Description
Classic Loaded Potato Salad is the ultimate summer side, combining tender russet potatoes with a creamy sour cream and mayonnaise dressing, crispy bacon, shredded cheddar, and fresh green onions. Perfect for BBQs, picnics, and family dinners, this dish delivers the flavors of a loaded baked potato in a chilled salad form. Make ahead for stress-free hosting, then garnish with extra bacon and paprika for a crowd-pleasing presentation. Whether you’re serving it at a Fourth of July cookout or a casual backyard gathering, this recipe brings comforting, creamy goodness to every table.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Place cubed potatoes in a pot, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil.
2. Cook potatoes for 10-12 minutes until fork-tender, then drain and spread on a baking sheet to cool slightly.
3. Meanwhile, cook bacon in a skillet until crispy, drain on paper towels, and crumble.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Add cooled potatoes to the dressing and gently fold to coat without mashing.
6. Fold in crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, green onions, and eggs if using.
7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
8. Before serving, stir gently and garnish with extra bacon, green onions, and paprika.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: side dish
- Method: boiling
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 11
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 50
Keywords: classic loaded potato salad, easy summer dishes, side dish for 4th of july bbq, loaded potato salad recipe, sides for a cookout summer, easy loaded potato salad, summer side dish, creamy potato salad, barbecue side, picnic salad