Easy Smashed Potato Salad Recipe

ByEmily Rice

Smashed potato salad is a fun twist on the classic potato salad you may already know and love. Instead of dicing boiled potatoes into neat little cubes, we smash them gently after cooking to create more texture. This allows the dressing to cling to every crack and edge, making each bite extra creamy and flavorful. It’s rustic, hearty, and has a homemade feel that makes it perfect for picnics, family dinners, or even as a quick lunch.

Smashed Potato Salad

The best part? Smashed potato salad doesn’t require fancy cooking skills. It’s easy enough for kids to help with, and the results are always delicious. If you enjoy a dish that is creamy, tangy, and satisfying, this potato salad will quickly become one of your go-to side dishes.

Why You Should Try Smashed Potato Salad

You should try smashed potato salad because it combines the comforting taste of soft potatoes with the crunchy freshness of veggies and the creaminess of a delicious dressing. It’s also very customizable add bacon, herbs, or even cheese to make it your own. Unlike traditional potato salad, the smashed texture makes the dish more exciting and gives it a homemade charm.

It’s a great choice for barbecues, potlucks, or even weeknight meals. Kids love the fun look, and adults love the flavor. Plus, since potatoes are inexpensive and filling, this recipe is budget friendly, too.

Ingredients for Smashed Potato Salad

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Smashed Potato Salad

  • 2 pounds small potatoes baby red or gold work best
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon mustard yellow or Dijon
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 boiled eggs, chopped optional
  • ½ cup chopped celery
  • ½ cup chopped red onion
  • ¼ cup chopped dill pickles
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make Smashed Potato Salad

Step One

The first thing you need to do is wash the potatoes well and place them in a large pot of salted water. Boil them until tender, about 15-20 minutes.

Step Two

Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. Place them on a baking sheet or flat surface.

Step Three

Then, using the bottom of a cup or a potato masher, gently press each potato until slightly mushy do not empty it completely.

Smashed Potato Salad

Step Four

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, olive oil, and vinegar until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Step Five

Add the mashed potatoes to the bowl and gently stir to coat them with the sauce. Then, add the celery, onion, pickles, and hard-boiled egg. Sprinkle the fresh herbs over the top.

Step Six

Finally, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

Kitchen Equipment Needed :

Before you start cooking, gather the tools you’ll need:

  • Large pot
  • Colander for draining potatoes
  • Potato masher or sturdy glass for smashing
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Tips for the Best Smashed Potato Salad

Don’t overcook potatoes keep them tender but not mushy.
For extra flavor, add crispy bacon bits.
A sprinkle of paprika on top makes it look pretty.
Chill before serving for the best taste.
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version.

Serving Suggestions

I usually serve this dish with meat, salmon or chicken, and sometimes I add a green salad. As for drinks, I like fruit juice or a mojito.

Smashed Potato Salad

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes smashed potato salad different from regular potato salad ?

Instead of cutting potatoes into cubes, the potatoes are gently smashed, giving the salad more texture and allowing the dressing to stick better.

Can I make this salad without mayonnaise ?

Yes! You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a mix of olive oil and mustard for a lighter version.

Can I freeze smashed potato salad ?

No, freezing changes the texture of both potatoes and mayonnaise, making it watery and unpleasant when thawed.

Can I make a vegan version ?

Yes, use vegan mayonnaise and leave out the eggs or meat based add ins.

Smashed Potato Salad
Print

Smashed Potato Salad

Recipe by Emily RiceCourse: Side DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Calories

250

kcal
Total time

35

minutes

This smashed potato salad is a creamy, tangy, and rustic side dish made with tender smashed potatoes, fresh veggies, and a flavorful dressing. Perfect for BBQs, family dinners, or picnics, it’s quick to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds small potatoes baby red or gold work best

  • ½ cup mayonnaise

  • ¼ cup sour cream

  • 1 tablespoon mustard yellow or Dijon

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

  • 2 boiled eggs, chopped optional

  • ½ cup chopped celery

  • ½ cup chopped red onion

  • ¼ cup chopped dill pickles

  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

  • The first thing you need to do is wash the potatoes well and place them in a large pot of salted water. Boil them until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  • Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. Place them on a baking sheet or flat surface.
  • Then, using the bottom of a cup or a potato masher, gently press each potato until slightly mushy do not empty it completely.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, olive oil, and vinegar until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Add the mashed potatoes to the bowl and gently stir to coat them with the sauce. Then, add the celery, onion, pickles, and hard-boiled egg. Sprinkle the fresh herbs over the top.
  • Finally, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

Notes

  • Cool slightly before smashing warm potatoes absorb the dressing better, but they shouldn’t be piping hot.
  • Add fresh herbs dill, parsley, or chives brighten the salad.
  • Add protein boiled eggs, bacon bits, or even chicken make it heartier.
  • Don’t skip vinegar it cuts through the richness and adds balance.

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