Crunchy Smashed Potato Salad Recipe

Perfectly Crispy Crunchy Smashed Potato Salad Recipe

Potatoes take center stage in this irresistible smashed potato salad that brings rustic charm to your dining table.

Crispy edges and creamy centers create a delightful texture that sets this potato salad apart from traditional recipes.

The secret lies in perfectly smashed and roasted potatoes, seasoned with herbs and spices.

Each bite promises a burst of flavor and satisfying crunch.

You’ll love how the golden-brown potatoes mingle with tangy dressing and fresh herbs.

The combination of textures and flavors makes this salad a standout side dish for any meal.

Prepare to elevate your potato game with this mouthwatering recipe that will impress everyone at the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 4

Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Ingredient Rundown

For Potato Base:
  • Baby Potatoes: Small, waxy potatoes perfect for crispy texture and even cooking.
  • Salt: Enhances potato flavor and helps in seasoning during boiling.
For Seasoning Blend:
  • Olive Oil: Creates golden, crispy exterior and adds rich flavor.
  • Garlic Powder: Delivers aromatic, savory depth to potatoes.
  • Smoked Paprika: Introduces smoky, warm undertone with subtle heat.
  • Black Pepper: Provides sharp, zesty kick to complement potatoes.
  • Salt: Balances and intensifies overall seasoning.
For Creamy Dressing:
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy base that binds ingredients with silky texture.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy, sharp accent to dressing.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Introduces bright, acidic balance.
  • Honey: Provides subtle sweetness to offset tanginess.
  • Fresh Dill: Brings delicate, herbaceous freshness.
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds clean, vibrant green herb notes.
  • Green Onions: Contributes mild, oniony crispness.
  • Crispy Bacon Bits (Optional): Introduces smoky, crunchy protein element.

Tools for Preparing Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Like a Chef

  • Large pot: Perfect for boiling potatoes evenly.
  • Baking sheet: Essential for roasting and crisping potatoes.
  • Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
  • Potato masher or glass bottom: Key for smashing potatoes to crispy perfection.
  • Small bowl: Needed for mixing dressing ingredients.
  • Whisk: Great for blending dressing smoothly.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps add precise seasoning amounts.
  • Cutting board: Used for chopping herbs and green onions.
  • Sharp knife: Assists in chopping herbs and bacon.

Make Crispy Smashed Potato Salad That’s Bold and Crunchy

  • Boil Potatoes

Drop potatoes into a large pot of salted water. Heat until tender and easily pierced with a fork, around 15-20 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.

  • Crush and Prepare Potatoes

Warm oven to 425F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Gently press each potato using a glass bottom or masher, creating a slightly flattened shape.

  • Season and Roast

Splash olive oil over potatoes. Dust with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Slide into oven and bake 25-30 minutes, flipping midway until edges turn golden and crispy.

  • Craft Creamy Dressing

Blend mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, chopped dill, parsley, and green onions in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

  • Combine and Serve

Transfer crispy potatoes to serving dish. Drizzle dressing over top and gently toss. Add optional bacon bits and extra herbs for garnish. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips to Add Layers of Flavor to Smashed Potato Salad

  • Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for the best texture and crispiness. Uniformly sized potatoes ensure even cooking and consistent results.
  • Pat potatoes completely dry before smashing to achieve maximum crunchiness. Use a sturdy glass or potato masher with a flat bottom for perfect flattening without breaking the potato.
  • Prepare potatoes and dressing separately up to a day in advance. Store roasted potatoes and dressing refrigerated, then combine just before serving to maintain optimal crispness.
  • Create a vegan version by replacing mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives and using coconut bacon or roasted nuts instead of traditional bacon. Gluten-free diners can enjoy this recipe as-is with minimal modifications.
  • Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary and thyme, or swap Dijon mustard for whole-grain mustard to create unique flavor profiles that keep the dish exciting and fresh.

