Bacon Ranch Red Potato Salad

•  The key to perfectly cooked potatoes is starting them in cold water first. They should be fully submerged in a pot of water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer the potatoes until they are fully cooked.
• Season the water when cooking the potatoes. Add plenty of salt to the water, the potatoes will absorb the salt which seasons them from the inside out making them full of flavor. You can season the red potato salad when you’re mixing it, but you’ll never get the same amount of flavor as you will from seasoning the water.
• Watch them carefully and don’t over or under cook. Depending on the size of the potato chunks, it will take between 8 to 12 minutes. Mashed potatoes can boil a little longer since they will be mashed, but for this bacon ranch red potato salad you want to make sure the potatoes will hold their shape.
• With a mayo based salad like this bacon ranch version, allow the potatoes to cool completely before dressing. For oil and vinegar based salads, dressing the potatoes when the potatoes are still a little warm so they absorb the dressing.

What kind of potatoes are best for potato salad?

Potatoes are divided into three main categories, based on texture – all-purpose, waxy and starchy. Waxy potatoes, like reds, golds or fingerlings are best for potato salad. They will hold their shape as they cook instead of falling apart like a starchy russet would do.

How to make bacon ranch red potato salad

1. Wash and scrub red potatoes clean to remove any dirt. Cut potatoes into chunks that are roughly the same size. This will help them to cook evenly.
2. Place the potatoes in a large pot and fill the pot with water until the potatoes are fully submerged. Add a handful of salt to the water and bring it to a boil. Cook the potatoes for about 10-15 minutes or until tender.
3. While the potatoes are boiling, cook up some crispy bacon. This is a Bacon Ranch Potato Salad after all. Pro Tip: cut the raw bacon using kitchen shears, directly into the skillet so you don’t have to worry about chopping it later.
4. While the potatoes are cooling, mix up the potato salad dressing using mayo, sour cream and ranch dressing mix.
5. Once the potatoes are cooled, toss them with the dressing until they are well coated. Stir in green onions, parsley, chives and crumbled bacon.
6. Chill red potato salad until ready to serve. Salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance.

What to do with leftovers

If you have leftover bacon ranch red potato salad, store it in a bowl with an airtight seal in the fridge. It should last 4-5 days. If it seems a little dry, add a tablespoon or so of mayo to moisten. Freezing is not recommended.

Serving suggestions