This is not your grandmother’s potato salad. It’s creamy, flavorful, easy to prepare, and pairs perfectly with hamburgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, barbecue, and steaks.

Why I Like It

• Easy to make in under 30 minutes
• Familiar ingredients available at every grocery store
• Great for picnics and cookouts
• Even better the next day
• Magazine-quality presentation with colorful toppings

A Backyard Favorite with a Fresh Twist

There are certain recipes that simply belong at a summer cookout, and potato salad is one of them. This version adds a few modern touches that take an old favorite to the next level. Creamy ranch dressing, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions give every bite incredible flavor while still keeping the recipe simple enough for any home cook.

Whether you’re firing up the grill for burgers, hosting family on the deck, or packing lunch for a day at the lake, this Loaded Ranch Potato Salad is sure to disappear quickly.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds baby red potatoes
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup ranch dressing
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Paprika for garnish

Directions

1. Wash the potatoes and cut larger ones in half.
2. Boil until fork tender, about 15–18 minutes.
3. Drain and cool slightly.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ranch dressing, and Dijon mustard.
5. Fold in the warm potatoes until evenly coated.
6. Add most of the cheese, bacon, green onions, and parsley.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Top with the remaining cheese, bacon, green onions, parsley, and a light sprinkle of paprika.
9. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

Margi’s Kitchen Tips

• Leave the skins on for extra color and texture.
• Mix the potatoes while they’re still slightly warm so they absorb more flavor.
• Cook the bacon ahead of time to save preparation time.
• Make it the night before—it’s even better the next day.

Perfect Pairings

This potato salad is the perfect companion to:

• Grilled hamburgers
• Cheeseburgers
• Hot dogs
• BBQ ribs
• Grilled chicken
• Bratwurst
• Baked beans
• Fresh watermelon
• Sweet iced tea or lemonade

From Margi’s Kitchen

“Some recipes never go out of style—they just get a little better over time. This Loaded Ranch Potato Salad has become one of my favorite summer side dishes because it’s simple, packed with flavor, and always a hit at family gatherings. I hope it earns a place on your table this summer. Happy cooking!”

– Margi Kyle

PHOTO COURTESY OF DEBORAH YOUNG STUDIO

Margi is Host of LKNConnect’s People in the Know, Recipe Source Extraordinaire and Co-Host on WSIC Radio Show. with Debbie O’Handley, on Comm(unity) Centered! A new business, an influential person, a new product or ideas that you would like the area to know about? This is the place to share your new and exciting recipes & ventures. Together we are making Lake Norman the most sought-after place to live

The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our writers belong solely to them
and do not represent LKNConnect.com, its publisher or its staff.

Discover More Delicious Recipes