potluck gatherings, making it the perfect dish to bring to share.

Additional Tips for Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

Here are some tips to ensure your Crispy Smashed Potato Salad turns out perfectly every time:

Use Small Potatoes: Small, waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or baby potatoes work best because they hold their shape when smashed and roasted.
Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Boil the potatoes just until they are fork-tender. Overcooking them will cause them to fall apart when smashed.
Crispy Potatoes: For the crispiest potatoes, make sure to drizzle them with enough olive oil and season them generously before roasting.
Add More Flavor: If you love a kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the dressing for a spicy twist.
Make Ahead: This salad can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and let the flavors develop overnight.
Optional Toppings: Add crumbled bacon, grated cheese, or pickled onions for extra flavor and texture.

Recipe Variations for Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

Here are 10 variations you can try for Crispy Smashed Potato Salad:

Bacon Crispy Smashed Potato Salad: Add crumbled bacon for a smoky, salty crunch.
Cheddar and Chive Potato Salad: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and more fresh chives for an extra cheesy flavor.
Vegan Crispy Smashed Potato Salad: Use vegan mayo and skip the boiled eggs for a plant-based version of this dish.
Spicy Smashed Potato Salad: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or chili paste to the dressing for a spicy kick.
Lemon and Dill Potato Salad: Replace the smoked paprika with lemon zest and fresh dill for a bright, fresh version.
Avocado Smashed Potato Salad: Add chunks of avocado for a creamy, buttery texture.
Mustard Potato Salad: Swap the Dijon mustard with whole grain mustard for a more textured and tangy flavor.
Herbed Crispy Smashed Potato Salad: Use a variety of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and basil for a more fragrant, herbaceous salad.
Smoky Crispy Smashed Potato Salad: Add a bit of smoked paprika and chipotle powder to the dressing for a smoky flavor.
Greek-Inspired Potato Salad: Add Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and cucumbers to the salad for a Mediterranean twist.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: While freezing is not recommended for this potato salad, you can freeze the roasted smashed potatoes separately. However, it’s best to assemble and dress the salad fresh.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The salad may lose some of its crispiness, but the flavor will remain delicious.

Special Equipment for Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Crispy Smashed Potato Salad easier:

Potato Masher or Fork: To gently smash the potatoes without breaking them apart too much.
Baking Sheet: For roasting the smashed potatoes and ensuring even crispiness.
Whisk: To make the creamy dressing smooth and well-mixed.
Medium Bowl: For mixing the dressing ingredients and tossing the salad together.
Large Bowl: To combine the roasted potatoes, dressing, and herbs.

FAQ Section for Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, you can use other types of potatoes, but Yukon Gold or baby potatoes work best for their creamy texture and ability to hold their shape.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Can I skip the boiled eggs?
Yes, you can omit the boiled eggs if you prefer. The salad will still be delicious without them.
How can I make the salad spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing to bring some heat.
Can I make this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free as long as the mayonnaise and other ingredients are free of gluten.

Conclusion

Crispy Smashed Potato Salad is a fun and flavorful twist on the classic potato salad, offering a delightful contrast of textures. The crispy smashed potatoes, combined with creamy dressing and fresh herbs, create a dish that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or holiday gatherings, this potato salad is sure to become a crowd favorite.

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Add in extra toppings like bacon, cheese, or roasted garlic, or even make it lighter with a Greek yogurt-based dressing. Its ease of preparation and the fact that it can be made ahead of time makes it the ideal side dish for any occasion.

I’d love to see how your Crispy Smashed Potato Salad turns out! Be sure to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I can’t wait to see your delicious creation! Feel free to share any personal twists you added to the recipe in the comments. Enjoy!