Discover the perfect side dish with our Easy Smashed Potato Salad recipe—flavorful, simple, and ideal for any occasion or gathering. A crowd-pleaser every time!
Ingredients for the Crushed Potato Salad
To make this dish, you’ll need a few fresh, simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
2 lbs of baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red skinned varieties work best for their creamy texture)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 small red onion, finely diced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional toppings: crispy bacon, crumbled feta cheese, capers, or avocado slices
Each ingredient plays an important role in enhancing the flavor and texture of the dish. The baby potatoes are buttery. The mustard, vinegar, and garlic add a zesty kick.
Fresh herbs, like dill and parsley, add a refreshing balance. They make the salad light but flavorful.
Step by Step Recipe: How to Make Crushed Potato Salad
Making this crushed potato salad is simple. But, the key to success is in the details. Here’s a step by step guide to making it perfect every time:
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Begin by thoroughly washing the baby potatoes. You want to keep the skins on to maintain their natural flavor and texture.
In an enormous pot, heat salted water to the point of boiling and add the potatoes. Cook them for about 12 15 minutes, or until they are fork tender but not falling apart.
Pro Tip: Don’t over boil! Overcooked potatoes can turn mushy and lose their structure, so keep an eye on them as they cook.
Step 2: The Crushing Technique
When the potatoes are cooked, channel them and let them cool marginally. Using the back of a large spoon or the bottom of a glass, gently crush each potato until it’s flattened but still intact.
The idea is to create a mix of mashed bits and larger chunks, giving the salad a satisfying, rustic texture.
Pro Tip: Crushing, not dicing, the potatoes adds surface area. It lets them soak up more flavor from the dressing
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. The mustard adds a sharp tang. The vinegar adds acidity that cuts through the richness of the potatoes.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed potatoes, diced red onion, and fresh herbs (parsley and dill). Drizzle the dressing over the mixture.
Toss gently to coat the potatoes. The dressing should make each bite bold and flavorful. The herbs should add brightness and depth.
Step 5: Add Optional Extras
If you want to take your salad up a notch, now is the time to add any optional toppings. Crispy bacon adds a salty crunch. Feta cheese adds creaminess and tang.
Capers add a briny punch. Avocado slices can also lend a smooth, buttery richness.
Expert Tips to Enhance Flavor
While this recipe is delicious on its own, a few expert tips can help elevate it to new heights:
- Choosing the Right Potatoes: Waxy potatoes, like Yukon Gold and red ones, hold their shape when crushed. They have a creamy texture. Avoid starchy potatoes like russets, which can fall apart too easily.
- Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to add plenty of salt and pepper. Taste as you go to ensure the flavors are balanced, as potatoes tend to absorb seasoning.
- Customize the Herbs: Dill and parsley are classic choices. But you can use cilantro, chives, or tarragon, depending on your taste.
- Serve Warm or Cold: This salad is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm for a generous side dish. Chill it for a refreshing potato salad, perfect for a summer cookout.
Creative Twists on the Classic Recipe
Looking to experiment with flavors? Here are a few inventive varieties you can attempt:
Mediterranean Inspired Version: Add olives, sun dried tomatoes, and feta. This twist pairs well with grilled lamb or chicken.
Spicy Potato Salad: For those who love a little heat, toss in some finely chopped jalapeños or red chili flakes. You can likewise add a sprinkle of hot sauce to the dressing for an additional kick0.
Creamy Variation: Swap out the olive oil based dressing for a tangy yogurt or sour cream dressing. This version is rich, creamy, and perfect for those who prefer a more indulgent salad.
Serving Suggestions
Crushed potato salad is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few ideas:
Grilled Meats: Serve it alongside grilled steak, chicken, or fish for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Roasted Veggies: For a tasty veggie option, add roasted carrots, zucchini, or peppers.
BBQ Favorites: This potato salad is the perfect side for classic BBQ fare like burgers, hot dogs, and ribs.
It’s a great dish for any occasion. It suits casual dinners, fancy gatherings, and summer potlucks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a simple dish like potato salad can have a few pitfalls. Stay away from these normal mix-ups for the best outcomes:
Overcooking the Potatoes: Over boiled potatoes can turn to mush when crushed. Make certain to watch out for them during the cooking system.
Underdressing the Salad: Potatoes absorb a lot of dressing, so make sure to coat them generously. If the salad seems dry, you can always add more dressing as needed.
Skipping the Herbs: Fresh herbs are essential for adding brightness and flavor to the salad. Don’t skip them, as they elevate the entire dish.
Conclusion
Crushed potato salad is a fresh, flavorful take on a beloved classic. With its hearty texture, bold dressing, and fresh herbs, this dish is sure to impress. This recipe is easy to make. You can customize it endlessly.
Serve it at a summer barbecue or as a side for a weeknight dinner. Give it a try, and feel free to experiment with your own unique flavor combinations. Let me know in the comments how it turned out and what variations you added!
Happy cooking!
is a digital marketing consultant with a passion for advanced living, is the man behind this blog, where he shares his love for all things kitchen and culinary trends to help you elevate your cooking experience.
