There are few side dishes as universally loved and versatile as a classic potato salad, and when you introduce the irresistible crunch and savory depth of bacon, you elevate it to an entirely new level. This isn’t just any potato salad; it’s an **Easy Bacon Potato Salad** – a creamy, perfectly tangy, and utterly satisfying dish that promises to be the star side at any gathering. Whether you’re planning a lively backyard BBQ, a relaxed picnic in the park, a festive potluck, or simply looking for a delightful complement to your family dinner, this recipe delivers on flavor and simplicity.
While many home cooks gravitate towards a traditional Southern-style potato salad, this recipe offers a refreshing twist that’s bound to become a regular in your rotation. It strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and gourmet delight, blending tender potatoes, crisp bacon, crisp celery, and vibrant green onions in a rich, creamy dressing that’s hard to resist. The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward preparation and the incredible depth of flavor that develops as it chills, making it an ideal make-ahead option.
Why This Easy Bacon Potato Salad Is a Must-Try
What makes this bacon potato salad stand out from the crowd? It’s a combination of thoughtfully selected ingredients and simple steps that guarantee a delicious outcome every time. Here’s why you’ll want to add this recipe to your culinary repertoire:
- Irresistible Flavor Profile: The smoky, salty essence of bacon perfectly complements the mild, earthy taste of potatoes. Combined with a tangy, creamy dressing, it creates a symphony of flavors that excite the palate.
- Perfect Texture Contrast: You get the soft, yielding texture of cooked potatoes, the crisp bite of fresh celery, the subtle crunch of green onions, and the delightful crispiness of crumbled bacon. Every spoonful is an adventure!
- Effortlessly Easy: Despite its gourmet taste, this potato salad is surprisingly simple to put together. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can achieve fantastic results.
- Versatile Side Dish: It pairs beautifully with almost anything – grilled meats, roasted chicken, classic BBQ ribs, sandwiches, or even as a light meal on its own. It’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors meld and deepen as the salad chills, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or entertaining. Prepare it the day before, and enjoy an even more flavorful dish.
The Secret to a Sensational Potato Salad: Key Ingredients
Creating the ultimate bacon potato salad starts with understanding the role of each component. Let’s delve into the core ingredients that make this recipe truly special.
Choosing the Perfect Potatoes
The foundation of any great potato salad is, of course, the potatoes themselves. For this recipe, we recommend using waxy or medium-starch potatoes that hold their shape well after cooking, preventing a mushy texture. Our top choices are:
- Baby Gold Potatoes (Yukon Gold): These are fantastic because of their naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture. They don’t absorb too much water, retaining their firmness and adding a beautiful golden hue to the salad.
- Red Potatoes: Known for their thin skins and firm flesh, red potatoes are another excellent option. Their slightly waxy texture ensures they stay intact when tossed with the dressing. You can often find them on sale, making them a budget-friendly and delicious choice.
Avoid starchy potatoes like Russets, as they tend to fall apart easily and absorb too much dressing, leading to a gluey or dry salad. The key is to cut your chosen potatoes into uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
Crispy Bacon: The Game-Changer
Bacon is not just an add-in; it’s a flavor powerhouse that transforms a simple potato salad into something extraordinary. The goal is perfectly crispy bacon that crumbles beautifully and releases its smoky, salty essence throughout the dish. Whether you prefer thick-cut or regular bacon, ensure it’s cooked until golden brown and shatteringly crisp. This texture contrast against the soft potatoes and creamy dressing is what makes this salad so addictive.
The Creamy & Tangy Dressing
A phenomenal dressing brings all the elements of potato salad together. Our dressing is a harmonious blend of creamy, tangy, and savory notes:
- Mayonnaise: The base of our creamy dressing. Use your favorite high-quality mayonnaise for the best flavor and texture.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a zesty kick and a subtle depth that complements the mayonnaise without overpowering it.
- White Vinegar: Essential for that characteristic tanginess that cuts through the richness of the mayo and bacon.
- Celery Salt & Fresh Ground Black Pepper: These seasonings provide a well-rounded savory base and a hint of fresh celery flavor. Adjust to your taste, always starting with less and adding more as needed.
Fresh & Crunchy Mix-ins
Beyond potatoes and bacon, the right mix-ins add crucial texture and fresh flavor:
- Celery Stalks: Finely chopped celery adds a wonderful, refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender potatoes.
- Green Onions: Using only the green tops of the onions provides a mild, fresh onion flavor without the sharpness of raw white or red onions. They also add a pop of color.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs (Optional): For an extra layer of classic potato salad goodness, you can finely chop 2-3 hard-boiled eggs and fold them into the dressing.
Step-by-Step: Mastering Your Bacon Potato Salad
Creating this delicious side is straightforward. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.
1. Prepare the Potatoes
- Thoroughly wash and scrub your chosen potatoes (baby gold or red). Cut them into uniform 1-inch pieces. Consistency in size ensures they cook evenly.
- Place the chopped potatoes in a large saucepan. Crucially, cover them with cold water. Starting with cold water allows the potatoes to cook more evenly from the outside in, preventing overcooked exteriors and raw centers.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the potatoes simmer gently for 8-10 minutes.
- Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender – meaning a fork can easily pierce them without resistance, but they still hold their shape. Be careful not to overcook, as mushy potatoes will lead to a gloopy salad.