Serve Crispy Potato Salad at BBQs or Potlucks

  • Picnic Perfect Platter: Spread the crispy smashed potatoes on a large wooden board with fresh herbs scattered around for a stunning presentation.
  • Brunch Companion: Pair this salad with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh toast for a delightful weekend breakfast spread that will impress guests.
  • Protein Power-Up: Top the potatoes with grilled chicken, crumbled feta cheese, or sliced hard-boiled eggs to transform this side dish into a complete meal that's packed with protein and flavor.
  • Veggie Lover's Dream: Add roasted cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, or quick-pickled red onions to boost the salad's freshness and create more colorful textures that complement the crispy potatoes.

FAQs

  • How do I ensure my potatoes are perfectly crispy?

Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Pat them completely dry after boiling and use high heat. Drizzle generously with olive oil and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet for maximum crispiness.

  • Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply skip the bacon bits. The crispy smashed potatoes and herby dressing will still be delicious and packed with flavor.

  • Is there a trick to smashing potatoes without breaking them?

Let potatoes cool slightly after boiling so they’re firm. Use a flat-bottomed glass or potato masher and apply gentle, even pressure. Don’t press too hard to avoid completely crushing them.

  • How can I make the dressing more tangy?

Increase the amount of apple cider vinegar or add a splash of lemon juice. You can also mix in some extra Dijon mustard to boost the tanginess and give the dressing more punch.

Store the Salad So It Stays Crisp and Tasty

  • Keep crispy smashed potatoes in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in an oven at 180C to maintain their crunchiness.
  • Spread leftover potatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with a little olive oil, and warm in the oven for 10-12 minutes to restore their original crispiness.
  • Store the potato salad dressing separately from the potatoes to prevent sogginess. Mix just before serving to keep the texture perfect and flavors fresh.
  • Prepare potatoes and dressing separately up to 24 hours ahead. Roast potatoes and assemble the salad right before serving to ensure maximum crispiness and flavor intensity.
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Crunchy Smashed Potato Salad Recipe

Crunchy Smashed Potato Salad Recipe


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4.6 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Crispy smashed potato salad blends rustic Irish countryside flavors with Mediterranean zest. Herb-infused potatoes combine with tangy dressing, offering a delightful culinary journey for those craving something unique.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 green onions, finely sliced
  • 120 ml (½ cup) mayonnaise
  • 120 ml (½ cup) Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsps Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsps apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsps fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 oz (56 g) crispy bacon bits (optional)
  • 1 kg (2.2 lbs) baby potatoes or small Yukon Gold potatoes
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Fresh dill
  • Fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Potato Preparation: Submerge whole potatoes in salted cold water and bring to a vigorous boil. Simmer until potatoes yield easily when pierced with a fork, approximately 15-20 minutes.
  2. Potato Smashing: Drain potatoes and let cool briefly. Preheat oven to 220C (425F) with a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten each potato using a glass bottom or potato masher, creating a rustic, crushed surface.
  3. Seasoning and Roasting: Lavishly coat smashed potatoes with olive oil, then dust with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Roast in the preheated oven, flipping midway, until edges transform into a golden, crispy landscape, about 25-30 minutes.
  4. Dressing Creation: Whisk mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, dill, parsley, and green onions in a mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste.
  5. Final Assembly: Transfer crispy potatoes to a serving platter. Cascade the prepared dressing over warm potatoes, gently tossing to ensure complete coverage. Optionally, garnish with additional fresh herbs and crispy bacon bits for an extra flavor dimension.
  6. Serving: Present immediately while warm or allow to settle to room temperature for a delightful culinary experience.

Notes

Boil Potatoes Perfectly: Start with cold, salted water to ensure even cooking and prevent potatoes from breaking apart during the boiling process.

Maximize Crispiness: Pat potatoes completely dry before smashing to achieve maximum crunchiness and prevent soggy edges during roasting.

Customize Seasoning: Experiment with different herb and spice combinations like rosemary, thyme, or cajun seasoning to personalize the flavor profile.

Dietary Adaptations: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo for lighter, alternative versions that accommodate different dietary needs and preferences.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Emily Lawson

Emily Lawson

Content Creator & Culinary Specialist

Expertise

  • Creative Content Writing and Blogging​
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Grilling Recipes​
  • Food Styling and Visual Storytelling​
  • Nutritional Analysis and Healthy Cooking

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods. ​


Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.

Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.

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