Easy Bacon Potato Salad
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This easy Bacon Potato Salad stands out as a crowd-pleaser with its irresistible blend of crispy bacon and tender potatoes, mixed with creamy dressing. Its simplicity and versatility make it one of my favorite potato salad recipes for a summer barbecue or weekday dinners.
Are you a big fan of potato salad? You should also try my Hawaiian Potato Salad, it is a fun twist on traditional potato salad with the addition of macaroni and peas.
Bacon potato salad isn’t just another side dish; it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings together unforgettable flavors and textures. Whether it’s a BBQ in the backyard or a potluck dinner, this dish often steals the spotlight.
My version takes traditional potato salad to a whole new level with smoky bacon and soft potatoes elevating every bite, it’s no wonder this creamy potato salad is a favorite on many family tables.
Ingredients
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: These strike a balance with a creamy yet firm texture, bringing a buttery flavor to the salad. They’re versatile and widely loved for this dish. >>>OR>>>
- Red Potatoes: With their waxy texture, red potatoes hold their shape better and add a slight sweetness to the salad. They’re great for a clean, firm bite.
- Crispy Bacon: It’s crucial to cook bacon until it’s crispy. This not only brings out its rich flavor but also provides a satisfying crunch that complements the softness of the potatoes.
- Mayo-Based Dressing: Classic and creamy, this dressing combines mayonnaise with Dijon mustard, green onions, Italian parsley, and bacon grease for a rich flavor.
Check out the printable recipe card below for the complete recipe and detailed instructions.
How to make Bacon Potato Salad
Place the cubed potatoes and eggs in a pot and cover them with water. Add a pinch of salt. Boil the for about 15-20 minutes. The potatoes should be fork tender but not mushy.
While the potatoes and eggs are cooking, I cook my bacon to crispy, but not crunchy.
Bake: Place bacon in a single layer on a foil lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F. for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on thickness of your bacon.
Fry: Place bacon in a pan or skillet and fry until crispy, then place on paper towels to remove excess grease. You can chop it into bits or small pieces, so every bite of salad has a taste of bacon.
Drain bacon on paper towels, and reserve the bacon grease for later.
Don’t give me that look, just do it! This is the secret ingredient that makes it so delicious.
Drain your potatoes and eggs and rinse under cold water. Set aside to cool. This prevents them from getting too soft in the salad.
One cooled, quarter the potatoes and dice the eggs.
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, mustard, and 2 tablespoons of the reserved bacon fat with the diced green onions and parsley.
In a large bowl, gently combine the cooled potatoes with the crispy bacon pieces and diced eggs.
If you are higher than a kite a walking zombie while taking Sudafed, go ahead and mix everything together all at once.
I probably should not be allowed to play with sharp knives right now!
Pour the dressing over the mixture. Use a spatula to fold the dressing into the potatoes and bacon, making sure everything is well-coated.
Cover and chill the salad in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This lets the flavors meld together, making each bite pure heaven on a fork.
Sprinkle chopped green onions or additional parsley on top for a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Instant Pot Option
Short on time, check out my Instant Pot Bacon Potato Salad! Same great taste, just a different way to cook the ingredients.
Both versions of Bacon Potato Salad are Paleo and Whole30 compliant when you use Whole30 Mayonnaise, mustard and Whole30 bacon.
Roasted Vegetable Couscous, Italian Pasta Salad, and Grilled Corn Relish are delicious summer bbq recipes too!
Variations of Bacon Potato Salad
Cheesy Bacon Potato Salad
Adding cheese to your bacon potato salad is a surefire way to make it more delicious. You can try using sharp cheddar cheese for a rich and tangy twist, or go for creamy feta to add a unique flavor.
- Mix in grated cheddar or crumble some feta directly into the salad.
- Add cheese while the potatoes are still warm so it melts slightly.
- Pair with additional toppings like green onions or chopped tomatoes for more color and flavor.
Seasonal Ingredients
Using seasonal ingredients brings a burst of color and freshness to your bacon potato salad. Imagine biting into sweet, crunchy corn freshly picked in summer or adding crisp green peas for an additional layer of texture.
- Add fresh corn kernels for a sweet pop.
- Stir in green peas to contribute a pleasant sweetness and vibrant color.
- Consider other seasonal vegetables like asparagus or radishes to further enhance flavor and appearance.
Serving Suggestions
This simple potato salad pairs wonderfully with a range of dishes, making it a flexible addition to any menu.
- Grilled Meats: The smoky, savory flavors of bacon potato salad complement grilled favorites like chicken, steak, or pork chops. Imagine the crunch of a juicy grilled cowboy burger alongside a scoop of creamy salad—it’s a match made in heaven.
- Picnic Fare: Bring some joy to your outdoor adventures by pairing this easy potato salad with classic picnic items. Italian Sub Sandwiches and California-style hot dogs are just a few options that go well with this salad.
