Smashed Potato Salad

This Smashed Potato Salad is a delightful twist on traditional potato salad, featuring crispy smashed potatoes and a creamy Greek yogurt dressing. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish at family gatherings, it stands out with its zesty flavors and fresh ingredients. The combination of crunchy vegetables and aromatic herbs makes this salad both refreshing and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Smashed Potato Salad

This potato salad is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile!

• Crispy Texture: The smashed potatoes are roasted to perfection, giving them a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dressing.
• Healthy Ingredients: With Greek yogurt as a base, this recipe provides a lighter alternative to traditional mayonnaise-based salads without sacrificing flavor.
• Fresh Flavors: Packed with fresh veggies and herbs like dill and parsley, this salad bursts with zesty flavors that brighten up any meal.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps involved, preparing this salad is straightforward, making it great for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a casual weeknight dinner, this salad fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing your Smashed Potato Salad requires some essential tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Large pot
• Whisk
• Mixing bowl
• Fork or potato masher

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides ample space for roasting potatoes evenly for that perfect crispiness.
• Large pot: Essential for boiling potatoes until they reach the desired tenderness before smashing.
• Whisk: Ideal for blending the dressing ingredients smoothly, ensuring all flavors meld together seamlessly.

Ingredients

This smashed potato salad features crispy potatoes paired with a creamy Greek yogurt dressing, packed with fresh veggies, herbs, and zesty flavors. It’s a bright, refreshing side dish perfect for spring and summer!

For the Potatoes

• 2 lbs baby Yukon gold potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Kosher salt and black pepper (for seasoning potatoes)

For the Dressing

• 3/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup chopped dill
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1 shallot (finely chopped)
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste)

For the Mix-Ins

• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/3 cup diced dill pickles
• 3 green onions (sliced)
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (for garnish, optional)

How to Make Smashed Potato Salad

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Grease a large baking sheet with olive oil and set it aside.

Step 2: Boil the Potatoes

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the baby Yukon gold potatoes:
1. Cook until fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
2. Drain the potatoes and let them cool for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Smash the Potatoes

Place the cooled potatoes on the greased baking sheet:
1. Use the bottom of a jar or glass, fork, or potato masher to gently press down on each potato until they are smashed but still intact.
2. Aim for about ½-inch thickness.

Step 4: Roast the Potatoes

Drizzle the smashed potatoes evenly with olive oil:
1. Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
2. Bake until crispy—about 25 to 30 minutes.
3. Remove from oven and cool for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare the Dressing

While waiting for the potatoes to cool, make your dressing:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, dill, parsley, shallot, garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Once cooled:
1. Add smashed potatoes to the bowl with dressing.
2. Mix in diced cucumber, celery, green onions, and dill pickles.
3. Stir gently until everything is well coated.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary; garnish with feta cheese before serving.

Enjoy your vibrant Smashed Potato Salad as an ideal side dish!

How to Serve Smashed Potato Salad

Smashed potato salad is a versatile dish that can elevate any meal. Its creamy dressing and crispy potatoes make it an excellent side for various occasions, from picnics to barbecues.

Pair with Grilled Meats

• Chicken Skewers: Juicy grilled chicken skewers complement the flavors of the salad beautifully.
• Steak: A well-seasoned steak pairs perfectly, offering a hearty main alongside the lightness of the salad.

Offer as a Picnic Delight

• Sandwiches: Serve alongside turkey or ham sandwiches for a delightful picnic spread.
• Fresh Fruits: Add some seasonal fruits for a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors.

Enjoy with Vegetarian Options

• Grilled Veggies: Charred vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers add a smoky note.
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad can balance out the richness of the smashed potato salad.

How to Perfect Smashed Potato Salad

Creating the perfect smashed potato salad involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish shines.

• Bold Potatoes: Use Yukon gold potatoes for their buttery flavor and creamy texture.
• Season Generously: Don’t skimp on salt and pepper; proper seasoning enhances all flavors.
• Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes helps meld the flavors together.
• Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to mix in other fresh herbs like chives or basil for added freshness.
• Add Crunchy Elements: Incorporating nuts or seeds can provide an interesting texture contrast.
• Garnish Thoughtfully: Top with crumbled feta or additional fresh herbs just before serving for a beautiful presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Smashed Potato Salad

Pairing side dishes with smashed potato salad can enhance your dining experience. Here are some delicious options that work well together.

1. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a summer vibe and pairs wonderfully with creamy salads.
2. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil on skewers offer a bright and flavorful bite.
3. Roasted Asparagus: The earthy flavor of asparagus complements the richness of the potato salad nicely.
4. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and balances out the creamy texture of the smashed potatoes.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Stuffed bell peppers filled with rice and veggies make a hearty addition to your meal.
6. Hummus and Pita Chips: This combo offers a healthy, crunchy option that contrasts well with the creamy potato salad.
7. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar brings greens and crunch, enhancing your overall plate appeal.
8. Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad adds sweetness and freshness, perfect for balancing savory dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your smashed potato salad, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Overcooking the Potatoes: Make sure not to overcook the potatoes; they should be fork-tender but not mushy. This helps maintain their shape when smashed.
• Skipping the Seasoning: Don’t forget to season the potatoes well before baking. A generous sprinkle of kosher salt and pepper enhances their flavor significantly.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Avoid using low-quality mayonnaise or yogurt. High-quality ingredients make a noticeable difference in the creamy dressing’s taste.
• Not Letting Potatoes Cool: Ensure you let the smashed potatoes cool for a bit before mixing them with the dressing. This prevents the dressing from becoming too runny.
• Ignoring Customizations: Don’t hesitate to customize your ingredients! Adding ingredients like bacon or different herbs can elevate your smashed potato salad.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep leftovers in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Freezing Instructions

• You can freeze the salad, but it may change texture.
• Use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month for best quality.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and reheat for about 15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between, until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pan, stirring occasionally until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Smashed Potato Salad?

Smashed potato salad is a unique twist on traditional potato salad that features crispy smashed potatoes mixed with a creamy dressing and fresh vegetables.

Can I make Smashed Potato Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to three days.

What can I add to Smashed Potato Salad?

You can customize your smashed potato salad by adding ingredients like bacon, cherry tomatoes, or different herbs according to your taste preferences.

How do I serve Smashed Potato Salad?

Serve this dish as a side at barbecues, picnics, or potlucks. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats and fresh salads.

Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes! While baby Yukon golds are great, you can experiment with other varieties like red or fingerling potatoes for different textures and flavors.

Final Thoughts

This smashed potato salad is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. With its crispy potatoes and zesty Greek yogurt dressing, it’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients for an even more personalized touch!