Bacon Ranch Potato Salad is a classic American dish that is perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, and potlucks. The combination of creamy dressing, crispy bacon, and tender potatoes makes it a crowd-pleaser that is sure to satisfy.
This creamy potato salad recipe is next level and can be prepared using either an Instant Pot or stovetop method.
Bacon Ranch Potato Salad is a classic and delicious side dish that is perfect for any occasion. You’ll notice the flavors of a loaded baked potato. By far it’s my favorite potato salad recipe.
Whether you are having a barbecue, picnic, or potluck, this semi traditional potato salad is sure to be a hit with your guests! With its creamy dressing, crispy bacon, and tender potatoes, it’s hard not to love this dish. Plus, it’s so easy to make!
We hope you try this recipe and enjoy it as much as we do. Don’t forget to try out some of the variations and add-ins to make it your own. And remember, the key to a great potato salad is letting the flavors mingle in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
Common Questions About Bacon Ranch Potato Salad:
Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, you can use any type of potato that you prefer. However, red potatoes are recommended for this recipe because they hold their shape well and have a slightly sweet flavor.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, you can use turkey bacon in place of regular bacon. Keep in mind that turkey bacon has a milder flavor and different texture compared to traditional bacon.
Can I freeze Bacon Ranch Potato Salad?
No, it is not recommended to freeze Bacon Ranch Potato Salad as the texture and flavor may be affected.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make this recipe healthier, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, reduce the amount of bacon, or add more vegetables like celery or diced bell peppers.
Can I make Bacon Ranch Potato Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Bacon Ranch Potato Salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Storage:
-Refrigerator: Store Bacon Ranch Potato Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
-Freezer: Bacon Ranch Potato Salad is not recommended to be frozen.
Tips:
Here are a few things that may give you some additional ideas for this delicious potato salad.
- Use red potatoes for the best results.
- Let the potatoes cool completely before adding the dressing to prevent the dressing from separating.
- Add the bacon right before serving to keep it crispy.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preference. The amount of ranch seasoning mix and chives in this recipe are just suggestions. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your taste preferences, or add in other seasonings like garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor.
- Garnish with fresh chives or green onions for added flavor and presentation.
- Use a homemade ranch dressing mix for an added touch!
Ingredients
This recipe will be a huge hit at the next potluck!
- Red potatoes
- Salt and pepper
- Bacon
- Sour cream
- Mayonnaise
- Ranch seasoning mix
- Dried chives
How to Make Bacon Ranch Potato Salad:
Instant Pot Method:
- Add the manufacturer’s recommended amount of water to the Instant Pot insert. (typically, 1 to 1 ½ cups.)
- Place a steamer basket into the insert.
- Sprinkle the diced potatoes with salt.
- Place potatoes in the steamer basket. If you do not have a steamer basket, use a mesh trivet or the pot in pot method to avoid the burn message.
- Seal the pressure cooker lid and set the valve to sealing. Program on “manual” or “pressure cook” for ZERO minutes. After the pressurizing cycle is complete, switch the valve to venting for a quick pressure release.
- In a large bowl, mix the remaining ingredients until well blended.
- Add the cooked, cut potatoes, folding the potatoes into the dressing.
- Best served cold after the flavors have mingled in the refrigerator but can be served warm.
Stovetop Method:
- Place the diced potatoes into a large pot and fill with water to about 1 inch over the potatoes. Add salt to the water according to your preference.
- Over medium-high heat, bring the water to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium and boil for 8 to 12 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender.
- In a large bowl, mix the remaining ingredients until well blended.
- Add the potatoes, folding the potatoes into the dressing.
- Best served cold after the flavors have mingled in the refrigerator but can be served warm.
Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need for Bacon Ranch Potato Salad:
You won’t need anything fancy for this perfect side dish. Such an easy potato salad with such a delicious flavor.
- Instant Pot or Stockpot
- Steamer basket
- Large mixing bowl
- Mixing spoon
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
What to Serve With Bacon Ranch Potato Salad:
Bacon ranch potato salad recipe makes an easy side dish that goes well with a variety of main dishes.
Some great options include:
- Grilled chicken
- Hamburgers or hot dogs
- BBQ pulled pork
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled fish
Why You Should Make Bacon Ranch Potato Salad:
I think it’s the best thing on my plate! Here are some other reasons it’s a great summer side dish and one of my family’s favorite recipes.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser: This classic potato salad is a hit at potlucks, picnics, and barbecues.
- Easy to make: Whether you’re using an Instant Pot or the stovetop method, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare.
- Bacon: Everything is better with bacon, right?
- Creamy and flavorful: The mixture of sour cream, mayonnaise, and ranch seasoning mix creates a deliciously creamy and flavorful dressing.
- Perfect for leftovers: Bacon ranch potato salad is just as tasty the next day, making it a great option for meal prep or packed lunches.
Variations and Add-Ins for Bacon Ranch Potato Salad:
Make some adjustments and add your own flair. Your own touch can take this from a good potato salad to the best potato salad on the block!
- Add hard-boiled eggs: Chop up a few hard-boiled eggs and mix them into the potato salad for extra protein and flavor.
- Use different potatoes: While red potatoes work well in this recipe, you can also use Yukon Gold, Russet, or other types of potatoes.
- Add veggies: Try adding diced celery, red onion, or bell pepper for extra crunch and flavor.
- Swap the dressing: If you’re not a fan of ranch seasoning, you can use Italian dressing or another type of dressing instead.
- Add cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese can be a tasty addition to this salad.
If you love this easy Bacon Ranch Potato Salad recipe, you’re going to love these other potluck favorites too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
More Great Side Salad Recipes
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Bacon Ranch Potato Salad
Ingredients
- 3 pounds red potatoes scrubbed, peeled, and diced in 2-inch pieces
salt and pepper to taste
- 12 ounces bacon cooked and crumbled (1 package)
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix 1 packet
- 2 ½ tablespoons dried chives
Instructions
Instant Pot Method
- Add the manufacturer’s recommended amount of water to the IP insert. (typically, 1 to 1 ½ cups.)
- Place a steamer basket into the insert.
- Sprinkle the diced potatoes with salt.
- Add them to the steamer basket. If you do not have a steamer basket, use a mesh trivet or the pot in pot method to avoid the burn message.
- Seal the pressure cooker lid and set the valve to sealing. Program on “manual” or “pressure cook” for ZERO minutes. After the pressurizing cycle is complete, switch the valve to venting for a quick pressure release.
- In a large bowl, mix the remaining ingredients until well blended.
- Add the cooked potatoes, folding the potatoes into the dressing.
- Best served cold after the flavors have mingled in the refrigerator but can be served warm.
Stovetop Method
- Place the diced potatoes into a stockpot and fill with water to about 1 inch over the potatoes. Add salt to the water according to your preference.
- Over medium-high heat, bring the water to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium and boil for 8 to 12 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- In a large bowl, mix the remaining ingredients until well blended.
- Add the potatoes, folding the potatoes into the dressing.
- Best served cold after the flavors have mingled in the refrigerator but can be served warm.
Nutrition
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
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