Crispy Smashed Potato Salad: The Perfect Crunchy, Flavor-Packed Side Dish

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Introduction

If you’re tired of the same old potato salad, it’s time to shake things up with Crispy Smashed Potato Salad — a game-changing side dish that’s crunchy, creamy, and packed with flavor. Instead of boiled and bland, these potatoes are roasted to golden perfection, then tossed in a zesty dressing with fresh herbs and crunchy veggies. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, planning a potluck, or just want to spice up dinner at home, this dish is sure to impress. Ready to learn how to make it? Let’s dive in!"

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Why You’ll Love Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

• Crunchy and creamy at the same time

• Packed with bold flavors — not your average potato salad

• Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, and family dinners

• Customizable — add your favorite herbs and toppings

• Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1.5 lbs baby potatoes (Yukon gold or red)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

• 2 tablespoons chopped dill or parsley

• Optional: crispy bacon bits, pickled onions, crumbled feta

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Step-by-Step: How to Make Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Place the baby potatoes in a pot of salted water. Boil until fork-tender — about 15–20 minutes. Drain and let them cool slightly.

Step 2: Smash and Roast

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the potatoes on a baking sheet. Using a flat-bottomed glass or a fork, gently smash each potato to flatten slightly. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast for 20–25 minutes until golden and crispy.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Toss It All Together

In a large bowl, combine the crispy potatoes with the dressing. Add green onions, herbs, and any optional toppings. Toss gently to coat.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm or at room temperature. This dish pairs perfectly with grilled meats, burgers, or veggie mains.

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Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

• Use waxy potatoes — they hold their shape better.

• Smash carefully to keep the potatoes intact but with lots of crispy edges.

• Don’t skip the roasting step — that’s where all the crunch comes from!

• Mix up the herbs — try chives, tarragon, or basil for new flavor combos.

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Health Benefits of Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

• Potatoes are a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C.

• Olive oil provides healthy fats.

• Greek yogurt option lightens the dish and adds protein.

• Fresh herbs add antioxidants and boost flavor without extra calories.

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When to Serve Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

• Summer BBQs

• Holiday dinners

• Picnics

• Weeknight meals

• Potlucks and family gatherings

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking potatoes — they should be tender, not mushy.

• Skipping the oil — it’s key for crispiness.

• Overcrowding the pan — give the potatoes space to crisp up.

• Overdressing — you want to keep those crispy bits!

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

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Introduction

Craving something different from the usual potato salad? Crispy Smashed Potato Salad brings together the best of both worlds — golden roasted potatoes with crunchy edges, tossed in a creamy, flavorful dressing. This dish is not just tasty, it’s also fun to make! But before you dive into this recipe, it’s helpful to know both the advantages and disadvantages of Crispy Smashed Potato Salad so you can serve it at its best. Let’s break it down!

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Advantages of Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

1. Incredible Texture

Unlike soft, mushy potato salads, this one gives you that amazing contrast of crispy edges and creamy inside — a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

2. Bold Flavor

The roasting process deepens the flavor of the potatoes, and when combined with a zesty dressing, herbs, and optional toppings (hello, bacon or feta!), the taste is next level.

3. Versatile Dish

Serve it warm or at room temperature, pair it with grilled meats, or enjoy it on its own. It’s perfect for BBQs, potlucks, family dinners, or lunchboxes.

4. Easy to Customize

You can mix up the dressing — mayo-based, mustardy, yogurt — or switch up the herbs and toppings based on what you love.

5. Simple, Budget-Friendly Ingredients

It’s made with everyday staples: potatoes, olive oil, garlic, and pantry-friendly seasonings. No fancy shopping required!

6. No Mayo Option

For those avoiding heavy mayo-based salads, you can easily make this dish with olive oil, mustard, or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

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Disadvantages of Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

1. Requires Oven Time

Unlike classic boiled potato salad, this version needs roasting time (about 25–30 minutes), which can heat up the kitchen — not ideal on super hot days.

2. Best Served Fresh

For that crispy texture, it’s best enjoyed shortly after roasting. If stored in the fridge overnight, the potatoes will soften and lose their crunch.

3. Slightly More Effort

You’ll need to boil, smash, roast, and then dress the potatoes — a few more steps compared to traditional potato salad.

4. Not as “Portable”

If you’re taking this to a picnic or outdoor event, keeping the potatoes crispy can be a challenge if they’re made too far ahead.

5. Higher in Calories

Because of the roasting oil and crispy edges, this salad can be slightly higher in fat and calories than boiled versions — though using olive oil makes it healthier.

Conclusion

Crispy Smashed Potato Salad is a fun, flavorful twist on the traditional potato salad that everyone knows and loves. The contrast of crispy edges with creamy dressing and fresh herbs makes this dish completely irresistible. It’s easy to customize, pairs well with just about anything, and is guaranteed to be a hit at your next meal. If you’re ready to upgrade your side dish game, give this recipe a try — you won’t regret it!

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FAQs

1. Can I make Crispy Smashed Potato Salad ahead of time?

Yes, roast the potatoes ahead, then toss with dressing right before serving to keep them crispy.

2. What’s the best type of potato to use?

Baby Yukon gold or red potatoes work best for smashing and roasting.

3. Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Absolutely — use a vegan mayo and skip any cheese toppings.

4. Is this salad good for picnics?

Yes! It holds up well at room temperature for several hours.

5. How do I reheat leftovers?

Spread the salad on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes to refresh the crispiness.