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Creamy Bacon Ranch Potato Salad Recipe with Crispy Bacon Bits Easy and Perfect

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A rich and tangy potato salad featuring creamy ranch dressing and crispy bacon bits, perfect for barbecues, potlucks, and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold or red potatoes, washed and cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped into bits
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise, preferably full-fat
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing, store-bought or homemade
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Place the cut potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for 12-15 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain well in a colander and let cool slightly.
  2. Meanwhile, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add bacon slices and cook until crispy, about 8-10 minutes, turning as needed. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, chop into small bits.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, ranch dressing, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Add the slightly cooled potatoes to the dressing bowl, along with green onions, celery, and parsley (if using). Gently fold everything together, trying not to break up the potatoes.
  5. Reserve a handful of crispy bacon bits for topping, then fold the remaining bits into the salad. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Just before serving, sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon bits on top.

Notes

Do not overcook potatoes to avoid mushy texture. Cool potatoes slightly before mixing to help dressing cling better. Keep bacon bits separate until serving for extra crunch. For lighter versions, swap half mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or use dairy-free ranch dressing. Use cast iron skillet for even bacon crisping.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato salad, bacon, ranch dressing, creamy potato salad, picnic recipe, barbecue side dish, easy potato salad

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/creamy-bacon-ranch-potato-salad-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-bits-easy-and-perfect/