Loaded Potato Salad Recipe – Perfect for Summer BBQs

Name: loaded potato salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled and diced); 1 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup green onions (sliced); 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)

Published: March 26, 2026

by Carol

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This loaded potato salad is a breeze to whip up, taking only 35 minutes from prep to table
The flavor explosion of creamy dressing, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar is truly irresistible
Its vibrant colors and fresh garnishes make it an eye-catching centerpiece for any gathering
Ideal for summer barbecues or cozy family dinners, this salad adapts beautifully to suit your mood and menu

Nothing brings my family together like loaded potato salad at our summer barbecues; it’s always a crowd favorite.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious loaded potato salad:

Yukon Gold Potatoes: Use 2 pounds of peeled and diced Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamy texture that holds up well.
Mayonnaise: One cup of mayonnaise provides the rich creaminess that is essential for a classic potato salad.
Dijon Mustard: Two tablespoons of Dijon mustard add a tangy kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile beautifully.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Incorporate one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for a subtle acidity that balances the richness.
Garlic Powder: A teaspoon of garlic powder adds depth; it’s easier than fresh garlic and blends seamlessly into the dressing.
Salt: One teaspoon of salt is crucial for bringing out all the flavors in your loaded potato salad.
Black Pepper: Use half a teaspoon of black pepper to introduce a mild heat and enhance the taste without overpowering it.
Bacon: Six slices of crumbled, cooked bacon provide a savory crunch that complements the creamy potatoes perfectly.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: One cup of shredded cheddar cheese adds richness and a wonderful cheesy flavor to the salad.
Green Onions: Half a cup of sliced green onions offers fresh, vibrant color and a mild onion flavor that brightens the dish.
Fresh Parsley: A quarter cup of chopped fresh parsley not only enhances presentation but also adds freshness to each bite.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare the Potatoes: Begin your loaded potato salad by gathering 2 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes. Peel and dice them into bite-sized cubes, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking. Place the diced potatoes in a large pot, filling it with enough cold water to cover them completely. Bring the pot to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. As you wait, enjoy the comforting aroma of the potatoes as they begin to soften. Cook for about 15-20 minutes until they’re fork-tender but not mushy—a perfect texture is key here! Once done, drain the potatoes in a colander and let them cool at room temperature while you prepare the dressing.

Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, measure out 1 cup of creamy mayonnaise and add 2 tablespoons of tangy Dijon mustard for a delightful kick. Next, pour in 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar; its tartness will bring brightness to your salad. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper to enhance the flavor profile. Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth and luscious dressing that you can almost dip into! The aroma should be inviting and tangy—perfectly balanced for your potatoes.

Combine Ingredients: Now it’s time for the magic! In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooled potatoes with the dressing you’ve just whipped up. Add in 6 slices of crumbled bacon for that savory crunch, followed by 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese that adds gooeyness and richness. Toss in 1/2 cup of freshly sliced green onions for a pop of color and flavor, along with 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley to brighten everything up. Gently fold all these ingredients together using a spatula or wooden spoon until they are well mixed but be careful not to mash those lovely potato chunks!

Chill and Serve: To finish off this delightful loaded potato salad, cover your mixing bowl with plastic wrap or transfer it into an airtight container. Refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving; this chilling time allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, you’ll be rewarded with a refreshing salad that’s both creamy and packed with flavor—perfect for any gathering or as a hearty side dish! Enjoy every bite!

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamy texture; they hold up well and add a buttery flavor to your loaded potato salad
Ensure you let the cooked potatoes cool before mixing to prevent the dressing from becoming runny
For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or smoked paprika to the dressing

Loaded Potato Salad: A Delicious Side Dish

Loaded potato salad is a hearty and flavorful side dish perfect for picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings. This recipe combines tender Yukon Gold potatoes with a creamy dressing and savory add-ins like bacon and cheddar cheese. With just 35 minutes of prep and cook time, you can create a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best results with loaded potato salad, start by boiling the diced Yukon Gold potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes. While the potatoes cool, prepare the creamy dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This sequence ensures everything is ready for mixing when the potatoes have cooled.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this loaded potato salad requires a few simple ingredients. For the potatoes, you’ll need 2 pounds of peeled and diced Yukon Gold potatoes. The dressing consists of 1 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Additionally, gather 6 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of sliced green onions, and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley.

Step-by-Step Instructions

First, prepare the potatoes by placing them in a large pot covered with water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender for about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and let them cool before moving on to make the dressing. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Once the potatoes are cool, combine them in a large mixing bowl with the dressing along with crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, green onions, and parsley. Gently fold these ingredients until well mixed to ensure every bite is delicious.

Chill Before Serving

For optimal flavor melding in your loaded potato salad, cover it and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting period allows all the ingredients to marry together beautifully while enhancing overall taste. When you’re ready to serve this delightful side dish at your next gathering or meal occasion, you’ll find it bursting with flavor!

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your loaded potato salad by adding diced celery for extra crunch or swapping in Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing. You can also experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack for a spicy kick or add chopped hard-boiled eggs for added protein. Enjoy making it your own!

Storing & Reheating

To store loaded potato salad, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. If you need to reheat it, warm individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Avoid reheating the entire batch, as it is best served cold.

FAQ

What ingredients are needed for loaded potato salad?

The main ingredients include Yukon Gold potatoes, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions.

How long does it take to prepare loaded potato salad?

Preparation takes about 15 minutes, with an additional 20 minutes for cooking the potatoes.

Can I make loaded potato salad ahead of time?

Yes, it’s best to chill the loaded potato salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.