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Classic Creamy Potato Salad with Bacon

classic creamy potato salad - featured image

A comforting and fresh potato salad featuring crispy bacon, creamy mayo dressing, and bright fresh dill, perfect for gatherings and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold or red potatoes, scrubbed and cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 6 to 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise (preferably Hellmann’s)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped (or 2 tablespoons dried dill)
  • 1 stalk celery, finely diced
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika
  • Optional: 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped

Instructions

  1. Place diced potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by an inch. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook until tender but still firm when pierced with a fork, about 12-15 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.
  2. While potatoes cook, heat a skillet over medium heat and fry bacon slices until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  4. Add warm (not hot) potatoes to the bowl with dressing and gently fold to coat. Stir in chopped celery, green onions, crispy bacon, and fresh dill.
  5. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Stir gently before plating and garnish with extra dill or paprika if desired.

Notes

Start potatoes in cold water for even cooking. Avoid overcooking potatoes to prevent mushiness. Cook bacon without crowding the pan for even crispness. Dry dill thoroughly to avoid sogginess. Add dressing while potatoes are warm but not hot and fold gently to keep potato chunks intact. Chill salad at least 1 hour for best flavor. If too thick after chilling, stir in a teaspoon or two of water or vinegar to loosen.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato salad, creamy potato salad, bacon potato salad, dill potato salad, summer side dish, picnic recipe, BBQ side dish