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Creamy Loaded Potato Salad with Bacon and Chives

creamy loaded potato salad - featured image

A creamy, tangy potato salad loaded with crispy bacon and fresh chives, perfect for BBQs and potlucks. This recipe balances textures and flavors for a satisfying side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 6 to 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup sweet onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
  • 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or splash of pickle juice

Instructions

  1. Wash and scrub potatoes; cut into 1-inch cubes, leaving skins on.
  2. Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water by 1 inch, add a pinch of salt, bring to boil, then simmer for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender but firm.
  3. Drain potatoes in a colander and spread on a baking sheet to cool; pat dry if needed.
  4. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 8-10 minutes; drain on paper towels and chop.
  5. Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  6. Finely chop onion, chives, and celery; soak onion in cold water for 10 minutes if milder flavor desired, then drain.
  7. In a large bowl, gently fold cooled potatoes with chopped vegetables and bacon.
  8. Pour dressing over and mix carefully with a spatula or wooden spoon to avoid mashing potatoes.
  9. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld.
  10. Before serving, gently stir and garnish with extra chives or bacon pieces.

Notes

Boil potatoes in cold water for even cooking. Drain and cool potatoes well to avoid watery salad. Use gentle folding to keep potato chunks intact. Bacon can be baked in oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes as an alternative. Chill salad for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato salad, creamy potato salad, bacon potato salad, BBQ side dish, chives, picnic salad, summer salad