
Potato salad is one of the ultimate BBQ side dishes, but why stick to the same classic version every time? These three loaded potato salad recipes bring bold flavors, creamy textures, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, and tangy mustard goodness to your table.
Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout, family dinner, picnic, or backyard BBQ, these easy potato salads are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
1. Loaded Baked Potato Salad
This loaded baked potato salad tastes just like a loaded baked potato — creamy, cheesy, smoky, and packed with crispy bacon.
Ingredients
- 6–8 russet potatoes, washed and dried
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/4 cups sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 pound bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Extra green onions for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
Bake or boil the potatoes until fork tender. Let them cool slightly, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a large bowl, mix:
- Sour cream
- Mayonnaise
- Salt
- Black pepper
Step 3: Add the Mix-Ins
Fold in:
- Bacon
- Green onions
- Red onion
- Cheddar cheese
Step 4: Combine
Add the potatoes and gently toss until coated.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with extra bacon, cheese, and green onions.
2. Mustard Potato Salad
This tangy mustard potato salad is rich, creamy, and packed with classic picnic flavor.
Ingredients
- 5 pounds golden or red potatoes
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 6 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 2 cups mayonnaise or Miracle Whip
- 1/2 cup pickle relish
- 1 1/2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- Paprika for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Boil potatoes until tender, then cool slightly and chop.
Step 2: Add Vinegar
Sprinkle vinegar over warm potatoes for extra flavor.
Step 3: Mix the Salad
In a large bowl combine:
- Celery
- Eggs
- Onion
- Pickle relish
- Mustard
- Dill
- Mayonnaise
Step 4: Combine and Chill
Add potatoes and mix gently. Chill before serving.
Step 5: Garnish
Sprinkle paprika on top before serving.
3. Bacon Ranch Potato Salad
Creamy ranch dressing, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and baby potatoes make this salad absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds baby red potatoes
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 cup green onions, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 bottle ranch dressing
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
Boil potatoes until fork tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
Step 2: Add Flavor
Toss warm potatoes with vinegar.
Step 3: Mix Everything Together
In a large bowl combine:
- Ranch dressing
- Bacon
- Green onions
- Cheddar cheese
- Pepper
- Paprika
Add potatoes and gently stir.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Potato Salad
- Don’t overcook potatoes or they may become mushy.
- Let potatoes cool slightly before mixing.
- Chill before serving for the best flavor.
- Add extra bacon or cheese for richer flavor.
- Use fresh herbs for freshness.
Perfect BBQ Pairings
These potato salads go perfectly with:
- BBQ ribs
- Burgers
- Grilled chicken
- Hot dogs
- Corn on the cob
- Pulled pork sandwiches

