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Home » Recipes » Bacon Ranch Red Potato Salad

Bacon Ranch Red Potato Salad

Published on July 8, 2019, Updated August 26, 2020 by Kristin Maxwell | Leave a Comment

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Bacon Ranch Red Potato Salad is creamy and full of flavor and takes your everyday potato salad to the next level. It’s the perfect side dish for your next party or get-together.

While we love a good grilled steak or tri-tip, everyone secretly knows that the side dishes are the real stars of the party. Especially this Bacon Ranch Red Potato Salad.

An overhead image of bacon ranch red potato salad.

Bacon Ranch Potato Red Salad Recipe

Who doesn’t love a good potato salad? My kid. That’s who. Except for this bacon ranch version. This stuff, she completely devours. It’s creamy, full of flavor and and totally addicting.

Plus, it’s super easy to make. Boil chopped red potatoes, toss potatoes in a creamy homemade ranch flavored dressing with bacon and fresh herbs and a little bit of garlic. Boom. Done.

Best tips when making 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.

Potatoes and bacon in a large bowl, next to a smaller bowl with ranch, chives and green onions.

Red Potato Salad with bacon and ranch.

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

Raise your hand if you could make a meal out of just potato salad. I mean, it’s got bacon and that’s protein right? If you’re still not sure and want some delicious options to complement this creamy red potato salad, take a look at these great picnic and party options. Of course your traditional summer faire like hot dogs, hamburgers and fried chicken are always a good option, too.
  • Grilled Chicken Thighs
  • Beer Can Chicken
  • Pulled Chicken (Crockpot BBQ Chicken)
  • Grilled Zucchini Recipe
  • Broccoli Salad
  • Greek Pasta Salad

A side view of a bowl of bacon ranch red potato salad with a large spoon.

Here are a few more potato recipes you’ll love:

  • Authentic German Potato Salad (Swabia Style)
  • Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
  • Easy Baked Potato Wedges

Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

Kristin Maxwell
Bacon Ranch Potato Salad is creamy and full of flavor and takes your everyday potato salad to the next level. It's the perfect side dish for summer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Cooling 30 mins
Total Time 55 mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 390 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pounds red potatoes
  • 4 slices bacon
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 4 green onions thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives
  • Salt & pepper

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook until fork tender, but still firm, approximately 10-12 minutes. Lay paper towels on a large baking sheet. Drain the potatoes, then lay them in a single layer on the paper towels to dry (about 10 minutes). Sprinkle with salt to season.
  • Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large skillet until crisp. Drain on paper towels and discard grease. Chop or crumble bacon into small pieces.
  • In a large bowl, stir together mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch mix, garlic powder, green onions, most of the bacon (save some for garnish), parsley and chives until combined. Set aside.
  • Once potatoes are cooled, cut into bite-sized pieces. Add to the ranch mixture and stir gently to coat.
  • Garnish with fresh chives and bacon crumbles if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 390kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 6gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 548mgPotassium: 863mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 370IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 63mgIron: 1.5mg
Keyword bacon ranch potato salad, potato salad
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About Kristin Maxwell

Kristin Maxwell is the creator and main recipe developer, writer, and photographer of Yellow Bliss Road. A self-taught cook and self-appointed foodie, she specializes in easy, flavorful and approachable recipes for any home cook. Read more about Kristin HERE.

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Hi, I’m KRISTIN!

I'm a busy wife and mom who loves to cook, bake and create. All of the recipes and tips you will find here are created with your busy family (and mine!) in mind.

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