This Pioneer Woman Mashed Potato Salad is a crispy and creamy recipe, which is made with baby Yukon gold potatoes and crispy bacon. It’s the perfect side dish for any barbecue or gathering, ready in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Pioneer Woman Mashed Potato Salad Recipe Ingredients
- 3 lb. baby Yukon gold potatoes
- 1 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 6 slices bacon
- 4 Tbsp. salted butter, melted
- 1 tsp. black pepper, plus more to taste
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh dill, plus more for garnish
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
- 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives, plus more for garnish
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- 1/4 cup chopped jarred roasted red peppers
How To Make Pioneer Woman Mashed Potato Salad
- Boil the Potatoes: Place the potatoes and a large pinch of salt in a saucepan and cover with water by an inch. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and set them aside.
- Cook the Bacon: While the potatoes cook, place the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook, flipping occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until crisp. Let the bacon cool on a paper towel-lined plate, then chop it into pieces.
- Smash and Roast the Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 450°F. Grease two sheet pans with 2 tablespoons of the melted butter. Place the boiled potatoes on the pans. Using the bottom of a glass, carefully smash each potato into a rough circle. Brush the tops with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper.
- Bake for Crispy Potatoes: Bake the smashed potatoes for 25 to 28 minutes, until they are deep golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Mix the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, dill, parsley, chives, and grated garlic. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Combine and Serve: Add the crispy potatoes, half of the chopped bacon, and half of the chopped roasted red peppers to the dressing. Toss gently to coat. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with the remaining bacon, roasted peppers, and more fresh dill and chives.

Recipe Tips
- Why smash the potatoes? Smashing the boiled potatoes before roasting them creates lots of craggy edges and increases the surface area, which results in incredibly crispy, golden-brown potatoes that are still fluffy on the inside.
- Can I make this ahead of time? This salad is best served fresh so the potatoes are crispy. However, you can boil the potatoes and make the dressing a day ahead. When you’re ready, just smash, roast the potatoes, and toss everything together.
- How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking? Be sure to grease the baking sheets well with melted butter. This not only prevents sticking but also helps the bottoms of the potatoes get extra crispy and flavorful.
- Can I use a different type of potato? Baby Yukon Golds or other waxy baby potatoes are best because they hold their shape well when boiled and smashed. Russet potatoes are starchier and may fall apart more easily.
What To Serve With This Potato Salad
This unique and hearty potato salad is a fantastic side dish for a variety of main courses.
- Grilled Steak or Pork Chops
- Roasted Chicken
- Hamburgers or Sausages
- BBQ Ribs
How To Store Smashed Potato Salad
- Refrigerate: This salad is best enjoyed on the day it is made to appreciate the crispy texture of the potatoes. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the potatoes will soften once chilled.
- Reheating: You can enjoy the leftovers cold, or you can spread them on a baking sheet and reheat in a 400°F oven for 10-15 minutes to try and bring back some of the crispiness.
Smashed Potato Salad Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Sugar: 4g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Is this potato salad served warm or cold?
It is best served warm or at room temperature, right after the crispy roasted potatoes have been tossed with the cool, creamy dressing.
Can I use an air fryer to make the potatoes?
Yes, an air fryer would be excellent for this. After smashing the potatoes, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to work in batches) and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until deeply golden and crisp.
What can I substitute for the fresh herbs?
If you don’t have fresh dill, parsley, and chives, you can use dried herbs. A general rule is to use one-third the amount of dried herbs as fresh, so you would use about 1 teaspoon of each.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Mango Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Curry Chicken Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Couscous Salad Recipe
Pioneer Woman Mashed Potato Salad Recipe
Description
A unique twist on potato salad featuring ultra-crispy smashed and roasted potatoes tossed in a creamy dill dressing with bacon and roasted red peppers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil baby potatoes until fork-tender; drain well.
- On a buttered baking sheet, smash each potato flat with the bottom of a glass.
- Brush potatoes with more melted butter and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast at 450°F for 25-28 minutes until deep golden brown and crispy.
- In a large bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh herbs, and garlic.
- Gently toss the warm, crispy potatoes with the dressing, half the bacon, and half the red peppers.
- Garnish with the remaining bacon, peppers, and fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- u003cliu003eSmashing the potatoes while they are still warm is easier and yields better results.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eDon’t overcrowd the baking sheets; give the potatoes plenty of space to get crispy all over.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis salad is best when the potatoes are still warm and crispy, creating a wonderful contrast with the cool, creamy dressing.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor extra flavor, you can grate the garlic directly into the dressing using a microplane.u003c/liu003e
