Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Recipe

If you’re craving a salad that’s bursting with texture, flavor, and a little bit of crispy magic, then this Crispy Smashed Potato Salad is your new best friend. Combining tender baby potatoes that are lovingly smashed and roasted to golden perfection with a vibrant, tangy, herbed yogurt dressing, this dish reinvents the classic potato salad in the most delightful way. It’s simple yet elegant, perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or anytime you want to impress without fussing. Trust me, once you try this Crispy Smashed Potato Salad, it will become a staple that everyone at your table begs for again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Crispy Smashed Potato Salad plays a key role in balancing creaminess, tanginess, and crunch. The list is refreshingly straightforward, making the prep easy and the flavors bright and well-rounded.

• 2 pounds baby potatoes (mini yellow potatoes): These small potatoes are perfect for smashing and roasting, delivering a tender inside and crispy outside.
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Olive oil adds richness and helps create that sought-after crispy crust on the potatoes.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the potatoes properly and bringing out their natural sweetness.
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper: Adds a subtle kick to balance the creaminess of the dressing.
• 3/4 cup Greek yogurt: Provides a tangy, creamy base that keeps the salad light and fresh.
• 1/2 cup kewpie mayonnaise (or regular mayo): Adds a luscious texture and a touch of sweetness that complements the yogurt.
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard: Infuses the dressing with a gentle sharpness for depth.
• 1/2 lemon, juiced: Fresh lemon juice brightens the entire salad with its zesty character.
• 1 garlic clove, minced: Adds savory complexity that lifts every bite.
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: A burst of fresh herbaceousness that enhances the salad’s color and flavor.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: To adjust and perfect the seasoning in the dressing.
• 1 dill pickle, finely chopped: Adds crunch and a vinegary tang that pairs beautifully with creamy elements.
• 1 shallot, finely chopped: Brings a mild onion sweetness without overpowering the dish.
• 1-2 scallions for garnish, optional: Adds a mild oniony crunch and a pop of green for visual appeal.

How to Make Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Start by cooking your baby potatoes in well-salted cold water. Bringing the water to a boil with the potatoes inside ensures they cook evenly from the inside out. Cook them for about 7-8 minutes until they’re just fork tender—you want them soft enough to smash but not falling apart. Then, drain and let them cool slightly before handling.

Step 2: Smash and Season

Pat your potatoes dry to remove excess moisture—this is key to crispiness. Next, carefully smash each potato to about a quarter-inch thickness using a potato masher or even the bottom of a glass. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. This layer of seasoning enhances that golden crust which makes this salad so irresistible.

Step 3: Roast to Crispy Perfection

Roast the smashed potatoes in your preheated 425°F oven for 45–60 minutes. Flip halfway through roasting so every side gets beautifully browned and crisp. That gorgeous crunch is what sets this Crispy Smashed Potato Salad apart from your usual spud dish—the contrast between tender potato and crispy edges is pure joy.

Step 4: Prepare the Herbed Yogurt Dressing

While the potatoes roast, mix the remaining olive oil with Greek yogurt, mayo, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. This dressing is creamy yet refreshing, with a delightful herbal punch. Stir in finely chopped dill pickle and shallot, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate to let the flavors meld and stay cool until the potatoes are ready.

Step 5: Combine and Toss

Once the potatoes are roasted and have cooled for about 10 minutes, save a few crispy bits for topping—they’re pure gold. Toss the remaining potatoes gently in the herbed yogurt dressing until each piece is beautifully coated. This layering of texture and flavor will make your taste buds sing.

Step 6: Final Garnish and Serve

Finish your Crispy Smashed Potato Salad with chopped scallions and the saved crispy potato pieces on top. The garnishes add a fresh bite and make the dish look as mouthwatering as it tastes. Serve it warm or at room temperature to enjoy all the contrasting textures at their best.

How to Serve Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

Garnishes

Adding scallions not only gives a lovely green pop of color but also infuses the salad with a mild onion flavor that brightens every forkful. Don’t underestimate the crispy potato bits you saved—they bring crunchy bursts and an irresistible visual appeal, making the dish feel celebratory and special.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Smashed Potato Salad pairs wonderfully with a range of dishes. It’s a fantastic side for grilled meats like chicken or steak, or alongside fresh seafood for a light summer meal. You can also serve it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to round out a balanced plate full of vibrant textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving this salad in small individual bowls or mason jars for picnics or parties. Layering the potatoes and dressing with fresh herbs in clear containers highlights the vibrant colors and textures. You can also top the salad with a fried egg or crumble some feta cheese on top for a rich, extra indulgent version.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, no worries! Store your Crispy Smashed Potato Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually develop more depth overnight. Just be aware that the crispy edges may soften slightly, but it will still taste delicious and satisfying for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Because of the creamy yogurt dressing, this salad is not ideal for freezing. The texture of both the potatoes and dressing might suffer after thawing, turning mushy rather than crisp and fresh. It’s best to enjoy this salad fresh or within a few days of making.

Reheating

When reheating, pop the salad in a warm oven or toaster oven for a few minutes to revive some of the potato crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the potatoes soggy and the dressing separate. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes for this salad?

While baby yellow potatoes are perfect for their size and texture, you can definitely try baby red potatoes or fingerlings. Just pick small varieties that roast well and hold their shape when smashed. Avoid waxy potatoes that might get too mushy.

Is there a substitute for kewpie mayonnaise?

Yes! If you don’t have kewpie mayo, regular mayonnaise works just fine. The flavor will be slightly different since kewpie tends to be a bit sweeter and tangier, but the overall taste and creaminess will still be fantastic.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the Greek yogurt and mayo with plant-based alternatives, like coconut yogurt and vegan mayo. Just keep in mind that the tang and creaminess might be a bit different, but it will still be deliciously satisfying.

How do I get the potatoes extra crispy?

Drying the potatoes thoroughly after boiling is key, plus generous brushing with olive oil before roasting. Make sure they’re spread out on the baking sheet without overcrowding, which helps them get that golden crunch on every side.

Can I serve this salad cold?

This Crispy Smashed Potato Salad is best served warm or at room temperature to enjoy the contrast between the tender potatoes and crispy edges. If served cold, it’s still tasty but the texture won’t be quite as delightful.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Smashed Potato Salad is a total game changer for potato lovers and salad fans alike. It strikes the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, fresh, and crispy, all in one beautiful bowl that’s sure to become a household favorite. Give it a whirl next time you want something comforting yet exciting—your taste buds will thank you!

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