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Creamy Loaded Baked Potato Salad with Bacon Ranch Dressing

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A creamy, tangy baked potato salad with crispy bacon and ranch dressing, perfect for summer cookouts and casual dinners. This easy recipe combines tender baked potatoes with a smoky, flavorful dressing for a crowd-pleasing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large russet potatoes (about 2 pounds / 900g), baked and cooled
  • 6 to 8 strips bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream
  • 1/4 cup (60g) mayonnaise
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 stalk celery, diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and dry potatoes, prick with a fork, and bake directly on oven rack for 45-60 minutes until tender. Let cool completely (about 30 minutes).
  2. Cook bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Peel (optional) and cube cooled potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Gently fold potatoes into the dressing to coat without breaking them.
  5. Add chopped bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, and diced celery. Mix gently to combine.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld.
  7. Before serving, taste and adjust salt and pepper. Optionally, garnish with extra bacon bits or green onions.

Notes

Bake potatoes whole to retain fluffy texture. Let potatoes cool completely before mixing to avoid watery salad. Cook bacon until crisp for best texture and flavor. Chill salad for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor. Adjust salt carefully due to salty bacon and ranch. Optional mix-ins include diced pickles, fresh herbs, jalapeños, or seasonal vegetables like corn or cherry tomatoes. Store in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days; avoid freezing.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato salad, baked potato salad, bacon ranch dressing, summer side dish, creamy potato salad, loaded potato salad

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/creamy-loaded-baked-potato-salad-with-bacon-ranch-dressing-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-summer/