Tangy Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Recipe: Summer’s Best Side

Crispy potatoes have a magical way of turning an ordinary salad into something extraordinary.

Small round spuds become golden-edged flavor bombs when gently pressed and roasted.

Every single bite promises a delightful crunch that surprises your palate.

Herbs and tangy dressing complement the potatoes’ rich, earthy notes perfectly.

Seasonal ingredients make this dish sing with fresh, vibrant energy.

Mediterranean and rustic influences dance together on your plate.

You’ll love how simple techniques create such a stunning side dish that feels like a culinary adventure.

Storage and Reheat Guide for Smashed Potato Salad

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the crispy potatoes separate from the dressing to maintain texture.
• Not recommended due to the creamy dressing and crispy potato texture, which will become soggy when thawed.
• Spread potatoes on a baking sheet, bake at 375F for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness, then drizzle with fresh dressing.
• Reheat in short 30-second bursts, adding a splash of olive oil to prevent drying out, stirring between intervals for even warming.

What to Pair with Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

• Pair with Zesty Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp white wine cuts through the creamy dressing and complements the herb flavors, creating a refreshing balance.
• Match with Grilled Herb Chicken: Lean protein adds depth to the potato salad, with herb seasonings echoing the green onions and parsley in the dish.
• Serve Alongside Tangy Pickled Vegetables: Acidic pickles provide a bright contrast to the rich, crispy potatoes, enhancing the overall taste experience.
• Enjoy with Chilled Cucumber Salad: Light, cool side dish provides a fresh counterpoint to the warm, crispy potatoes, creating a harmonious summer meal.

Twist Ideas for Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

• Vegan Delight: Replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo or cashew cream, use plant-based herbs, and add nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
• Herb Garden Mix: Swap parsley and green onions with fresh dill, chives, and tarragon for an aromatic herb-packed version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking mustard and capers for potential gluten contamination.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the dressing, and sprinkle smoked paprika over crispy potatoes for a zesty profile.

FAQs

• What makes these potatoes different from regular potato salad?

Unlike traditional potato salad, these potatoes are first boiled, then smashed and roasted to create a crispy exterior while maintaining a creamy interior, giving an extra textural contrast.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can boil and smash the potatoes in advance, but for best crispiness, roast them just before serving to maintain their crunchy texture.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this crispy smashed potato salad is completely vegetarian-friendly and can easily be adapted to be a main dish or side dish.

• What if I don't have capers?

If you don’t have capers, you can substitute with chopped pickles or skip them entirely. The recipe will still taste delicious with the herbs and dressing.

Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Deep Dive

• Dive into a mouthwatering potato dish that transforms ordinary spuds into a crispy, tangy sensation bursting with herbal notes and zesty dressing.
• Perfect for casual gatherings, potlucks, or as a standout side dish that impresses guests without requiring complex culinary skills.
• Prepare this delectable potato salad in under an hour, making it an ideal solution for busy home cooks craving something delicious and satisfying.

Ingredients for Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

• Baby Potatoes: Small, waxy potatoes perfect for creating a crispy and tender texture.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden and crisp exterior for the potatoes.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that adds rich flavor to the salad.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a tangy and sharp note to the dressing.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the richness of the mayonnaise.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Green Onions, Parsley, Capers: Fresh herbs and briny capers that add color, freshness, and a zesty punch to the salad.

How to Make Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

Step 1: Boil Potatoes Gently

Wash baby potatoes thoroughly and place them in a large pot of salted water.

Bring the water to a rolling boil and cook potatoes until they’re fork-tender, typically 12-15 minutes.

The potatoes should be soft enough to easily pierce with a fork but not falling apart.

Step 2: Create Crispy Potato Magic

Preheat the oven to 425°F.

Transfer boiled potatoes onto a well-greased baking sheet.

Using a fork or potato masher, gently press down on each potato to create a slightly flattened, rustic shape.

Drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes until edges are golden brown and crispy.

Step 3: Whip Up Tangy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• Fresh lemon juice
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Whisk ingredients until smooth and well incorporated, creating a creamy and zesty dressing.

Step 4: Build Flavor Layers

Gently fold the crispy roasted potatoes into the prepared dressing.

• Chopped green onions
• Fresh parsley
• Briny capers

Toss everything together, ensuring potatoes are evenly coated with the dressing and herbs.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the potato salad to a serving dish.

Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Serve warm or at room temperature as a delightful side dish that’s crispy, creamy, and bursting with flavor.

Tips for Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Perfection

• Drain potatoes thoroughly after boiling to ensure maximum crispiness and avoid soggy results.
• Use high-heat oils like avocado or extra virgin olive oil for perfect golden-brown potato edges.
• Use the bottom of a glass or potato masher to gently flatten potatoes, creating more surface area for crispy texture.
• Sprinkle kosher salt before roasting to enhance potato flavor and help achieve a crunchy exterior.
• Chop herbs just before adding to maintain vibrant color and maximize fresh flavor profile.

Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy smashed potato salad brings Mediterranean magic to your table with zesty herbs and creamy dressing. Crunchy potato edges and tangy notes create a perfect summer side dish that keeps people coming back for more.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes:

• 1.5 lbs (680 grams) baby potatoes

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil

Dressing and Garnish:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 green onions (sliced)
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) capers (optional)

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Instructions

1. Gently submerge baby potatoes in generously salted water, simmering for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender and easily pierced.
2. Heat oven to 425F and transfer boiled potatoes onto a lined baking sheet, carefully pressing each potato with a fork to create a rustic, flattened texture.
3. Drizzle smashed potatoes with olive oil, ensuring each piece is evenly coated, and roast for 20-25 minutes until edges turn golden brown and crispy.
4. Craft a vibrant dressing by whisking mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, and seasoning with salt and cracked black pepper until smooth and well-integrated.
5. Gently fold crispy roasted potatoes into the creamy dressing, incorporating chopped green onions, fresh parsley, and briny capers for layers of flavor and texture.
6. Transfer to a serving platter, allowing potatoes to cool slightly, and garnish with additional herbs for a fresh, inviting presentation.
7. Enjoy the dish warm or at room temperature, highlighting the contrasting textures of crisp potato exterior and creamy interior.

Notes

• Perfectly boil potatoes by adding salt to water, which enhances their natural flavor and helps them cook evenly.
• Control potato smashing technique by using a fork or potato masher gently to create crispy edges without completely breaking them apart.
• For gluten-free version, swap Dijon mustard with whole grain mustard or use mustard powder to maintain tangy flavor profile.
• Consider roasting potatoes at slightly lower temperature (400F) if they brown too quickly, ensuring crispy exterior without burning.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 5mg