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Creamy Loaded Potato Salad Recipe with Bacon and Fresh Herbs

creamy loaded potato salad - featured image

A rich and comforting potato salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh herbs, and a creamy dressing with a subtle tang. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold or red potatoes, washed and cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 stalk celery, finely diced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika
  • Optional: splash of pickle juice

Instructions

  1. Place cut potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by about an inch. Add 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 12-15 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender but still hold their shape. Drain and let cool slightly.
  2. While potatoes cook, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add bacon slices and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat if desired.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Whisk in reserved bacon fat if using.
  4. Add warm potatoes to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to coat, breaking up any larger pieces but keeping most chunks intact.
  5. Stir in chopped bacon, green onions, celery, parsley, and chives. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for best texture. Start potatoes in cold water for even cooking. Cook bacon low and slow for perfect crispiness. Add bacon while still warm to infuse smoky flavor. Don’t overmix to keep potato texture intact. Fresh herbs brighten the salad and balance richness.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato salad, bacon, creamy potato salad, fresh herbs, picnic side dish, easy potato salad, loaded potato salad