Loaded Potato Salad

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a rich, creamy bowl of loaded potato salad. This dish combines all the indulgent elements of a classic loaded baked potato—smoky bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, fresh chives, and tangy sour cream—tossed together with tender baby red potatoes to create a side dish that steals the spotlight. The balance of creamy, salty, and savory flavors ensures each bite is packed with comfort and joy, making it a must-have for any barbecue, picnic, or casual gathering.

What makes this recipe truly special is how easy it is to prepare ahead of time without compromising flavor or texture. It gets even better as it chills, allowing the ingredients to meld into an irresistibly delicious blend. Whether you’re serving it with grilled meats, at a potluck, or simply enjoying a chilled lunch at home, this loaded potato salad brings hearty flavor and vibrant presentation to your table.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds baby red potatoes, quartered

• 1 cup sour cream

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 8 slices crispy cooked bacon, crumbled

• ½ cup chopped green onions

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Directions:

1. Place the quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt and bring to a boil.

2. Cook the potatoes for about 10–12 minutes, or until fork-tender but not falling apart. Drain and let cool completely.

3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

4. Add the cooled potatoes to the dressing and gently fold until coated.

5. Stir in shredded cheddar, bacon, green onions, and chives. Mix gently to keep the potatoes intact.

6. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld.

7. Just before serving, garnish with extra bacon, chives, and parsley if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes chilling)

Kcal: 345 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Why This Loaded Potato Salad Is the Star of Every Gathering

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes evoke the warmth and nostalgia of a good old-fashioned potato salad. But this Loaded Potato Salad takes the classic side dish and elevates it into a hearty, flavor-packed favorite that deserves center stage at any meal. Inspired by the bold flavors of a loaded baked potato, this recipe combines creamy sour cream, smoky bacon, tangy cheese, and fresh herbs—all tossed with tender baby red potatoes—to create a dish that’s satisfying, vibrant, and incredibly crave-worthy.

Whether served at summer cookouts, holiday potlucks, or weeknight family dinners, this version is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its unique combination of textures—creamy dressing, tender potatoes, crispy bacon—creates an irresistible contrast in every bite. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, roasted vegetables, or even eaten solo as a standalone lunch.

A Modern Twist on a Classic Favorite

Traditional potato salad has deep roots in American culinary history, often made with boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, and eggs. While it’s undoubtedly comforting, the flavors can sometimes feel a bit one-dimensional. This loaded variation draws inspiration from a beloved comfort classic: the loaded baked potato. By swapping boiled Russet potatoes for baby red potatoes and adding cheddar, bacon, chives, and sour cream, we bring a richer, more indulgent twist to the table—one that feels familiar yet excitingly different.

The creamy dressing balances the tang of sour cream and the richness of mayonnaise with a dash of Dijon mustard to cut through the heaviness. It coats each potato chunk beautifully, ensuring every bite is flavorful without being overly rich. Meanwhile, the sharp cheddar adds that beloved cheesy kick, and crispy bacon bits offer a delightful crunch and salty punch.

The Secret to Its Irresistible Flavor

So what exactly makes this potato salad so unforgettable? It’s all about layered flavor and contrasting texture. Here are the secrets to what sets this version apart:

• Baby Red Potatoes: Their thin skin and naturally buttery texture make them ideal for salads. They hold their shape after cooking and absorb just enough dressing to stay moist and flavorful.
• Balance of Ingredients: The blend of tangy, creamy, salty, and herbaceous ingredients keeps the salad lively and well-balanced, not overly heavy.
• Crispy Bacon: Adds both texture and a deep umami flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy base.
• Chives and Green Onions: These fresh elements brighten the dish and cut through the richness of the dairy.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad actually improves with time. A few hours in the fridge allows the flavors to fully develop and meld together.

This isn’t just potato salad—it’s a dish that makes memories. Bring it to one party, and you’ll be asked for the recipe every time after.

Health and Dietary Considerations

While it’s indulgent, this recipe can still fit into a balanced lifestyle with some minor adjustments. Here’s how it can support various dietary goals:

• Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free, this dish is a safe option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity (as long as bacon and condiments are certified GF).
• Protein-Packed: With the addition of eggs (optional) and bacon, it provides more protein than traditional potato salads.
• Vegetarian-Friendly Adaptation: Simply omit the bacon and replace with smoky tempeh or roasted chickpeas for a meatless option.
• Lighter Option: Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream or half the mayo to reduce fat and calories while keeping the tangy flavor intact.

Best Occasions to Serve Loaded Potato Salad

One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. It fits into nearly any menu, whether casual or festive:

• Summer BBQs and Picnics: It’s cool, creamy, and travels well in a cooler—perfect for warm-weather outdoor meals.
• Potluck Gatherings: Its crowd-pleasing ingredients make it one of the first dishes to disappear at the buffet table.
• Game Day Feasts: Hearty and comforting, this salad goes great with chicken wings, sliders, and other tailgate treats.
• Holiday Dinners: A flavorful side that stands up next to roast turkey, ham, or even vegetarian mains.
• Weeknight Leftovers: Make a batch on Sunday, and enjoy leftovers throughout the week as a lunch side or dinner companion.

Pro Tips to Make It Perfect Every Time

• Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: You want them fork-tender, not mushy. Overcooked potatoes can fall apart when mixed and make the salad too creamy.
• Let Them Cool Completely: Hot potatoes absorb more dressing and can turn the salad oily. Cool them completely before mixing.
• Use Fresh Bacon: While bacon bits are convenient, freshly cooked and crumbled bacon delivers a superior crunch and flavor.
• Taste Before Serving: Flavors can mellow in the fridge. Always give it a taste test before serving and adjust with salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

A Recipe Worth Sharing

There’s a reason Loaded Potato Salad has found its way into so many kitchens. It combines everything people love: rich flavors, hearty textures, and the nostalgic comfort of classic potato dishes. But more than that, it brings people together—at a picnic table, around a backyard grill, or passed around at a potluck party. It’s the kind of recipe that gets scribbled on notecards, passed between neighbors, and handed down through generations.

What makes it even better is how customizable it is. You can adapt it for dietary needs, tweak the ingredients based on what you have, and even give it seasonal spins—try roasted sweet potatoes in the fall or add diced pickles for a tangy crunch.

At its heart, this dish is about connection—connecting flavors, connecting people, and connecting with the joy of creating something simple yet memorable.

Conclusion

This Loaded Potato Salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a celebration of comfort food at its finest. With its creamy dressing, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and fresh herbs, every bite is packed with flavor and satisfaction. It transforms humble ingredients into a standout dish that’s perfect for backyard barbecues, family dinners, and festive potlucks alike. Whether you’re serving it chilled on a hot summer day or as a cozy addition to a holiday table, this recipe brings people together with its irresistible taste and hearty appeal. Easy to prepare, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly customizable, this loaded potato salad is sure to become a staple in your kitchen and a favorite wherever it’s served.