- Once cooked, drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander. Allow them to cool completely to room temperature. This step is vital; hot potatoes will absorb too much dressing and can make the mayonnaise oily.
2. Cook and Crumble the Bacon
- While the potatoes are cooking and cooling, cook your bacon until it is wonderfully crispy. You can pan-fry it over medium heat, or for easier cleanup and more even cooking, bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Once crispy, remove the bacon and drain it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
- Allow the bacon to cool slightly, then crumble it into small pieces.
3. Whisk the Creamy Dressing
- In a large mixing bowl – large enough to hold all the salad ingredients – combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, celery salt, and fresh ground black pepper.
- Whisk these ingredients vigorously until they are thoroughly combined and the dressing is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
4. Assemble and Chill
- To the bowl with the dressing, add the cooled potatoes, finely chopped celery, and diced green onions.
- Gently stir everything together until the potatoes and vegetables are generously coated with the creamy dressing. Be gentle to avoid breaking up the potato chunks.
- Now, fold in the crumbled bacon. (Chef’s Note: If you have family members who prefer a vegetarian option, you can set aside a portion of the salad before adding the bacon, then add bacon to the rest.)
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For the best flavor development, letting it chill overnight is highly recommended. This allows all the delicious flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a truly spectacular potato salad.
Pro Tips for the Best Bacon Potato Salad
Elevate your potato salad game with these expert tips:
- Season Generously: Potatoes are notorious for needing a good amount of salt. Don’t be shy, but always taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
- Chill for Flavor Infusion: We can’t stress this enough – chilling time is essential. The longer the salad sits, the more the flavors meld and intensify. An overnight rest in the refrigerator transforms a good potato salad into a fantastic one.
- Gentle Handling: When mixing, use a rubber spatula and fold gently. Over-mixing can break down the potatoes, leading to a pasty texture.
- Room Temperature Potatoes: Ensure your potatoes are completely cool before mixing with the dressing. Warm potatoes can cause the mayonnaise to separate or become oily.
- Fresh Herbs for Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional green onion tops before serving adds a burst of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions
This easy bacon potato salad is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. It’s the quintessential side for:
- BBQ Feasts: Alongside grilled ribs (a personal favorite!), pulled pork, brisket, or grilled chicken.
- Picnics & Potlucks: A perfect dish that travels well and is always a hit with a crowd.
- Summer Gatherings: Great with hot dogs, hamburgers, or any outdoor meal.
- Simple Dinners: Complements roasted chicken, baked fish, or even a hearty sandwich.
We recently enjoyed this salad on an unusually spring-like day, perfectly paired with succulent ribs – a combination that truly hits the spot!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This potato salad is an excellent candidate for making ahead, which allows the flavors to deepen even further. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s generally not recommended to freeze potato salad, as the mayonnaise-based dressing can separate and become watery upon thawing, affecting the texture and creaminess.
Delicious Variations to Explore
While this classic recipe is perfect as is, don’t hesitate to get creative and customize it to your taste:
- Herbal Freshness: Stir in a tablespoon of fresh chopped dill, chives, or parsley for an added layer of aromatic flavor.
- Spicy Kick: A dash of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or finely diced jalapeños can give your salad a welcome heat.
- Tangy Boost: Incorporate a spoonful of sweet or dill pickle relish, or even some capers, for an extra burst of tang and complexity.
- Cheese Please: Fold in some shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a “loaded” potato salad feel.
- Smoky Depth: A pinch of smoked paprika can enhance the smoky notes of the bacon.
- Red Onion Zest: If you prefer a stronger onion flavor, finely mince a quarter of a red onion and add it to the dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What kind of potatoes are best for potato salad?
- Waxy or medium-starch potatoes like red potatoes, new potatoes, or Yukon Golds are best because they hold their shape well after cooking and don’t become mushy. Avoid starchy potatoes like Russets.
- Can I make this potato salad vegetarian?
- Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon. The salad will still be delicious with its creamy dressing and fresh vegetables. As mentioned in the instructions, you can easily separate a portion before adding bacon for vegetarian guests.
- How long does bacon potato salad last in the fridge?
- When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this potato salad will stay fresh and delicious for 3-4 days. Always refrigerate promptly after serving.
- Can I cook the bacon in advance?
- Yes, you can cook and crumble the bacon a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- What if my potato salad is too dry?
- If your potato salad seems a bit dry after chilling, you can stir in an extra tablespoon or two of mayonnaise or a splash of milk/water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Easy Bacon Potato Salad Recipe
Easy Bacon Potato Salad
A delightful side dish featuring tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect for BBQs, picnics, and family meals.
Course: Side Dish, Vegetable
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Author: Don’t Sweat The Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 pounds medium baby gold or red potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 Tbsp white vinegar
- 3/4 tsp celery salt
- 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
- 2 celery stalks, chopped small
- 3-4 green onions, diced (green tops only)
- 4-5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Place potato chunks in a large saucepan and cover with cold water.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking for 8-10 more minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Drain potatoes and set aside to cool completely to room temperature.
- While potatoes cool, cook bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled.
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, celery salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined.
- Add the cooled potatoes, chopped celery, and diced green onions to the dressing. Gently stir until all ingredients are coated.
- Fold in the crumbled bacon. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
- Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish with additional diced green onions just before serving, if desired.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 445kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 719mg | Potassium: 1090mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 100IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 2mg