Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

Name: Crispy Smashed Potato Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds baby potatoes; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 cup diced celery; 1/2 cup chopped green onions; 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper; Fresh herbs (such as dill or parsley) for garnish

December 11, 2025 by Sophia Green

Crispy Smashed Potato Salad served in a bowl with fresh herbs.

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Crispy Smashed Potato Salad: A Perfect Harmony of Flavors

As the sun descends, casting a warm, golden light that dances through your kitchen, a feeling of coziness wraps around you like a soft blanket. With the comforting aroma of roasted potatoes infiltrating your senses, it’s hard not to smile. This is the essence of the Crispy Smashed Potato Salad—a dish so inviting, it beckons family and friends to gather around the table. Imagine the delightful crunch of golden potatoes, mingling with creamy flavors and fresh veggies, creating a medley that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a summer barbecue, a festive holiday gathering, or a simple weeknight dinner, this salad will surely win hearts and taste buds.

The beauty of this dish lies not only in its aesthetics but also in its nostalgic flavors. Each bite evokes memories of family gatherings, laughter, and a shared love for good food. When you serve this Crispy Smashed Potato Salad, you’re not just serving a dish; you’re sharing an experience—one that’s brimming with warmth, flavor, and connection.

What You’ll Need

To embark on this delicious journey of flavors, gather the following ingredients and tools. Each component plays a crucial role in the creation of your Crispy Smashed Potato Salad, ensuring that every mouthful is as delightful as the last.

Ingredients

2 pounds baby potatoes
1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 cup diced celery
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
Fresh herbs (such as dill or parsley) for garnish

Tools

Large pot
Baking sheet
Potato masher or fork
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Serving dish

How to Make It

Creating your Crispy Smashed Potato Salad is an enjoyable and satisfying process that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Let’s explore the steps together!

Prep the Base

Begin your culinary adventure by preheating your oven to a cozy 400°F (200°C). Meanwhile, in a large pot, bring salted water to a gentle boil, perfectly seasoned like the ocean’s breeze. Once simmering, toss in the baby potatoes, letting them bubble away until they’re fork-tender—this should take about 15 to 20 minutes. As they cook, you’ll breathe in the earthy aroma of the potatoes, a familiar scent that adds to the anticipation of what’s to come.

Once cooked, carefully drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. This is the moment when patience pays off. They should feel soft to the touch but firm enough to withstand the next step—this is the delicate balance you want to achieve.

Smash and Season

Now comes the fun part! On a baking sheet, place the slightly cooled potatoes, each one waiting to be transformed. With the back of a fork or a potato masher, gently smash each potato down, creating little craters that will catch all those wonderful flavors you’re about to add. The sound of the crunching and popping invites excitement, as you watch them morph into the perfect base for your salad.

Next, drizzle the smashed potatoes liberally with olive oil, allowing it to pool in those divots, enhancing the flavor profile. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then toss it all together to ensure each potato is generously coated with fragrant oil and seasonings. You’ll notice the sheen of the potatoes, glistening and ready for roasting.

Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and set a timer for 25 to 30 minutes. The potatoes will roast to a crispy, golden perfection, filling your space with an inviting aroma that lingers in the air, creating a symphony of smells that dances from the kitchen to every corner of your home. You’ll know they are done when they are beautifully browned and crisp on the edges, promising a delightful crunch.

Mix the Dressing

While the potatoes are roasting, take a moment to whip up the dressing that will bring your salad to life. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard. As you whisk these ingredients together, you’ll create a creamy concoction that smells divine and looks irresistibly rich. The tanginess of the mustard melds seamlessly with the creaminess of the sour cream and mayonnaise, creating a perfect balance of flavors ready to embrace the crispy potatoes.

Combine and Serve

Once the potatoes are golden and pleasantly crispy, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly—just enough to handle, but not too much, as you want them warm in the salad. Now, add the smashed potatoes to the dressing, lovingly coating each one. With a gentle hand, fold in the diced celery, green onions, and red bell pepper. The vibrant colors of the veggies—crisp green, bright red, and creamy white—pop against the golden potatoes, creating a visually stunning dish.

Garnish your Crispy Smashed Potato Salad with an array of fresh herbs, such as dill or parsley, inviting an added layer of freshness. Serving this salad warm enhances the taste and texture, but it’s equally delightful when served chilled.

Creative Twists

While the classic Crispy Smashed Potato Salad is undeniably delicious, don’t hesitate to add your own spin! Here are a few fun ideas:

Seasonal Swaps: In the summer, add fresh herbs like basil or chives for an aromatic twist. During autumn, incorporate roasted sweet potatoes for a sweet and savory contrast.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing for an unexpected flavor surprise.
Creamy Alternatives: For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream, giving a tangy bite without sacrificing creaminess.
Protein Boost: Toss in some cooked and crumbled bacon or diced grilled chicken for a heartier version that’s perfect as a main dish.

Final Inspiration

Creating this Crispy Smashed Potato Salad is more than just preparing a meal; it’s about crafting memories and sharing joy with those you love. As you gather your family or friends, watch their faces light up with excitement at the sight of this beautiful dish before them. Encourage them to dive in, to enjoy, and to share their favorite moments connected to food.

This delightful salad deserves a place at your dining table, not just for special gatherings but as part of your weekly traditions. It’s a dish that resonates with warmth and love—a culinary hug in every bite. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the experience, and let the aroma of Crispy Smashed Potato Salad become a cherished part of your home.

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