Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

If you’re looking for a side dish that will impress everyone at the table, look no further! This Crispy Smashed Potato Salad is not just delicious; it’s a fun twist on the classic potato salad we all know and love. The crispy texture of the roasted potatoes paired with a creamy, tangy dressing makes it a delightful addition to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, enjoying a cozy dinner at home, or prepping for a picnic, this recipe fits perfectly into every occasion.

What makes this salad truly special is how easy it is to prepare. You can have it ready in just over an hour, and it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its combination of flavors and textures, I promise this dish will have your friends and family coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe comes together quickly and doesn’t require any fancy techniques. Perfect for busy weeknights!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the crispy potatoes and creamy dressing. It’s a hit with everyone!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dressing ahead of time and roast the potatoes when you’re ready to serve.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of roasted potatoes, tangy yogurt dressing, and crunchy pickles creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
• Versatile Side Dish: Great for BBQs, potlucks, or as part of your weeknight dinners. It pairs beautifully with many mains!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our Crispy Smashed Potato Salad. These are pantry staples that you might already have on hand!

For the Potatoes:

• 2 pounds baby potatoes (mini yellow potatoes)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

For the Dressing:

• 3/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup kewpie mayonnaise (or regular mayo)
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Mixing In:

• 1 dill pickle, finely chopped
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 1-2 scallions for garnish (optional)

Variations

One of the best things about this Crispy Smashed Potato Salad is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add Some Heat: Mix in some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
• Change Up the Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like dill or chives instead of parsley for a new flavor profile.
• Try Different Potatoes: Use red or fingerling potatoes if that’s what you have on hand; they’ll work beautifully too!
• Include Other Veggies: Toss in some roasted bell peppers or green beans for added color and nutrition.

How to Make Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is crucial because it ensures that your potatoes roast evenly and become perfectly crispy.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

Place the potatoes in a large pot of well-salted cold water. Bring it to a boil over medium heat and cook for about 7-8 minutes until they are fork-tender but not falling apart. Draining them well allows us to achieve that crispy texture later on.

Step 3: Smash Those Potatoes

Once drained and slightly cooled, pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel. Transfer them to your baking sheet and gently smash each potato until around 1/4 inch thick using either a potato masher or the bottom of a glass. This smashing action creates more surface area for crispiness!

Step 4: Roast

Brush each smashed potato with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Roast them in your preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, flipping halfway through until they turn golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Whisk Together the Dressing

While those lovely potatoes are roasting away, whisk together the remaining tablespoon of olive oil with Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped parsley until smooth. Stir in your chopped pickle and shallot; taste it before adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper—this step brings all those flavors together!

Step 6: Combine & Serve

When your potatoes are done roasting (and oh-so-crispy!), let them cool for about 10 minutes. Save some crispy bits for topping later! Transfer them into a large bowl where you’ll gently toss them with your herbed yogurt dressing until everything is nicely coated.

Step 7: Garnish & Enjoy

Finally, garnish your beautiful salad with chopped scallions and those reserved crispy potato bits before serving warm. Enjoy every delicious bite of this delightful Crispy Smashed Potato Salad!

Pro Tips for Making Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

Creating the perfect Crispy Smashed Potato Salad is all about the little details! Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out deliciously every time.

• Choose the right potatoes: Baby or mini yellow potatoes work best for this recipe due to their creamy texture and ability to hold their shape after cooking.

• Don’t rush the boiling: Allowing the potatoes to boil until fork-tender is crucial. This ensures they’re cooked through but still firm enough to smash without falling apart.

• Get them crispy: Make sure to smash the potatoes evenly and generously season with salt and pepper before roasting. This helps achieve that coveted golden-brown, crispy texture.

• Chill your dressing: Preparing the herbed yogurt dressing ahead of time not only enhances the flavors but also allows it to thicken slightly, making it cling beautifully to the potatoes.

• Save some crunch: Reserve some crispy potato bits as a topping just before serving. This adds an extra layer of texture and visual appeal!

How to Serve Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

Serving your Crispy Smashed Potato Salad can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas that make this dish shine at any gathering or weeknight dinner.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of additional chopped parsley or dill not only adds a pop of color but enhances the fresh flavors in your salad.
• Extra scallions: Chopped scallions on top provide a mild onion flavor and a beautiful contrast against the creamy dressing.
• Lemon zest: A touch of lemon zest can brighten up the dish, giving it a fresh citrus note that complements the overall flavor profile.

Side Dishes

• Grilled vegetables: Colorful grilled veggies such as zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus provide a healthy, vibrant side while complementing the roasted potatoes beautifully.

• Crispy Brussels sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with olive oil and sea salt create a crunchy side that pairs perfectly with the creamy salad.

• Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast that’s nutritious and satisfying.

• Corn on the cob: Sweet corn on the cob, either grilled or boiled, adds a delightful crunch and sweetness that balances well with the savory smashed potato salad.

With these serving suggestions and tips in hand, you’re all set to impress your guests or enjoy a cozy meal at home. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Crispy Smashed Potato Salad is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while saving you time during busy weeknights.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the potato salad to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate.
• Enjoy it within 3-5 days for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

• While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze it if needed.
• Place cooled potato salad in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Note that the texture may change after thawing.

Reheating

• Thaw the potato salad overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Gently warm it in a microwave-safe dish, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Alternatively, heat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to restore some moisture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Crispy Smashed Potato Salad:

Can I make Crispy Smashed Potato Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Preparing this salad ahead allows the flavors to develop, making it even tastier. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How do I store leftovers of Crispy Smashed Potato Salad?

To store leftovers, let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. They will last about 3-5 days.

Can I use different potatoes for this recipe?

Yes! While baby yellow potatoes work wonderfully, you can experiment with red or fingerling potatoes for a different taste and texture.

Is there a way to make this salad spicier?

Certainly! You can add diced jalapeños or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the dressing for a spicy kick that complements the creamy elements.

What can I serve with Crispy Smashed Potato Salad?

This delicious salad pairs well with grilled vegetables, roasted chicken alternatives, or even as a hearty side alongside a fresh green salad.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Crispy Smashed Potato Salad as much as I do! It’s not just a side dish; it’s a wonderful addition to any meal that brings comfort and joy. Feel free to personalize it with your favorite herbs or spices. Happy cooking!