Crispy Smashed Potato Salad: A Modern Twist on a Classic Side Dish

Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

Introduction

Crispy Smashed Potato Salad delivers the ultimate combination of tender, fluffy potato interiors and irresistibly crispy edges, all tossed in a fresh, flavorful dressing. It’s a modern twist on classic potato salad—easy to prepare, standout in flavor, and designed to impress at any family dinner, picnic, or potluck. This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that transforms the humble potato into a next-level side.

Why Crispy Smashed Potato Salad is a Must-Try

This recipe’s magic lies in the contrast of textures: lightly smashed potatoes that roast to golden perfection, creating crackly edges, then combined with a zesty dressing and fresh herbs. It’s savory, satisfying, and endlessly customizable with your favorite add-ins, making it a staple for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings.

How to Achieve Perfectly Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Boil baby potatoes just until fork-tender, then gently smash each one. Roasting with olive oil allows each potato to become gloriously crisp on the outside while remaining pillowy on the inside. For even more crunch, space the potatoes apart on the baking sheet, and don’t skimp on olive oil and seasoning.

Building the Ultimate Potato Salad

Once the potatoes are perfectly crispy, let them cool slightly. Toss with a homemade dressing—think tangy Dijon, honey, and vinegar—or opt for a classic creamy dressing. Finish with vibrant herbs, scallions, and, if you wish, crispy bacon or pickled onions for layers of flavor.

Serving Suggestions for a Family Favorite Salad

Crispy Smashed Potato Salad is the ideal partner to grilled meats, sandwiches, or veggie-packed mains. Serve it warm or at room temperature for backyard BBQs or Sunday lunches. Try sprinkling with extra herbs or a squeeze of lemon for a bright finish.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 6 hearty servings. Each serving of the salad (without bacon add-ins) comes in around 250 to 300 calories, depending on the dressing and add-ons chosen. It’s naturally gluten-free and can be easily adapted for plant-based diets.

Crispy Smashed Potato Salad (Recap)

What sets this version apart is the double crunch and deep flavors—not your average potato salad. Each bite brings together crispy, fluffy potatoes and a lively dressing that makes the whole family reach for seconds.

Ingredients

2 pounds baby Yukon gold or red potatoes
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or chives)
3 green onions, thinly sliced
Dressing:
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
1 clove garlic, finely grated
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ons:
Crispy bacon bits, pickled red onions, or crumbled feta cheese

💡 Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to instantly generate a supermarket-ready shopping list. Every ingredient is sorted by grocery section for hassle-free shopping and meal planning.

CookifyAI meal planning interface

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Place whole potatoes in a pot; cover with cold salted water. Bring to a boil, then simmer 15–18 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
  3. Transfer potatoes to the prepared baking sheet. Use a flat-bottomed cup or potato masher to gently smash each. Drizzle potatoes with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Toss lightly to coat, then space the potatoes evenly.
  4. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until deeply golden and crispy around the edges.
  5. Meanwhile, whisk together all dressing ingredients in a bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Transfer hot potatoes to a large bowl. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently. Fold in fresh herbs and sliced green onions. Add any optional toppings.
  7. Serve immediately for maximum crispiness, or at room temperature for an equally delicious experience.

Weekly Meal Planning

Crispy Smashed Potato Salad holds up beautifully for meal prep and is a smart addition to your weekly rotation. Save and schedule this recipe through CookifyAI to seamlessly coordinate your weekly meals and generate a master shopping list—automatically grouped by store section for speedy shopping.

Planning Benefits:

– Consolidates total recipe ingredients for the week
– Prevents duplicate purchases with organized lists
– Calculates exact quantities to reduce food waste
– Simplifies meal rotation—change ingredients or add side dishes with a click

Pro tip: When you schedule your recipes, CookifyAI figures out where ingredients overlap (such as olive oil or fresh herbs), ensuring you buy only what you need for all your family’s meals that week.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

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