Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Recipe

If you want to take your potato salad game to the next level, look no further than Crispy Smashed Potato Salad. Imagine the irresistible contrast of golden, crunchy potato edges and creamy centers, all tossed in a bold, zesty dressing that’s brightened with lemon and Dijon. Topped with fresh herbs, green onions, and optional pops of briny capers, this dish is a true celebration of textures and flavor. Whether you’re preparing a backyard feast or an easy weeknight dinner, this salad always disappears in minutes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Crispy Smashed Potato Salad is blissfully short, yet each item delivers something unique. From the earthiness of potatoes to the punch of Dijon, every component shines while coming together effortlessly.

• Baby potatoes: These bite-sized gems have tender insides and crisp up beautifully when smashed and roasted.
• Olive oil: Adds depth of flavor and ensures your potatoes become shatteringly crisp in the oven.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning both the boiling water and the final dish, it enhances every flavor.
• Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and rounds out the brightness of the other ingredients.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy backbone of the dressing, it clings perfectly to all those craggy potato edges.
• Dijon mustard: Lends the salad a sharp tang and a hint of complexity that lifts the basic mayo dressing.
• Lemon juice: Fresh and vibrant, it cuts through the richness with zippy acidity.
• Chopped fresh parsley: Dials up the color and freshness, making every bite lively.
• Green onions: Their mild onion note gives the salad extra character and a subtle crunch.
• Capers (optional): For those who love a pop of briny intensity, capers take the flavor up another notch.

How to Make Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

Step 1: Boil the Baby Potatoes

Start by placing your baby potatoes in a large pot and covering them completely with water. Add a generous pinch of salt here, just like you would for pasta—it subtly seasons the potatoes from the inside out. Simmer the potatoes for 12 to 15 minutes, or until a fork slides in easily. You want them tender but not falling apart, since they’ll get another round of cooking for crispiness!

Step 2: Smash and Crisp the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 425°F for maximum crunch potential. Drain the boiled potatoes and transfer them to a rimmed baking sheet. Use the back of a fork to gently smash each one—don’t go too thin, just flatten them until they split and open up a bit. Drizzle generously with olive oil, and don’t skimp here! Roast the potatoes in your hot oven for 20 to 25 minutes until golden, crispy, and completely irresistible around the edges.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Dressing

While the potatoes work their magic in the oven, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a big mixing bowl. The goal is a smooth, silky, zippy dressing that coats each crisp potato without overwhelming it. Taste and adjust the seasoning—this is the flavor backbone of your Crispy Smashed Potato Salad, after all!

Step 4: Toss and Finish

Once your potatoes are golden and perfectly crisp, let them cool on the pan for a minute or two. Then, while still warm, add them to the mixing bowl with your dressing. Toss gently so every nook and cranny gets a swipe of that luscious sauce. Sprinkle in the green onions, chopped parsley, and capers if using. Give everything one more toss to mingle the flavors, then transfer to your serving dish—warm or at room temperature, this salad shines either way.

How to Serve Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

Garnishes

A shower of extra chopped parsley or sliced green onions brings a flash of green that makes your Crispy Smashed Potato Salad pop on the table. You can even add a few capers on top for a visual and flavorful zing, or a sprinkle of flaky salt for some final sparkle and crunch.

Side Dishes

This salad is a standout on its own, but it also loves company! Serve it alongside grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or smoky barbecued meats for a satisfying meal. It also pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or crispy tofu for a vegetarian spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful: serve Crispy Smashed Potato Salad piled high on a platter lined with extra herbs, or portion it into individual jars for picnics. For a party twist, top with a soft-boiled egg or scatter over smoked salmon. However you present it, the colors and crispy texture always invite seconds!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any salad left (which is rare!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The potatoes stay delicious, and the flavors actually deepen over time, making tomorrow’s lunch even tastier.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for Crispy Smashed Potato Salad—potatoes can become mealy and lose their coveted crispiness after thawing. For best results, enjoy this salad fresh or from the fridge within a few days.

Reheating

To revive the crispy edges, spread leftover potatoes on a baking sheet and reheat in a hot oven (roughly 400°F) for 8 to 10 minutes. This restores much of the crunch while keeping the insides creamy. If you’re in a hurry, a skillet over medium heat works well, too!

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Absolutely! Just cut them into smaller, even-sized pieces before boiling so they cook uniformly and are easy to smash. The flavor and crispness will still be fantastic.

Can I make Crispy Smashed Potato Salad vegan?

Yes! Substitute your favorite vegan mayonnaise for a completely plant-based version. The salad keeps all its crave-worthy flavor and texture.

How can I keep the potatoes super crispy?

Make sure to let the potatoes dry briefly after boiling, and don’t overcrowd the pan when roasting. This ensures every potato has the space to crisp evenly on the baking sheet.

Is it better served warm or cold?

Crispy Smashed Potato Salad is delicious at both temperatures. Serving it slightly warm brings out the crispiness best, but it holds up beautifully as a chilled make-ahead dish for picnics or potlucks.

What other herbs or add-ins can I try?

Feel free to get creative! Dill, chives, or tarragon would all be tasty variations. Chopped pickles, crispy bacon, or even roasted garlic can deepen the flavor further and make the salad uniquely yours.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to transform your idea of potato salad, give Crispy Smashed Potato Salad a try. Its perfect blend of textures and punchy, fresh flavors never fails to impress, and you’ll find yourself craving it for every celebration or simple weeknight dinner. Dig in and savor every crispy, creamy bite!

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