This Crispy Potato Salad is the kind of recipe that turns a simple gathering into a lively, flavor-packed celebration. Imagine all the comfort of traditional potato salad, but with the irresistible crunch of golden roasted potatoes and a pop of fresh, zesty herbs. It’s the perfect way to make potatoes the star of the show, adding texture and personality to every bite. This salad is equally at home at a backyard barbecue or as the centerpiece of a casual weeknight dinner, and it might just change the way you think about potato salad forever.

Crispy Potato Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Crispy Potato Salad plays a starring role—there’s nothing extra or unnecessary, just simple pantry and fridge staples that come together for maximum flavor. Each one pumps up the taste, color, or texture in its own special way.

Small Yukon gold or red potatoes: These have a buttery flavor and stay creamy inside while getting delightfully crispy outside.
Olive oil: Helps the potatoes crisp up beautifully and adds a subtle, fruity note.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Don’t skimp! Simple seasoning brings out the natural flavor of the potatoes.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base that binds everything together, lending richness and tang.
Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle zing that balances the creaminess with a bit of sharpness.
Lemon juice: Brings freshness and a bright, sunny acidity.
Celery: For essential crunch and a splash of green.
Red onion: Sweet, sharp, and colorful—use sparingly so it doesn’t overpower.
Fresh parsley (or dill): A big handful brings the whole salad to life with a fresh, herbal finish.

How to Make Crispy Potato Salad

Step 1: Roast the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut your small potatoes into bite-sized chunks, toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread them out on a lined baking sheet. Give them plenty of space so they crisp up instead of steaming—this is where the magic starts for your Crispy Potato Salad! Roast for 25 to 35 minutes, tossing once halfway through, until each piece is golden and crunchy on the outside, but still fluffy on the inside. Let them cool slightly before moving on.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and a pinch more salt and pepper. Taste and tweak to your liking—you want a tangy, vibrant base that will complement those crispy potato edges.

Step 3: Chop and Add Veggies

Dice the celery and red onion super fine so they blend in and add punches of crunch without overwhelming the salad. Toss them right into the bowl with your creamy dressing. This simple step makes every bite of your Crispy Potato Salad lively and full of texture.

Step 4: Toss It All Together

Once the potatoes are still warm but not steaming, gently fold them into the dressing mixture. This helps the potatoes soak up all those savory, tangy flavors while staying crispy on the outside. Shower over lots of freshly chopped parsley or dill and fold again for a burst of herby goodness.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Transfer your Crispy Potato Salad to a serving bowl and chill for at least 30 minutes if you have the time. This helps the flavors meld and gives the salad that classic, comforting coolness—plus, the crispiness holds up impressively well! Serve cold or at room temperature for best results.

How to Serve Crispy Potato Salad

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs is a must for finishing Crispy Potato Salad, keeping things bright and vibrant. Extra black pepper or a light zesting of lemon over the top right before serving adds a lovely aromatic touch that really wakes up the flavors.

Side Dishes

Crispy Potato Salad happily plays sidekick to just about anything off the grill—think juicy burgers, tender grilled chicken, or smoky sausages. It also pairs beautifully with simply steamed vegetables or a platter of sliced tomatoes and cucumbers for added crunch and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try piling Crispy Potato Salad onto a bed of peppery arugula or greens, or serve in small jars or glasses for individual portions at a picnic or potluck. It also makes a clever filling for lettuce wraps or as a topping for open-faced sandwiches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crispy Potato Salad will keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. The texture of the potatoes will soften a bit over time, but the flavors deepen and become even more delicious.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad, as the potatoes and creamy dressing can separate and turn grainy once thawed. For best results, make it fresh or prepare the components ahead to assemble right before eating.

Reheating

If you like, you can let the salad sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving to take the chill off, but it’s best enjoyed cold or just slightly cool to preserve that signature crispiness. No need to reheat!

FAQs

Can I use regular russet potatoes instead of Yukon gold or red potatoes?

Yes, you can, but keep in mind that Yukon gold or red varieties have a creamier texture and hold their shape better for Crispy Potato Salad. Russets work in a pinch, though they may turn out a bit more crumbly.

How do I keep the potatoes as crispy as possible?

The secret to keeping potatoes crispy is roasting them at a high temperature and spreading them out well on the baking sheet. Letting them cool slightly before mixing with the dressing also helps preserve their texture in the salad.

Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Absolutely! Just choose a good vegan mayonnaise and double-check that your other condiments are dairy-free. The rest of the ingredients in Crispy Potato Salad are naturally free from dairy.

What other herbs work well in this recipe?

Fresh dill, chives, tarragon, or basil all bring a unique personality if you want to mix it up. Just stick to soft, leafy herbs that complement the potatoes’ mild, creamy flavor.

Is this Crispy Potato Salad good for meal prep?

This salad is a meal prep dream! You can roast the potatoes and prep the dressing separately, then keep everything chilled and toss together right before serving for maximum crunch and freshness.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Crispy Potato Salad for yourself—it’s a true celebration of everything wonderful about potatoes, with a crispy twist that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re serving it at a party or sneaking spoonfuls straight from the fridge, this salad is pure comfort and joy.

Kimberly