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Comforting Southern Smashed Potato Salad Recipe with Bacon and Dill Made Easy

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A rustic southern smashed potato salad featuring tender new potatoes, crispy bacon, and fresh dill, dressed in a creamy tangy dressing. Perfect for casual gatherings and comforting meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds new potatoes (small or baby potatoes)
  • 6–8 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2–3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 stalk celery, finely diced (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Place 2 pounds of new potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by about an inch. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 15-20 minutes until potatoes are just tender when pierced with a fork. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. While potatoes cook, heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add 6-8 thick-cut bacon slices and cook until crisp, about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Place the drained potatoes on a large baking sheet or platter. Using a potato masher or the bottom of a sturdy glass, gently press down on each potato until it splits and flattens slightly but still holds together.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Whisk until smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Add the smashed potatoes, chopped bacon, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, 2-3 thinly sliced green onions, and 1 finely diced celery stalk (if using) to the bowl with dressing. Gently fold everything together, careful not to break up the potatoes too much.
  6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
  7. Before serving, taste and adjust salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed.

Notes

Boil potatoes until just tender to avoid mushy texture. Gently smash potatoes to keep rustic texture with skins intact. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors. For extra texture, sprinkle crispy fried shallots or toasted pecans before serving. Bacon fat can be reserved and added to dressing for richer flavor. Adjust seasoning at every stage for best taste. Salad tastes better after resting overnight. Variations include vegetarian options with toasted nuts or chickpeas, and low-carb substitution with cauliflower.

Nutrition

Keywords: southern smashed potato salad, bacon potato salad, potato salad with dill, smashed potatoes, southern side dish, easy potato salad, bacon and dill salad

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/comforting-southern-smashed-potato-salad-recipe-with-bacon-and-dill-made-easy/