Easy Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Recipe: Picnic-Perfect Side!

A potato salad that breaks all the traditional rules with its delightfully crispy smashed potato technique.

The unexpected crunch will make you rethink everything you know about classic side dishes.

Russet potatoes become golden, crackling bites of pure deliciousness when smashed and roasted to perfection.

Each wedge carries a satisfying texture that dances between crisp exterior and creamy interior.

Herbs and a zesty dressing add layers of bright, tangy flavor that complement the potatoes’ richness.

Home cooks seeking something different will fall in love with this playful twist on an old favorite.

Prepare to be the star of your next gathering with this irresistible recipe that promises to surprise and delight.

Why Everyone Loves Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

• Crunch into Crispy Perfection: These smashed potatoes deliver an irresistible texture with golden, crispy edges that crack delightfully with each bite, creating a satisfying crunch that elevates the traditional potato salad.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Magic: This recipe transforms simple potatoes into a gourmet side dish in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort and basic kitchen skills.
• Flavor-Packed Dressing Delight: The creamy, tangy dressing with Dijon mustard, honey, and fresh herbs creates a complex flavor profile that adds sophisticated depth to the classic potato salad, making it far more exciting than typical mayonnaise-based versions.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for casual family dinners, potlucks, and summer barbecues, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, offering a crowd-pleasing option that can be served warm or at room temperature with minimal last-minute preparation.

Ingredients You Need For Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

Main Ingredients:

Potatoes: Hearty base for the salad, perfect for smashing and roasting. Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold work best for maintaining shape.

Olive Oil: Helps create crispy potato exterior and adds rich flavor. Extra virgin olive oil recommended for best taste.

• Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Classic spice blend for enhancing potato flavor. Freshly ground black pepper provides extra depth.

• Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard: Creamy base for tangy and rich dressing. Use high-quality mayonnaise for best results.
• Apple Cider Vinegar, Honey: Balances dressing with sweet and tangy notes. Raw honey adds more complex flavor.
• Dill, Parsley, Green Onions: Fresh herbs that provide brightness and aromatic complexity. Fresh herbs preferred over dried.

• Bacon Bits: Adds crispy, salty element to the salad. Thick-cut bacon works best for maximum crunch.

Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Prep Steps

Step 1: Boil Tender Potatoes

Grab a large pot and fill it with cold water. Toss in a hearty pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil and gently lower the potatoes into the bubbling liquid. Let them cook until they’re fork-tender and soft in the middle, which typically takes about 15-20 minutes. Once done, carefully drain the potatoes and let them cool down slightly.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Surface

Heat up your oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a perfect non-stick surface for your soon-to-be crispy potatoes.

Step 3: Smash and Flatten

Arrange the slightly cooled potatoes on the prepared baking sheet. Using the bottom of a sturdy glass or a potato masher, gently press down on each potato. The goal is to create a beautifully flattened, rustic-looking potato with lots of crispy edges.

Step 4: Season with Flavor

• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 5: Roast to Crispy Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through. Watch for those golden-brown, crispy edges that promise a delicious crunch.

Step 6: Whip Up Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• Apple cider vinegar
• Honey
• Fresh dill
• Chopped parsley
• Sliced green onions

Whisk everything together and season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 7: Create the Final Masterpiece

Transfer the crispy potatoes to a large serving bowl or platter. Generously drizzle the creamy dressing over the top. Gently toss to ensure every potato gets a delicious coating. For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle some crispy bacon bits and additional fresh herbs.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your crispy smashed potato salad warm or at room temperature. Get ready for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s crispy, creamy, and absolutely irresistible!

Tips For Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Success

• Perfectly Boil Potatoes: Add salt to cold water before boiling to enhance potato flavor and ensure even cooking throughout.
• Smash with Precision: Use a flat-bottomed glass or potato masher with gentle pressure to create crispy edges without breaking the potato completely.
• Boost Crispiness Hack: Pat potatoes dry before smashing to remove excess moisture, guaranteeing extra crunchy exterior when roasting.
• Customize Dressing Easily: Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version or use vegan mayo to make the recipe dairy-free and plant-based.
• Herb Freshness Tip: Chop herbs right before adding to dressing to maximize flavor and maintain vibrant green color and aromatic qualities.

How To Keep Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Fresh And Crispy

• Refrigerate: Store leftover smashed potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the dressing separate to maintain the potatoes' crispiness.
• Reheat in Oven: Spread potatoes on a baking sheet and warm at 180C (350F) for 10-15 minutes to restore crunchiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy texture.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Before serving reheated potatoes, sprinkle with fresh chopped herbs to revive flavors and add brightness.
• Dressing Tip: Drizzle a small amount of fresh dressing when reheating to refresh the overall taste and moisture of the dish.

Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Serving Pairings

• Pair with Zesty White Wine: A crisp sauvignon blanc cuts through the potato's richness, bringing bright acidity and herbal notes that complement the dill and parsley in the dressing.
• Match with Crisp Pilsner Beer: The light, hoppy beer provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy, crispy potatoes, cleansing the palate between bites and enhancing the dish's savory flavors.
• Serve Alongside Rotisserie Chicken: The herb-roasted chicken offers a protein-packed companion that balances the potato salad's creamy texture and adds a warm, comforting element to the meal.
• Add Tangy Coleslaw: A crunchy, vinegar-based coleslaw provides a zesty counterpoint to the crispy potatoes, creating a delightful mix of textures and complementary flavor profiles.

How To Change Up Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

• Spicy Southwest Smash: Replace dill and parsley with chopped cilantro, add jalapeños, and mix chipotle powder into the dressing for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Crunch: Swap out mayonnaise for Greek yogurt, incorporate oregano and mint, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese, and add kalamata olives for an Aegean-inspired version.
• Loaded Potato Salad Style: Top crispy potatoes with cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, green onions, and a sour cream-based dressing for a classic loaded potato feel.
• Vegan Herb Garden Smash: Use vegan mayonnaise, add nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor, incorporate roasted garlic, and garnish with fresh chives and microgreens for a plant-based alternative.

Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Common Questions

• Why should I smash the potatoes instead of roasting them whole?

Smashing potatoes creates more surface area, which means more crispy edges and a delightful texture that’s both crunchy and soft. The flattened shape helps the potatoes get extra golden and crispy when roasted.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply skip the bacon bits or replace them with toasted nuts like almonds or sunflower seeds for added crunch. The herbs and dressing will still provide tons of flavor.

• How do I know when the potatoes are perfectly cooked and crispy?

Look for golden brown edges and a crisp exterior. The potatoes should have a slight crackle when you press them, and the surface should be uneven with lots of crispy bits. When they look like they’re dancing with delicious crispiness, they’re ready!

• Is this salad best served hot or cold?

This potato salad is super versatile! It’s delicious warm right out of the oven, but equally amazing at room temperature. The crispy potatoes and tangy dressing taste great no matter the temperature, making it perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a quick lunch.

Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy smashed potato salad delivers delightful textures and bold Mediterranean flavors that dance across classic potato side dish expectations. Herb-infused potatoes paired with tangy dressing create a memorable culinary experience you’ll crave at every gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes:

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) baby potatoes or small Yukon Gold potatoes

Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Dressing:

• 120 ml (½ cup) mayonnaise
• 120 ml (½ cup) Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 green onions, finely sliced
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh dill
• Fresh parsley
• Crispy bacon bits (optional)

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Instructions

1. Gently cleanse whole potatoes, ensuring they are free from dirt and blemishes, then submerge in a capacious pot filled with cold, salted water. Heat the liquid until it reaches a rolling boil, allowing the potatoes to simmer until fork-tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
2. Carefully drain the potatoes and permit them to cool momentarily. Simultaneously, activate the oven to 220C and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Position each potato onto the lined baking surface, then methodically flatten each one using the bottom of a sturdy glass or potato masher, creating rustic, uneven surfaces.
4. Lavishly coat the smashed potatoes with olive oil, then generously dust with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
5. Transfer the seasoned potatoes to the preheated oven, roasting for 25-30 minutes. Midway through cooking, carefully flip each potato to ensure uniform golden crispiness.
6. While potatoes roast, craft the creamy dressing by whisking mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, chopped dill, parsley, and green onions until smoothly combined. Season with salt and pepper to personal preference.
7. Extract the potatoes from the oven once they achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior with crispy edges.
8. Arrange the hot, crispy potatoes on a serving platter, then elegantly drizzle the prepared dressing over the top. Gently toss to ensure even coating.
9. Optional: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits and additional fresh herbs for enhanced texture and visual appeal.
10. Serve immediately while warm, or allow to rest at room temperature for a delightful side dish.

Notes

• Ensure potatoes are uniform in size for even cooking and consistent crispiness.
• Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for the best texture and structure when smashing.
• Pat potatoes completely dry before smashing to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent steaming.
• Leave enough space between potatoes on the baking sheet to help them crisp up evenly without steaming each other.
• For a healthier version, swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo to reduce calories and accommodate dietary preferences.
• Add extra crunch by sprinkling toasted seeds or chopped nuts over the final dish for additional texture and nutrition.
• Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary, thyme, or chives to customize the flavor profile.
• Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain their crispy exterior.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg