Ah, summer! Just saying the word brings back memories of sunshine, long days, and, of course, the best kind of food – the kind you can scoop onto a paper plate at a backyard BBQ or pack up for a picnic. And if there’s one dish that screams “summer fun,” it’s got to be potato salad. For years, my family gatherings just weren’t complete without a big bowl of my Ultimate Loaded Potato Salad Recipe For Summer Fun. I remember one Fourth of July, the heat was *intense*, but everyone kept going back for seconds (and thirds!) of this very potato salad. It’s that good, trust me! I’ve always loved making comfort food that brings people together, and this classic, updated recipe does exactly that, every single time.

Why This Ultimate Loaded Potato Salad Recipe Is a Summer Must-Have

Seriously, if you’re planning any kind of summer shindig – think BBQs, picnics, or just a casual get-together with friends – this potato salad is your new best friend. It’s a total crowd-pleaser! Everyone I serve it to always asks for the recipe. Plus, it’s fantastic because you can totally make it ahead of time. That means less stress for you on the day of your event, and you can actually enjoy your guests!

What I love most is how incredibly versatile it is. It’s packed with so much flavor from the bacon, cheese, and eggs, making every bite a delight. It really ups the ante from your basic potato salad. It’s perfect for those sunny days spent outdoors, whether you’re lounging in the park or firing up the grill. This is the kind of reliable, delicious dish that just makes your summer fun that much better. You’ll be so proud serving it up!

Gather Your Ingredients for the Ultimate Loaded Potato Salad Recipe

Alright, let’s get down to business and gather everything we need for this amazing potato salad! When it comes to good food, I always say using the best ingredients makes a world of difference, and this recipe is no exception. You want that delicious flavor to really shine through, right?

Here’s exactly what you’ll need. Make sure you have these on hand for the most incredible **Ultimate Loaded Potato Salad Recipe For Summer Fun**:

2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed really well and cut into nice, bite-sized 1-inch pieces. These are my absolute favorite for potato salad because they hold their shape beautifully!
1 cup mayonnaise. Use your favorite kind – it makes a difference!
1/4 cup sour cream. This adds a lovely tang and extra creaminess.
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard. Don’t skip this! It gives the dressing a little zip.
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion. Red onion has a nice bite without being too overpowering.
1/4 cup chopped celery. For that perfect little bit of crunch.
4 slices bacon, cooked until nice and crispy, then crumbled up. Oh yes, bacon!
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Sharp cheddar is wonderful here, but use what you love!
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped up. These are little flavor bombs!
Salt and black pepper to taste. You’ll want to season it up just right at the end.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Ultimate Loaded Potato Salad Recipe

Okay, now for the fun part – putting it all together! This is where the magic happens, folks. Don’t worry, it’s super straightforward, and I’ll walk you through every step. You’ll be the hero of your next summer party with this amazing potato salad!

Preparing the Potatoes: The Foundation of Your Ultimate Loaded Potato Salad

First things first, we need to get those potatoes ready. Give them a good scrub – no need to peel these Yukon Golds; the skins add great texture! Cut them into nice, even 1-inch pieces so they cook up uniformly. Pop them into a big pot, cover them with cold water, and here’s a little trick: add a really generous pinch of salt to that water. It seasons the potatoes from the inside out, making a HUGE difference! Bring it to a boil and let them cook until they’re just tender. You want them to be fork-tender, meaning a fork slides in easily, but they shouldn’t be falling apart into mush. That’s key!

Creating the Creamy Dressing for Your Loaded Potato Salad

While the potatoes are doing their thing, let’s whip up the dressing. Grab a big bowl – you know, the one you’ll eventually mix everything in! Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and that zippy Dijon mustard. Just keep whisking until it’s all smooth and creamy. Easy peasy, right? This is going to be the delicious base for all those amazing flavors.

Combining and Loading the Flavors into Your Potato Salad

Once your potatoes are cooked and drained, let them cool just a *little* bit. You don’t want them piping hot, but still warm is perfect. Gently add them to that bowl with the dressing. Toss them carefully – I like to use a rubber spatula and fold them, making sure not to mash them. We want nice potato chunks, not a potato paste!

Now, add in that finely chopped red onion and celery for a bit of crunch and freshness. Give it all another gentle stir. And now for the best part – loading up all that flavor! Gently fold in the crumbled bacon (because bacon makes everything better, obvi!), the shredded cheddar cheese, and those chopped hard-boiled eggs. Just mix everything together with care, spreading those yummy bits evenly throughout the salad. My personal tip here? Don’t go crazy mixing once the add-ins are in. A few gentle folds are all you need to keep everything looking beautiful and tasting fantastic. If you’re wondering about the perfect hard-boiled eggs, check out this easy method!

Seasoning and Chilling Your Ultimate Loaded Potato Salad

Taste your masterpiece! Now’s the time to add salt and black pepper to your liking. Start small, give it a mix, and taste again. You want it to be just perfect for you. Once it’s seasoned just right, cover that bowl tightly. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step is super important, trust me! It gives all those incredible flavors time to mingle and get to know each other, making the whole potato salad taste so much better. That’s the secret to truly *ultimate* potato salad!

Tips for Success with Your Ultimate Loaded Potato Salad Recipe

To make sure your loaded potato salad is an absolute hit every single time, I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years. It’s all about these little details that really make a difference! The type of potato you use is a big one. Yukon Golds are awesome because they’re waxy and hold their shape, but you could also try red potatoes. Just avoid starchy ones like russets; they can turn into mash way too easily.

If you’re planning a big summer party, this salad is a lifesaver because it’s actually *better* when made ahead! Make it the night before, and all those flavors just meld together beautifully. You can adjust the dressing consistency too – if you like it creamier, just spoon in a little extra mayo or sour cream.

Want to jazz it up even more for extra summer fun? Try adding some chopped chives or green onions for a fresh pop, or maybe a dash of hot sauce for a little kick! For more awesome potato salad inspiration, definitely check out this creamy potato salad or even a different style like this warm German potato salad!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Loaded Potato Salad

Let’s talk about these ingredients for a second, because sometimes you might not have exactly what’s listed, or you might want to tweak things a bit! For the potatoes, while I absolutely adore Yukon Golds for their creamy texture and how they hold up, red potatoes are a fantastic substitute. They have a similar waxy quality that keeps them from turning mushy. Just steer clear of starchy potatoes like russets – they really can turn your salad into a potato paste when you’re aiming for those lovely chunks!

And for the dressing? If you’re not a fan of the mayo-sour cream combo, you can absolutely adjust it. Some folks prefer using all mayonnaise, or even switching out some of it for plain Greek yogurt for a tangier, lower-fat option. Just play around with it until it tastes perfect to you!

Serving Suggestions for Your Ultimate Loaded Potato Salad

So, you’ve got this incredible loaded potato salad ready to go – now what? This salad is so great because it’s a perfect partner for all your favorite summer cookout classics! Imagine this: a bright, sunny day, the grill is sizzling, and you’ve got a bowl of this amazing potato salad chilling, ready to be scooped onto plates. It’s the heart of any good picnic or BBQ, truly!

It goes amazing with some juicy BBQ chicken, of course. Or how about some perfectly grilled shrimp? You can find some awesome ideas for grilled shrimp that would be fantastic alongside. Honestly, anything you’re grilling – burgers, hot dogs, ribs – this potato salad just makes the whole meal feel complete and extra special. It’s the side dish that always impresses!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This loaded potato salad is best stored in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay wonderfully delicious for about 3 to 4 days. Just a little heads-up, the texture might soften *slightly* the longer it sits, but it’s still incredibly tasty! Reheating isn’t really recommended because of the mayo and eggs, you’ll want to enjoy it chilled, straight from the fridge. So, just keep it cold and you’ll have a fantastic side dish ready whenever you need it!

Frequently Asked Questions About Loaded Potato Salad

Got questions about making this amazing loaded potato salad? I totally get it! It’s one of those classic comfort foods that people have strong feelings about, and I’m happy to clear things up!

Can I make this loaded potato salad ahead of time?

Oh, absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend it for the ultimate flavor. Making this potato salad the night before you plan to serve it is the best way to go. It gives all those delicious ingredients – the bacon, cheese, eggs, and that creamy dressing – a chance to really meld together. It’ll taste even better!

What are the best potatoes for loaded potato salad?

This is a big one for texture! For this Ultimate Loaded Potato Salad Recipe, I *always* go for Yukon Gold potatoes. They’re the perfect waxy potato – they hold their shape beautifully when boiled and mixed, so you get lovely chunks instead of mush. Red potatoes are a close second. Definitely avoid starchy potatoes like Russets, because they break down too easily.

How long does loaded potato salad last in the fridge?

Once it’s made, you can keep this delicious loaded potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Just a heads-up, the texture might soften a tiny bit over time, but it’s still super yummy! We usually gobble ours up way before then, though!

Can I add other ingredients to my loaded potato salad?

You bet! While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s a wonderful base for adding your own personal touches for even more summer fun. Chopped fresh chives or green onions are a great addition for a bit of freshness. Some people love adding a little dill pickle relish for extra tang, or even some chopped jalapenos if you like a bit of heat! You can check out another great recipe variation here!

Nutritional Information

Okay, so we’ve talked about how amazing this loaded potato salad is, but let’s chat for a sec about what’s actually IN it. While we’re aiming for pure summer deliciousness here, it’s always good to have an idea of the nutritional stuff. Just remember, these are estimates, okay? Because every kitchen is a little different, and brands can vary, so the exact numbers might shift a bit depending on what you use!

Here’s a general idea of what you’re looking at per serving (about 1 cup):

Calories: Around 350
Fat: About 25g (that includes around 7g of saturated fat)
Protein: Roughly 8g
Carbohydrates: Around 25g
Sodium: Approximately 500mg
Sugar: About 4g

This is pretty typical for a rich, creamy, and loaded dish like this! It’s definitely more of a treat for those fun summer gatherings rather than an everyday thing, and that’s totally okay. It’s the perfect balance of deliciousness and a little bit of indulgence for those special summer moments!

Ultimate Loaded Potato Salad Recipe

Author: faironplay.com
Total Time: 40 min
Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A classic loaded potato salad perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped celery
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Place potato pieces in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well and let cool slightly.
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
Add the slightly cooled potatoes, red onion, and celery to the bowl with the dressing. Gently stir to combine.
Fold in the crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped hard-boiled eggs.
Season with salt and black pepper to your preference.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

For best results, use Yukon Gold potatoes as they hold their shape well.
You can add other toppings like chives or green onions.
Adjust the amount of mayonnaise and sour cream to achieve your desired consistency.

Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time: 20 min
Category: Side Dish
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: potato salad, loaded potato salad, summer salad, picnic food, barbecue side dish, classic potato salad