- Seafood Favorites: The richness of bacon potato salad also complements seafood dishes like grilled cilantro-lime shrimp or garlic lemon salmon. The flavors come together like a symphony, adding depth to your dining experience.
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see it!
Tag @cookingwithcurls on Instagram & Facebook and leave a ⭐️⭐⭐⭐⭐ review below!
Enjoy!!
Easy Bacon Potato Salad
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds small red or gold potatoes skin on
- 2 large eggs
- 5 slices bacon cooked and chopped, reserve grease*
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon country-style Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons reserved bacon grease
- 3 green onions chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped Italian parsley
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the cubed potatoes and eggs in a pot and cover them with water. Add a pinch of salt. Boil the for about 15-20 minutes. The potatoes should be fork tender but not mushy.
- While the potatoes and eggs are cooking, I cook my bacon to crispy, but not crunchy. Drain bacon on paper towels, and reserve the bacon grease for later.
- Bake: Place bacon in a single layer on a foil lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F. for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on thickness of your bacon.Fry: Place bacon in a pan or skillet and fry until crispy, then place on paper towels to remove excess grease. You can chop it into bits or small pieces, so every bite of salad has a taste of bacon.
- Drain potatoes and eggs and rinse under cold water. Set aside to cool. Once cooled, quarter the potatoes and dice the eggs.
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, mustard, and 2 tablespoons of the reserved bacon fat with the diced green onions and parsley.
- In a large bowl, gently combine the cooled potatoes with the crispy bacon pieces and diced eggs.
- Pour the dressing over the potato mixture. Use a spatula to fold the dressing into the potatoes and bacon, making sure everything is well-coated.
- Cover and chill the salad in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This lets the flavors meld together, making each bite pure heaven on a fork.
- Garnish with sliced green onion or chopped parsley before serving for a pop of color, if desired.
Notes
- Use Whole30 compliant mayonnaise, bacon, and mustard for Paleo and Whole30.
- See original post for variations and serving suggestions.
Holy crap. I came over here to make your sweet potato fries, and I saw this when your site opened up. This is so, so similar to the tater salad I make, but I’ve always felt mine was missing just a little bit of something… It must be the bacon grease and the dijon! The only other thing I do much differently is I roast the potatoes instead of boiling. I’m definitely trying it this way next time! YUM!
-andi
(Now I’m off to make the SW sweet potato fries. 🙂 )
Ah ha, my evil plot is working. 😉 I have never tried roasting the potatoes, I might have to give that a try next time. You definitely want to add the bacon grease and dijon, Andi. It makes all the difference in the world, well at least my world!
I just made this again for a family get-together….SO addicting!!!
Thank you so much Andi, I’m so glad that you like it!!
Yep, making this again. Having a family cookout today to celebrate my Reesie-Pie’s first birthday! 🙂
-andi
I wasn’t a fan of potato salad growing up, but now, I love it! This sounds delish – and I actually love that you added a bit of the bacon grease back into the salad! It’s like liquid gold in my book! I am super excited for the giveaway!! yay!!
I love that Jamie – liquid gold!! It really does make a huge difference. I’m really excited about the giveaway as well. 🙂
Lisa, this potato salad looks delicious! Love that it has bacon in it! Thanks for sharing the recipe and pinning – hope you have a happy Memorial Day!
Thanks so much Cindy!! Have a great week. 🙂
Whoa, this potato salad looks awesome, Lisa! Bacon does take potato salad to a whole better level. Once you go bacon, you can’t go back, right!?
Pinning this and sharing on FB. Have a great week, Lisa!
That’s right Julie, you never go back!! Thanks so much – I hope you have a great week as well. 🙂
I’ve been craving potato salad lately and this looks like just the recipe with that bacon! The bacon grease adds so much flavor…why use oil? haha Seriously, this looks like good stuff! Pinning. 🙂
Thank you so much Marcie. I will find an excuse to put bacon in just about anything! 😉 I have chickened out of putting it in chocolate chip cookies, but you just never know!
This looks really delicious. I pinned and stumbled it also. I love great recipes. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much Laura! 🙂
Oh my gosh, Lisa! This potato salad looks amazing! 🙂 Everything is ALWAYS better with a little bacon in my book. 😉
Pinned & sharing.
O.K., that looks absolutely AMAZING! Happy Monday Morning!
Wow does this look amazing and it’s a great summertime recipe. I found you over at the Cast Party Wednesday link party. Have a wonderful day!!
Thank you Lori. 🙂
OMG This Potatoe Salad looks like love a first bit lol
🙂 Have a great weekend!!
Thank you Wendy. 🙂
Hi Lisa:
This recipe looks amazing! Happy to share with my followers! Thanks!
Thank you Amy! 🙂
That sounds delicious, please tell me you deliver?? That has bacon in it…bacon means L-O-V-E. I need that in my life right now…lol
Thank you Christine, if I ever win the lottery I will add delivery service. 😉 I agree, bacon makes life better!!