Are you looking to take your potato salad game up a notch? Look no further than this loaded potato salad with ranch dressing mix! Potato salad is a go-to side dish for large gatherings and parties, but we find that people get more creative with it, as time progresses. This is what inspired this fully loaded version, and I must say that it is loads of yum! It is packed with flavor and sure to be a hit at any gathering. This party food will have everyone coming back for seconds. Get ready to elevate your BBQ or picnic spread with this delicious and unique take on a classic favorite.
What is the deal with this loaded potato salad?
Potato salad has always been a staple side dish at BBQs, picnics, and family gatherings. It’s creamy, hearty, and pairs well with a variety of main dishes. However, if you’re looking to take your potato salad game to the next level, then you’ll want to try this recipe for loaded potato salad with a twist of ranch dressing mix.
This simple ingredient elevates the flavor profile and adds a delicious tangy kick. The combination of creamy potatoes and zesty ranch creates a perfect balance of flavors that will leave everyone reaching for seconds.
To make this loaded potato salad even more irresistible, it’s packed with all the classic toppings you would find on a loaded baked potato – crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, green onions, and sour cream. These additions not only add texture but also bring an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
When it comes to choosing potatoes for your salad, I recommend using russet or Yukon gold potatoes. They hold their shape well after boiling and have a fluffy texture that absorbs the flavors of the dressing nicely. Be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces before boiling so they cook evenly and are easier to eat in the final dish.
What you need to make this potato salad?
- Russet potatoes
- Cooked Crispy bacon strips, crumbled
- Mayonnaise
- Dry Ranch dressing mix
- Sour cream
- Dijon mustard
- Green onions, chopped
- Cup shredded cheddar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Amazon Brand – Happy Belly Real Mayonnaise, 30 fl oz (Pack of 1)
Maille Mustard Dijon Originale 13.4 ozDaisy, Regular Sour Cream, 8 oz
How to make the loaded potato salad
First, start by gathering your ingredients. It’s important to use good quality potatoes for this recipe as they are the star ingredient. Russet potatoes work best for potato salad as they hold their shape well when boiled.
Wash, peel and cut the potatoes into bitesize chunks and cook them until they are fork-tender (about 15 minutes from boiling).
While the potatoes are cooking, you can prepare your other ingredients. In a mixing bowl, combine mayo, sour cream, dijon mustard, and ranch dressing mix until well blended. This creamy mixture gives the potato salad its tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with bacon.
Once your potatoes are cooked through, remove them from the pot and let them cool down.
In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped potatoes with prepared dressing mixture until evenly coated. Then add in green onions, crumbled bacon pieces, and shredded cheese for an added burst of flavor.
Give your potato salad a bit of seasoning by adding salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined, making sure that the potatoes are evenly coated with the dressing.
And voila! Your Loaded Potato Salad with a Twist of Ranch Dressing Mix is ready to be served. This delicious side dish can be enjoyed immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together even more.
With these simple ingredients and tools, you can easily whip up this twist on traditional potato salad that will surely become a crowd favorite at your next BBQ or potluck.
Loaded Potato Salad With Dry Ranch Mix
Ingredients
- 2 lbs large potatoes (russet preferable)
- 6 bacon strips cooked and crispy, crumbled
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 pkt dry Ranch dressing mix
- 3 tbsp tbsp sour cream
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 3 green onions chopped
- 1/4 cup cheese shredded/grated
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by washing and peeling the potatoes. Cut them into bite-size chunks. This allows for even cooking and ensures that each bite has a good balance of potato and other ingredients.
- Transfer the potatoes to a large pot and add water enough to cover them, and cook for about 10-15 minutes (from boiling) or until they are fork tender. Be careful not to overcook them as they will become mushy when mixed with other ingredients.
- Once cooked, drain the potatoes in a colander and rinse them with cold water to stop them from cooking further. Allow them to cool completely before moving on to the next step.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mayo, sour cream, dijon mustard, and ranch dressing mix until well blended.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine potatoes with the prepared dressing mixture until evenly coated. Then add in green onions, crumbled bacon pieces, and shredded cheese.
- If needed, season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the bowl and let the loaded potato salad chill in the fridge for about an hour before serving.
Notes
- The type of potato you use can greatly affect the texture and flavor of your dish. For loaded potato salad, it is best to use starchy or all-purpose potatoes such as Russet or Yukon Gold. These types of potatoes have a high starch content which helps them hold their shape when boiled or roasted. They also absorb flavors well, making them ideal for soaking up all the delicious ranch dressing mix.
- When boiling potatoes, always start with cold water instead of adding them to already hot water. This will allow the potatoes to cook evenly and prevents them from becoming mushy on the outside while still being undercooked on the inside.
- Crispy bacon is an essential element in loaded potato salad, but it's easy to overcook it resulting in burnt pieces that can ruin your dish's taste and texture. To avoid this, cook your bacon over medium heat until it turns golden brown and slightly crisp.
- After cooking your bacon either on a stovetop or in the oven, make sure to drain it on a paper towel-lined plate. This will remove any excess oil and prevent your potatoes from becoming greasy.
What to serve with a loaded potato salad
Grilled meats such as chicken or steak make excellent accompaniments to this loaded potato salad. The smokiness from the grill complements the creamy texture of the potatoes and adds an extra layer of flavor. You can also try pairing it with fish dishes like grilled salmon or shrimp kebabs for a lighter option.
If you’re looking for something vegetarian-friendly, roasted vegetables are an excellent choice. The earthy flavors of roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms balance out the creaminess of the potato salad while adding some much-needed color to your plate.
For those who want something more traditional but still deliciously satisfying, consider serving this loaded potato salad alongside classic barbecue staples like ribs or pulled pork sandwiches. This hearty combination is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning, Ranch Dressing Dry Mix for Salad Dressing, Gluten Free Salad Dressing Mix, 1 Ounce (Pack of 4)Good Seasons Dry Ranch Salad Dressing Mix (3.35 oz Packets, Pack of 20)Hidden Valley – Original Ranch – Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix – Makes 16 FL OZ (473 mL) – Net Wt. 1 OZ (28 g) Per Packet – Pack of 8 Packets
One of the main ingredients in this dish is the ranch dressing mix, which gives it its unique flavor. However, if you or someone in your family doesn’t like ranch dressing or has an allergy to certain ingredients in the mix, there are alternatives that can be used instead. For those who don’t enjoy the tangy taste of ranch dressing, try using a different type of dry seasoning mix such as Italian or Cajun seasoning. These mixes will still add flavor to the dish without overpowering it with ranch.
Variations
If you have a dairy intolerance or allergy and cannot consume traditional ranch dressing mix, fear not! There are plenty of dairy-free options on the market today that you can be use as a substitute. Look for dairy-free ranch seasoning mixes made with alternative ingredients like coconut milk or cashew cream.
For those looking for a healthier option, consider making your own homemade version of ranch dressing mix using fresh herbs and spices. This allows you to control the amount of salt and other additives in the seasoning and also ensures that all ingredients are suitable for any dietary restrictions or allergies.
Enjoy, and let me know how it went!
Oh, I have to try this! I never thought of adding a ranch packet to potato salad!
Thanks for dropping by Amy. Let me know how your loaded potato salad turns out.