![To make this tasty loaded baked potato salad, you will need: - 4 large russet potatoes - 1 cup sour cream - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup crispy cooked turkey bacon, crumbled - 1/2 cup green onions, sliced - 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder These ingredients blend to create a creamy and flavorful dish. You can swap some ingredients if you prefer. For example: - Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangy twist. - Substitute regular mayonnaise with a vegan option if needed. - You can switch cheddar cheese for mozzarella or pepper jack for extra heat. - If you want a healthier option, use turkey bacon or skip the bacon entirely. These swaps help fit your taste and dietary needs. Selecting the right potatoes is key for this salad. Here are some tips: - Choose large russet potatoes. They are fluffy and hold up well when cooked. - Look for potatoes with smooth skin and no bruises or spots. - Avoid potatoes that feel soft or have green blemishes. They may be bad. Picking fresh potatoes ensures your salad tastes its best. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the russet potatoes well under cold water. Make sure they are clean to get rid of any dirt. Once cleaned, dry them off with a towel. Next, poke holes all over each potato with a fork. This step helps steam escape while they bake. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack. Bake for about 45-50 minutes or until they feel soft when you poke them. After baking, remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool a bit. While the potatoes cool, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of sour cream and 1/2 cup of mayonnaise to the bowl. Whisk these together until the mix is smooth. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. This dressing gives your salad a creamy, flavorful base. Set the dressing aside while you chop your potatoes. Now, when the potatoes are cool enough to handle, you can chop them. Peel the skin off if you like, but it’s okay to leave it on too. Cut the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Add these pieces to the bowl with your dressing. Next, gently fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of crumbled turkey bacon, 1/2 cup of sliced green onions, and 1/4 cup of chopped chives. Be careful not to mash the potatoes. You want to keep a nice, chunky texture. Once mixed, cover the salad with plastic wrap. Chill it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to mingle and become even more tasty. For the full recipe, check out the previous section. Enjoy your loaded baked potato salad! To bake potatoes well, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the russet potatoes under cold water. Dry them with a clean towel. Poke holes in each potato with a fork. This step allows steam to escape. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Check if they are tender by poking them with a fork. Let them cool slightly before handling. You can boost the taste of your potato salad with herbs and spices. Fresh chives add a mild onion flavor. Green onions provide a nice crunch. Garlic powder and onion powder enhance the overall taste. A pinch of salt and pepper balances the flavors. Feel free to experiment with other herbs too. Fresh dill or parsley can work well in this dish. For a great presentation, serve the potato salad in a nice bowl. Top it with extra cheddar cheese and crumbled turkey bacon. A sprinkle of fresh chives or green onions adds color. Chill the salad before serving. This step allows the flavors to blend. It also makes the salad refreshing. You can pair it with grilled meats or serve it at potlucks. For the full recipe, check out the Loaded Baked Potato Salad section above. {{image_2}} You can change up your loaded baked potato salad with a variety of toppings. Try adding: - Crumbled feta cheese for a tangy flavor. - Sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick. - Diced tomatoes for freshness. - Avocado chunks for creaminess. - Black olives for a savory touch. Mix and match these toppings to find your favorite combo! The dressing can make or break your salad. Here are some tasty ideas: - Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter taste. - Use ranch dressing for a classic twist. - Try a vinaigrette for a tangy zing. - Add a splash of hot sauce for heat. These options help you cater to different tastes. If you want a vegetarian or vegan version, it's easy to adapt this recipe. Use: - Plant-based mayo instead of regular mayo. - Skip the turkey bacon or use coconut bacon for a smoky flavor. - Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. These alternatives keep the dish delicious while fitting your dietary needs. For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. To store your leftover loaded baked potato salad, first, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it tightly to keep out air. This helps maintain freshness. If you have a lot, divide it into smaller portions for easy use later. Always label the container with the date. This way, you won't lose track of how long it has been stored. Loaded baked potato salad lasts in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. After that, the taste and texture may change. For longer storage, you can freeze it. However, freezing can alter the texture of the potatoes. To freeze, place the salad in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top since it will expand when frozen. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before using. When you want to enjoy your leftover salad, always thaw it first if frozen. You can reheat it gently in the microwave. Place the salad in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between. This ensures even warming. You can also serve it cold, as this salad tastes great chilled! If needed, add a bit more sour cream or mayo to freshen it up. For the best flavor, always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. You can add many fun toppings to your salad. Try adding: - Cooked broccoli for crunch. - Diced tomatoes for freshness. - Pickled jalapeños for heat. - Black olives for a salty bite. - Cooked chicken for protein. These ingredients will make your salad even more tasty and fun. Mix and match to find your favorite combo! Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time! It tastes even better after chilling in the fridge. I suggest making it at least an hour before serving. This will let the flavors mix well. If you want to prepare it even earlier, you can make it a day ahead. Just keep it covered in the fridge. Absolutely! While the base dressing is creamy and rich, you can change it up. Consider trying: - Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. - Ranch dressing for a bold flavor. - A splash of hot sauce for heat. - Lemon juice for brightness. Feel free to mix in your favorite flavors. This salad is all about making it your own. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas! In this article, we explored how to make a tasty loaded baked potato salad. You learned about key ingredients and how to pick the best potatoes. I shared steps to prepare the potatoes, mix the dressing, and bring it all together. We also covered fun tips for baking potatoes and ways to change up flavors. Whether you want to store leftovers or make this dish in advance, I have you covered. This salad is easy to adapt to your taste and is sure to please everyone! Enjoy creating your own version.](https://savorystride.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/841684b0-3d76-4995-bccc-748e700eeb02-250x250.webp)
Loaded Baked Potato Salad
Elevate your summer gatherings with this Loaded Baked Potato Salad! This delicious dish combines creamy sour cream, tangy mayonnaise, and a medley of toppings like crispy turkey bacon and cheddar cheese, creating a perfect side for any occasion. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s sure to be a hit! Click through for the full recipe and impress your guests with this tasty twist on a classic favorite.