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Loaded Ranch Potato Salad

Loaded Ranch Potato Salad

A crowd-pleasing, creamy potato salad packed with classic loaded baked potato flavors: bacon, cheddar cheese, green onions, and a tangy homemade ranch dressing.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

Potatoes & Base
  • 2.5 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet Potatoes Peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon Salt For boiling water
  • 4 large Eggs Hard-boiled
Mix-ins
  • 6 slices Bacon Cooked crispy and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese Shredded
  • 1/2 cup Green Onions (Scallions) Thinly sliced, separated white and green parts
Ranch Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream
  • 2 tablespoons Dill Pickle Juice Or white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 tablespoon Dried Parsley
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Dill
  • To taste Salt and Black Pepper

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are fork-tender but not mushy, about 15-20 minutes. Drain thoroughly and allow them to cool slightly.
  2. While potatoes are cooking, prepare the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, dill, salt, and pepper until completely smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  3. Hard-boil the eggs. Once cooked, cool them completely, peel, and roughly chop. Set aside.
  4. In a very large bowl, gently combine the slightly warm or cooled potatoes with about three-quarters of the prepared ranch dressing. Toss gently to coat all potatoes without breaking them apart.
  5. Fold in the crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, the chopped hard-boiled eggs, and the white parts of the green onions. Mix just until incorporated.
  6. Cover the potato salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or preferably overnight) to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, adjust seasoning if necessary and garnish with the reserved green tops of the green onions.

Notes

For an extra creamy texture, ensure the potatoes are fully drained and slightly cooled before mixing with the dressing. Do not overmix, or the salad will become gummy.