This loaded potato salad is like a loaded baked potato but cool, fresh and creamy! Full of flavor from tender potatoes, bacon, shredded cheese and green onions.
For more ways to enjoy potatoes with bacon, check out my easy potato skins, twice baked potatoes or this warm German potato salad.
Table of Contents
Loaded Baked Potato Salad
This loaded potato salad has all the goods. It tastes just like a loaded baked potato, but in salad form. It has such great flavor and is the perfect side dish to bring to a BBQ, potluck or picnic. So delicious!
When it comes to picnics I make this easy tuna salad but for summer BBQ’s and get-togethers, this loaded baked potato salad is my most popular pick. Most potato salads are too mushy with a lot of mayo and mustard but this one with cheese, bacon and green onions has the best flavor!
How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Salad
Boil potatoes. To get the potatoes tender and ready to dice, you’ll need to boil them first. I like to boil my potatoes in a large pot with water for about 15 minutes. They should be fork tender and soft to touch. Once they’re ready, you’ll drain them and then run under cold water (to prevent from cooking any longer).
Make the dressing. Next comes the dressing. It’s a mixture of mayo, sour cream, green onions, dry ranch seasoning and salt and pepper. Make sure to mix it until it’s smooth and creamy. Then pour it over the potatoes and stir together with the bacon and cheese. Mix until all of the potatoes are well coated.
Chill and then serve. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and then store in fridge until ready to serve. Give it a big stir and add extra cheese, bacon and sliced green onions right before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Loaded potato salad tastes great with pretty much anything! Below are a few of our top picks:
- Hamburger patty recipe or hot dogs
- Grilled chicken
- Chicken kabobs or steak kabobs
- BBQ pulled pork sandwich
More picnic favorite we love – bacon ranch pasta salad, broccoli salad with bacon, corn and tomato salad and southwestern pasta salad!
More Delicious Potluck Recipes
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all the newest recipes!
Loaded Potato Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound red potatoes
- ⅓ cup mayo with olive oil
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 2-3 Tablespoons green onions or chives , sliced
- 2 teaspoons dry ranch seasoning mix
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 4-6 pieces bacon , cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Boil potatoes. Place 1 pound red potatoes in a large pot of boiling water with salt. Cook for 15 minutes, or until fork tender. Then drain and run under cold water. Once all the way cooled, dice into 1-inch pieces.
- Combine dressing with potatoes. Combine the 1/3 cup mayo, 1/3 cup sour cream, 2-4 Tablespoons green onions or chives, 2 teaspoons ranch, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Then pour over the potatoes and stir together with the 4-6 pieces cooked bacon and 1/2 cup cheese.
- Chill then serve. Add more salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Top with extra shredded cheese, crumbled bacon and green onion if desired.
Notes
- For a variation, you can make baked potatoes in the oven and then dice them once cooled.
- To make-ahead: Mix everything together and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Mix again right before serving and top with more shredded cheese, crumbled bacon and green onions if desired.
- To store: It will keep for about 3-5 days if stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
FAQs
I love to use red potatoes when making this recipe. They tend to hold their shape better, meaning they won’t get all crumbly and mushy. Plus the skin on red potatoes is a bit thicker, so it holds up when mixing the salad together. The red skin also adds a nice crunch.
You can definitely still use other types of potatoes, such as russets or yukon gold. Russets will make for a more crumbly/creamy salad, while yukons will add a stronger buttery flavor.
Yes. That would add another layer of flavor. Use my roasted red potatoes recipe then cool completely before adding to the loaded potato salad.
This is the perfect make-ahead dish. Just mix everything together and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Mix again right before serving and top with more shredded cheese, crumbled bacon and green onions if desired.
This dish will keep for about 3-5 days if stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Categorized as: 4th of July, American, Potatoes, Salads, Side Dishes
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
This is awesome. Great change from the traditional potato salad. My family loved it.
So glad you found something new to try and everyone loved it!
Perfect for summer events!
This was super easy and super delicious. Served for dinner tonight and received a ton of compliments. I always enjoy your recipes!😍
Wow! This was delicious! I do not like regular potato salad, but I loved this!
I’m so happy to hear that, Jessica!
Could you add dill pickle relish?
Yes, I’d start with a teaspoon or two and taste as you go.
This recipe is perfect for summer BBQs! It’s so filling and full of flavor!
I love the dry ranch addition to this salad, gave it a whole new dimension of flavor. This will defiantly be a summer staple.
Did not make recipe but was wondering if you have keto recipes or subscription to keto eating. Thanks for your time.
I’m can’t eat potatoes, I’m allergic.
Hi Sharon! I’m sorry, I don’t have any specific keto recipes. I have categories for whole 30, dairy-free, gluten free and vegetarian though on the “dietary” tab towards the top of the page.
Wow this looks amazing! I’ve got to try it!
Potato salad is always a hit! I should try this recipe!
This is getting made tonight! I have everything, and it is making my mouth water right now!
I love the loaded version of potato salad! This is perfect for our church gathering this weekend.
This is my kind of comfort food! Hands down delicious and easy too!
Your loaded potato salad looks amazing! I need to try this recipe I have never seen dry ranch dressing used in potato salad before I bet it tastes delicious. I can’t wait to try it!!!
What a sweet and savory recipe! I know what I will be having for dinner tonight!