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A hearty serving of Creamy Dreamy Loaded Baked Potato Salad garnished with cheddar, turkey bacon, and green onions in a rustic serving bowl.

Creamy Dreamy Loaded Baked Potato Salad

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Get ready to elevate your summer potlucks and BBQ spreads with this absolutely irresistible Loaded Baked Potato Salad. It captures all the comforting, savory flavors of a piping hot baked potato—creamy, cheesy, and bursting with delicious toppings—but in a refreshing, chilled salad format. This easy-to-make dish combines tender chunks of potato with a rich, tangy dressing, sharp cheddar, savory turkey bacon, and fresh green onions. It’s the perfect make-ahead side that always disappears first, bringing smiles to every table. A true crowd-pleaser that balances hearty satisfaction with cool summer refreshment, making it an essential for your seasonal gatherings.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for a tangier option)
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk (or milk with a splash of lemon juice)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 8 slices cooked turkey bacon, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh green onions, divided

Instructions

  1. Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by about an inch. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them to prevent mushiness.
  2. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and spread them out on a baking sheet or large platter to cool completely. This step is crucial to prevent the dressing from becoming watery. You can also refrigerate them briefly once they've cooled to room temperature.
  3. While the potatoes cool, prepare the dressing. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
  4. Gently fold the cooled potatoes into the dressing. Add 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, half of the crumbled turkey bacon, and half of the chopped green onions. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Transfer the potato salad to a serving bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
  6. Before serving, garnish with the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, the rest of the crumbled turkey bacon, and the remaining chopped green onions. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

Make Ahead Marvel: This salad is even better when made a day in advance, giving the flavors ample time to deepen. Spice It Up: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Texture Boost: If you love extra crunch, consider adding a sprinkle of fried crispy onions or even some finely diced bell peppers. Halal Assurance: When purchasing turkey bacon, always verify it is halal certified for dietary compliance.

  • Author: Cook Reel
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Assembling, Chilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
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