Best Ever Potato Salad Recipe

Ready to bring a bright, crowd-pleasing dish to your next picnic or family barbecue? This Best Ever Potato Salad is an absolute classic, but with a little extra savor from turkey bacon and a velvety dressing that hugs every bite. Creamy, tangy, and crunchy in all the right places, it’s my go-to for potlucks and guaranteed to disappear fast when friends and family gather. I love how it balances textures and flavors, and every spoonful feels just a little bit special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making the Best Ever Potato Salad is about celebrating simple ingredients that each offer something unique—richness, crunch, a pop of color, or bold flavor. Let’s take a closer look at what you need and why every item matters.

• Red potatoes: Their waxy texture holds up well, giving the salad perfect bite-sized pieces that don’t fall apart.
• turkey Bacon: Adds irresistible smoky crunch and a deep savory element that lifts every flavor.
• Mayonnaise: The key to a creamy, luscious dressing that brings everything together.
• Dijon mustard: Just enough zing to brighten the dressing without overpowering it.
• Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness balances the tang and salt—don’t skip it!
• Salt: Essential for seasoning both the potatoes and the dressing; taste and adjust as you go.
• Hard-boiled eggs: Lend extra richness and a classic touch—plus a silky texture everyone loves.
• Celery: Brings a fresh, crunchy contrast to the creamy elements.
• Yellow onion: Adds gentle bite and savory depth throughout the salad.
• Green pepper: Offers a bright pop of color and that subtle earthy crunch.

How to Make Best Ever Potato Salad

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Start by cutting your red potatoes into small, even cubes for even cooking. Place them in a pot, cover with cold water, and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle boil and let them simmer until fork-tender—about 10–13 minutes. You want them soft, but not falling apart. Once they’re ready, drain and allow to cool while you prep the other components.

Step 2: Cook the turkey Bacon

While your potatoes are cooling, set a skillet over medium-low heat and add the turkey bacon pieces. Sauté slowly so the fat renders and the turkey bacon crisps up beautifully without burning. When perfectly golden, remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, leaving about 2 tablespoons of drippings in the pan for flavor magic later.

Step 3: Whisk the Dressing

Turn off the heat and, directly in the warm drippings, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, granulated sugar, and salt. This clever trick infuses the dressing with those savory turkey bacon notes, adding an extra layer of flavor you just can’t fake!

Step 4: Mix the Salad

In a roomy bowl, gently toss together the cooled potatoes, chopped eggs, celery, onion, and green pepper. Pour over the warm dressing while the potatoes are still slightly warm—it helps them soak up every bit of flavor. Stir gently to evenly coat everything without mashing the potatoes.

Step 5: Add the turkey Bacon and Chill

Once evenly dressed, fold in the crispy turkey bacon. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Best Ever Potato Salad for at least 3 hours—this is key for melding flavors and achieving the perfect texture. Serve chilled and watch the compliments roll in!

How to Serve Best Ever Potato Salad

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh chives or parsley adds a vibrant green contrast, while a dusting of paprika brings not just color but a gentle smokiness. I sometimes top it with extra crumbled turkey bacon or an extra sliced egg for a showy finish—simple details that make the Best Ever Potato Salad even more inviting.

Side Dishes

Potato salad belongs next to all your grilled favorites! Fire up burgers, BBQ chicken, or even veggie kabobs, and your spread will feel complete. It also pairs seamlessly with crisp green salads, baked beans, or buttery corn on the cob for a perfectly balanced picnic plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try scooping the salad into lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held bite, or pack it in small mason jars for easy serving at parties and picnics. For potlucks, serve it on a platter ringed with sliced tomatoes or colorful bell pepper strips—showcasing all the beautiful textures and colors in this Best Ever Potato Salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra potato salad covered tightly in the refrigerator, and you’ll be rewarded with delicious leftovers for up to four days. The flavors deepen over time, making your lunchbox that much more appealing the next day!

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing the Best Ever Potato Salad, since mayonnaise-based dressings and potatoes can separate and become watery or grainy once thawed. It’s definitely a dish best enjoyed fresh from the fridge.

Reheating

This is one salad that’s meant to be served chilled or at cool room temperature. There’s no need to reheat—just give it a gentle stir, check for seasoning, and serve straight from the fridge for the creamiest texture and brightest taste.

FAQs

Can I use another type of potato?

Absolutely! While red potatoes offer great texture, Yukon Golds are a fantastic second choice—they’re creamy but hold their shape. Russets can work in a pinch, but may break down more easily.

What’s the best way to cook hard-boiled eggs for potato salad?

Start the eggs in cold water, bring to a boil, then simmer gently for about 10 minutes. Plunge them immediately into ice water for easy peeling and perfectly set yolks for your Best Ever Potato Salad.

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Yes! Simply leave out the turkey bacon and use olive oil or a neutral oil in place of the turkey bacon drippings. You’ll still get tons of flavor from the eggs, mustard, and veggies.

What do I do if my salad seems too dry?

If it feels dry after chilling, stir in a little extra mayonnaise or a splash of milk until it reaches your preferred creaminess. The potatoes sometimes soak up more dressing than expected as they sit.

Can I prepare Best Ever Potato Salad the night before?

Definitely! In fact, making it a day ahead gives the flavors more time to mingle. Just keep it covered and cold until ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, if you haven’t tried homemade potato salad with crispy  turkey bacon and a tangy, creamy dressing, you’re in for a treat. The Best Ever Potato Salad turns everyday ingredients into a crowd favorite that people will ask for again and again. Don’t wait for the next picnic—give it a try, and let this classic become your go-to too!

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