Crunchy Smashed Potato Salad Recipe

Zesty Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Recipe for Summer Fun

Potatoes reach new heights of deliciousness with this crispy smashed potato salad that transforms humble spuds into a crowd-pleasing sensation.

Crunchy edges and tender centers create a textural masterpiece that dances on your palate.

Golden-brown potatoes get a zesty makeover with fresh herbs and a tangy dressing that sparks excitement.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crisp exterior and creamy interior, making this dish a true standout.

The salad comes together with simple ingredients that pack maximum flavor.

Herbs and seasonings elevate these smashed potatoes from ordinary to extraordinary.

Dive into this irresistible recipe that promises to become your new favorite side dish.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 3

What’s Needed For Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

For Potato Base:
  • Potatoes: Starchy foundation that provides hearty texture and crispy exterior when roasted, choose firm and uniform-sized baby or new potatoes for consistent cooking.
  • Olive Oil: Creates golden, crispy surface and enhances overall flavor, select extra virgin for richer taste.
For Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth without raw garlic intensity, look for pure, freshly ground varieties.
  • Smoked Paprika: Delivers rich, smoky undertone that elevates potato flavor, choose high-quality Spanish paprika for best results.
  • Salt: Enhances natural potato flavors, use sea salt or kosher salt for better mineral complexity.
  • Black Pepper: Provides gentle heat and aromatic notes, freshly ground pepper offers more vibrant taste.
For Creamy Dressing:
  • Mayonnaise: Creates smooth, tangy base for dressing, select full-fat version for richer consistency.
  • Dijon Mustard: Introduces sharp, zesty kick that balances creamy elements, opt for authentic French-style mustard.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds bright, tangy undertone that cuts through richness, choose organic, unfiltered varieties.
  • Honey: Provides subtle sweetness and helps balance acidity, select raw, local honey for deeper flavor profile.
  • Dill, Parsley, Green Onions: Fresh herbs contribute bright, lively aromatics and visual appeal, use freshly chopped herbs for maximum flavor.

Helpful Tools For Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

  • Large pot: Essential for boiling potatoes evenly and adding salt.
  • Baking sheet: Perfect for roasting and creating crispy potato edges.
  • Parchment paper: Prevents potatoes from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
  • Potato masher or glass bottom: Crucial for smashing potatoes to create crispy texture.
  • Small bowl: Needed for whisking together creamy dressing ingredients.
  • Whisk: Helps blend dressing smoothly and remove any lumps.
  • Cutting board: Useful for chopping herbs and preparing garnishes.
  • Sharp knife: Required for finely chopping herbs and green onions.

Cooking Instructions For Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

  • Potato Preparation

Grab some fresh potatoes and get them nice and soft by boiling them in a pot of salted water. Once they’re tender, let them cool down slightly so they’re easier to handle.

  • Potato Smashing Adventure

Heat up your oven and grab a baking sheet. Gently crush each potato with the bottom of a glass, creating delightful flat surfaces that will turn super crispy.

  • Flavor Explosion

Drizzle olive oil over the smashed potatoes and sprinkle them with a magical blend of seasonings. Roast them in the oven until they become golden and irresistibly crunchy.

  • Creamy Dressing Magic

Whip together a tangy sauce using mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, honey, and fresh herbs. This dressing will bring incredible flavor to your potato creation.

  • Final Touch

Transfer the crispy potatoes to a serving dish. Pour the dreamy dressing over them, letting each potato soak up the delicious flavors. Add some extra herbs or crispy bacon if you’re feeling fancy.

  • Enjoying Time

Serve these potatoes warm or at room temperature, ready to wow everyone at the table.

Flavor Tweaks For Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

  • Crispy Potato Perfection Pro Tips
  • Potato Selection Magic: Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for the best smashing texture and crispy exterior. Smaller potatoes work wonderfully for bite-sized salad pieces.
  • Crispy Crunch Technique: Pat potatoes completely dry before smashing to ensure maximum crispiness. Use a flat-bottomed glass or sturdy potato masher with even pressure for perfect flattening.
  • Dressing Depth Hack: Let dressing sit for 10-15 minutes before adding to potatoes to allow herb flavors to fully develop and blend beautifully.
  • Dietary Flexibility: Create gluten-free version by using gluten-free mustard and ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free. For vegan option, substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo and replace bacon with crispy mushroom bits or coconut bacon.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Potatoes can be boiled and smashed a day ahead, then refrigerated. Roast just before serving to maintain ultimate crispiness and prevent sogginess.

Serving Suggestions For Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

  • Potluck Showstopper: Bring this crispy potato salad to your next gathering and watch it disappear within minutes. Everyone will be asking for the recipe.
  • Picnic Perfect: Pack these smashed potatoes in a portable container for an outdoor meal that stays deliciously crisp and exciting. The dressing keeps well during transport.
  • Brunch Companion: Pair this dish with scrambled eggs, frittata, or quiche for a delightful weekend morning spread that adds crunch and flavor to your plate. The herby dressing complements breakfast proteins beautifully.
  • Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve as a unique appetizer or side dish during sports viewing parties. The crispy texture and zesty dressing make these potatoes an irresistible snack that guests will devour quickly.

Storage Tips For Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover smashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum crispiness by separating layers with parchment paper.
  • Reheating Magic: Restore potato crunchiness by spreading them on a baking sheet and recrisping in a 400°F oven for 8-10 minutes, avoiding microwave which can make them soggy.
  • Dressing Separation Tip: Keep the herbed dressing in a separate sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing fresh mixing when ready to serve for optimal flavor retention.
  • Make-Ahead Preparation: Boil and smash potatoes a day ahead, storing them covered in the refrigerator. Roast just before serving to maintain their signature crispy texture and prevent moisture buildup.
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Crunchy Smashed Potato Salad Recipe

Crunchy Smashed Potato Salad Recipe


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4.8 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Crispy smashed potato salad brings Mediterranean flavors to your table with a delightful twist. Herb-infused potatoes and zesty dressing create a perfect side dish that elevates any meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 kg (2.2 lbs) baby potatoes or small Yukon Gold potatoes
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • ½ cup (120 ml) Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsps Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsps apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 2 tbsps fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 green onions, finely sliced
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Fresh dill
  • Fresh parsley
  • Crispy bacon bits (optional)

Instructions

  1. Potato Preparation: Thoroughly wash potatoes, removing all dirt. Boil in salted water until tender, approximately 15-20 minutes, then drain and cool briefly.
  2. Oven Setup: Preheat oven to 220C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange potatoes on the sheet and flatten each using a glass or masher to create textured surfaces.
  3. Seasoning and Roasting: Generously coat potatoes with olive oil, sprinkling garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping midway to ensure even golden crispiness.
  4. Dressing Creation: Whisk mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, dill, parsley, and green onions until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Final Assembly: Remove potatoes from oven when golden-brown and crispy. Transfer to a serving platter, drizzle with prepared dressing, and gently toss to coat evenly. Optional: Garnish with crispy bacon bits and fresh herbs. Serve warm or at room temperature as a delectable side dish.

Notes

  • Master Potato Selection: Choose waxy, firm potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for optimal smashing and crispy texture.
  • Prevent Sticking Technique: Ensure baking sheet is well-oiled or use parchment paper to avoid potatoes adhering during roasting.
  • Crisp Perfection Strategy: Press potatoes gently but firmly when smashing to create maximum surface area for extra crunchiness.
  • Temperature Control Hack: Allow potatoes to cool slightly before smashing to maintain structural integrity and prevent falling apart.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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