If you are on the hunt for a dish that takes classic potato salad to a whole new level of indulgence, look no further than this Loaded Baked Potato Salad Recipe. It is everything you love about a baked potato—think crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, tangy vinegar, and creamy dressing—all tossed together into one irresistibly fluffy, flavorful salad. Whether you’re planning for a family gathering, picnic, or just want to wow your taste buds, this recipe is a heavenly mix of textures and rich tastes that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Loaded Baked Potato Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of its smart use of simple, straightforward ingredients that blend beautifully to create an unforgettable flavor profile. Each component plays an important role, adding creaminess, tang, smokiness, or sharpness, resulting in the perfect harmony that defines this dish.

Russet potatoes: The starchy texture helps the potatoes stay fluffy yet hold their shape when mixed.
Olive oil: A subtle drizzle adds richness and helps the potatoes roast beautifully.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds just the right bright tang that lifts the entire salad’s flavor.
Mayonnaise: Brings creaminess and helps bind the salad ingredients together.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds a bit of tang and silky texture, balancing the richness perfectly.
Kosher salt: Essential for enhancing every flavor note in the salad.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a gentle, spicy kick to deepen the flavor.
Bacon: Crispy, smoky, and salty, this is the star savory ingredient you’ll want plenty of.
Green onions: Provide a fresh crunch and mild onion flavor to brighten the mix.
Medium cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it complements the creamy dressing and bacon perfectly.

How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Salad Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 400° F to prepare for baking the potatoes. This temperature will ensure they cook thoroughly and develop that slightly crisp skin, perfect for absorbing flavors later.

Step 2: Bake the Potatoes

After washing and drying the russet potatoes, drizzle with olive oil and place them directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet. Roast for about an hour or until tender when pierced with a fork. Baking the potatoes whole helps retain a fluffy interior that is essential for this salad’s ideal texture.

Step 3: Add Apple Cider Vinegar

When the potatoes are still warm from the oven, sprinkle them evenly with apple cider vinegar. Let them rest for 15 to 30 minutes until cooled. This step infuses them with a pleasing brightness and helps balance out the creamy elements that follow.

Step 4: Cook and Prepare the Bacon

While the potatoes cool, cook the bacon until crispy in a skillet. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces. The crispy bacon will add that essential smoky, crunchy contrast that makes this Loaded Baked Potato Salad Recipe explode with flavor.

Step 5: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This creamy dressing is the glue that holds all the ingredients together while adding its own tangy, rich character.

Step 6: Combine All Ingredients

Once the potatoes have cooled, cut them into bite-sized chunks and place them in a large bowl. Pour over the dressing and gently fold in the crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate your potato salad for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, to let flavors meld and textures come together beautifully. Serving this salad chilled makes it refreshingly delicious and satisfying.

How to Serve Loaded Baked Potato Salad Recipe

Garnishes

For the final flourish, consider sprinkling extra chopped green onions or a bit more shredded cheddar cheese on top just before serving. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley also add a lovely pop of color and a hint of freshness that complements the rich flavors.

Side Dishes

This Loaded Baked Potato Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains. Think grilled meats like steak, chicken, or burgers. It also works beautifully alongside barbecued ribs or even as part of a picnic spread with fresh bread and seasonal fruit for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this potato salad in a rustic wooden bowl or individual mason jars for a charming touch. You can also layer ingredients in clear containers for a beautiful, layered presentation perfect for potlucks and outdoor gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen and develop even further as it rests, so leftover salad is always a treat.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated; freezing is not recommended due to the creamy dressing and fresh ingredients, which may separate or become watery upon thawing.

Reheating

Since this salad is traditionally served chilled, reheating is not advised. If you prefer a warm potato salad experience, try heating only the potatoes separately before combining with cold dressing and other ingredients.

FAQs

Can I use another type of potato for this salad?

Russet potatoes are preferred because they have a fluffy texture perfect for salads. However, Yukon gold potatoes can work if you want a creamier texture. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or fingerling potatoes, which tend to stay firm and may not absorb flavors as well.

Is there a substitute for sour cream in this recipe?

Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for sour cream here. It provides a similar tang and creaminess while being slightly lighter and healthier, making it great for balancing the rich components in this dish.

How far in advance can I make this Loaded Baked Potato Salad Recipe?

You can prepare the salad a day ahead and refrigerate it overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to marry beautifully. Just stir before serving and add any extra garnishes for a fresh look.

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and increase the amount of cheddar or add other flavorful toppings like roasted nuts or smoked paprika for that smoky touch without the meat.

What’s the best way to cook bacon for this recipe?

Cooking bacon in a skillet until crispy is ideal for this salad because it produces smoky, crunchy pieces that hold their texture well. Baking the bacon in the oven on a rack also works if you want a hands-off method and less mess.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something incredibly satisfying about this Loaded Baked Potato Salad Recipe—it’s creamy, tangy, cheesy, and packed full of textures and flavors that bring pure joy to every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe comes together with ease and makes a show-stopping dish. So grab those potatoes, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a new family favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds and the recipe!