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Comforting Loaded Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

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A creamy, tangy potato salad loaded with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and fresh herbs, perfect for summer BBQs and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold or red potatoes, washed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 3/4 cup creamy ranch dressing
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Place the cut potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until potatoes are fork-tender, about 12-15 minutes. Drain in a colander and let cool slightly.
  2. While potatoes cook, fry the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, crumble into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, mayonnaise (if using), apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Add the warm potatoes to the dressing and gently fold until evenly coated. Stir in the crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, green onions, and parsley.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Stir gently before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Use Yukon Gold or red potatoes to hold shape well. Cook potatoes from cold water to avoid mushiness. Fry bacon until just crispy but not burnt. Mix dressing separately before combining with potatoes. Chill salad for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld. Add extra ranch or olive oil if salad seems dry. Can bake bacon at 400°F for 15-20 minutes as an alternative to frying.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato salad, bacon, ranch dressing, summer BBQ, easy potato salad, loaded potato salad, picnic side dish

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/comforting-loaded-bacon-ranch-potato-salad-recipe-easy-perfect-for-summer-bbqs/