![To make this loaded potato salad, you need: - 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved - 1 cup sour cream - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 6 strips crispy turkey bacon, crumbled - 1/2 cup green onions, finely chopped - 1/4 cup dill pickles, diced - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste The main stars of this dish are the baby potatoes and the creamy dressing. Baby potatoes are great because they are small and tender. They cook quickly and add a nice texture. Sour cream and mayonnaise create a rich, creamy base that balances flavors. The sharp cheddar cheese gives a wonderful taste, while crispy turkey bacon adds crunch. Green onions bring freshness, and dill pickles add a tangy kick. You can always make your potato salad special. Here are some fun ideas: - Add hard-boiled eggs for extra protein. - Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option. - Swap out the cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist. - Mix in roasted garlic for a deeper flavor. - Top with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for more color and taste. Feel free to experiment! You can find the Full Recipe for more details. Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt for flavor. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add the halved baby potatoes. Cook them for about 15 to 20 minutes. You want them fork-tender but still firm. Drain the potatoes and let them cool for a few minutes. While the potatoes cool, it’s time to make the dressing. Grab a large mixing bowl. Add the sour cream and mayonnaise. Then mix in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well until the dressing is smooth and creamy. This will give your salad a rich flavor. Once the potatoes are cool enough to touch, add them to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold them in to coat each piece. Now it’s time to add the fun stuff! Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled turkey bacon, chopped green onions, and diced dill pickles. Stir everything together until well combined. Taste your salad and add more salt and pepper if needed. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least an hour. This helps the flavors blend. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Feel free to top it with more bacon and green onions for a nice finish. Enjoy this delightful dish! For the complete list of ingredients and detailed instructions, check out the Full Recipe. To get the best texture in your loaded potato salad, start with baby potatoes. They cook evenly and taste great. Boil them until fork-tender but firm, about 15-20 minutes. If you overcook them, they can become mushy. Drain them well and let them cool. This keeps them from absorbing too much dressing. You want to serve loaded potato salad cold. Chill it in the fridge for at least one hour. This time helps the flavors mix well. If you serve it too warm, the dressing can become runny. A cold salad tastes crisp and refreshing. Seasoning is key to great flavor. Start with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add more garlic powder for a punch. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can brighten the dish. If you want a kick, try a dash of hot sauce. These small tweaks make a big difference in taste. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} You can make your loaded potato salad a bit lighter. Try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. It adds creaminess and a nice tang. You can also use low-fat mayo for a healthier twist. Both options cut calories and add protein. Feel free to swap out the cheese. A mix of mozzarella and pepper jack gives a fun twist. If you like a strong flavor, try blue cheese or feta. For a vegan option, use dairy-free cheese. These changes keep the salad exciting and fresh. You can create themed potato salads too. For a BBQ twist, add grilled corn and smoked paprika. It gives a great smoky flavor. You could also mix in some barbecue sauce for an extra kick. Or, try adding cooked ham and sweet pickles for a southern flavor. Each theme can change the whole dish. Explore these ideas to find your favorite! For the full recipe, check out Loaded Potato Salad. To keep your loaded potato salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Plastic or glass containers work well. Make sure to cover it tightly to prevent air from getting in. This helps maintain its creamy texture and flavor. Loaded potato salad can stay good in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. After that, it may lose its taste. Always check for signs of spoilage, like a strange smell or discoloration. If you see these signs, it's best to throw it away. To enjoy it later, always label your container with the date you made it. Reheating loaded potato salad can be tricky. I recommend enjoying it cold, as it tastes best that way. If you must reheat, do it gently in the microwave. Use low power and stir every 30 seconds. This helps keep it creamy and delicious. Avoid high heat, which can make the potatoes mushy. For a fresh taste, consider adding a bit more sour cream or mayo after reheating. This can revive the flavors nicely. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. Yes, you can make Loaded Potato Salad ahead of time. This dish is great for meal prep. Make it up to a day in advance. Just cover it and store it in the fridge. The flavors get better as it sits. You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. It gives a nice tang and creamy texture. You can also try cottage cheese for a lighter option. Both substitutes work well in this recipe. To make Loaded Potato Salad gluten-free, check all your ingredients. Use gluten-free mayonnaise and mustard. Most baby potatoes are gluten-free, so you’re safe there. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty dish. Loaded potato salad is a simple treat that blends taste and texture. I covered the main ingredients, the step-by-step instructions, and useful tips that can help you master this dish. You can easily customize it to fit your taste and needs, from healthier swaps to themed variations. Remember to store it properly for the best results. Try making it ahead of time or swapping ingredients to fit your diet. Enjoy crafting your version of this classic dish, making meals fun and easy.](https://toastedrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/c39f192e-9a3a-4c1c-b5b6-934f61da35d4-300x300.webp)
Loaded Potato Salad
Make your gatherings unforgettable with this delicious loaded potato salad recipe! Featuring tender baby potatoes, creamy dressing, sharp cheddar, crispy turkey bacon, and zesty dill pickles, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, your guests will be asking for more. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress everyone at your next barbecue or picnic!