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Loaded Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

loaded bacon ranch potato salad - featured image

A creamy and flavorful potato salad featuring tender Yukon Gold potatoes, crispy bacon, and herby ranch dressing. Perfect for potlucks and BBQs, this easy recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900 g) baby Yukon Gold potatoes
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 cup (240 ml) ranch dressing
  • 45 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse 2 pounds (900 g) of baby Yukon Gold potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water by about an inch. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender but not falling apart.
  2. Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them cool for about 10 minutes. If the potatoes are large, cut them into halves or quarters while still warm.
  3. While the potatoes are cooling, cook 8 slices of thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes, flipping once. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble or chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled potatoes, crumbled bacon, 1 cup (240 ml) ranch dressing, 4-5 thinly sliced green onions, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (if using). Gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
  5. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to preference. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld.
  6. Before serving, gently stir the salad and optionally garnish with extra chopped chives or green onions.

Notes

Do not overmix the salad to avoid breaking down the potatoes. If potatoes seem dry after chilling, add a splash more ranch dressing. Use Yukon Gold potatoes to hold shape and avoid mushiness. Cook bacon slowly over medium heat for even crisping. Chill salad for at least 1 hour for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato salad, bacon, ranch dressing, side dish, potluck recipe, easy potato salad, crowd pleaser