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Creamy Loaded Baked Potato Salad with Bacon Ranch

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A creamy, flavorful baked potato salad featuring crispy bacon, tangy ranch dressing, and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large russet potatoes, baked and cooled
  • 1 cup buttermilk ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Prick russet potatoes several times with a fork, place on a baking sheet, and bake for 45-55 minutes until tender. Let cool completely.
  2. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Peel cooled potatoes and cut into roughly 1-inch cubes. Gently place cubes into the bowl with dressing.
  5. Add chopped bacon, shredded cheddar, sliced green onions, and chopped chives. Fold gently to combine without breaking potatoes.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld.
  7. Before serving, stir gently and garnish with extra chives or bacon bits if desired.

Notes

Bake potatoes instead of boiling to keep them fluffy and prevent mushiness. Cool potatoes completely before mixing to avoid gluey texture. Cook bacon until crispy but not burnt. Fold ingredients gently to maintain potato texture. Refrigerate at least 1 hour for best flavor. If salad is dry after chilling, stir in more ranch or sour cream. For a gluten-free version, ensure ranch dressing is labeled gluten-free.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://avabake.com/creamy-loaded-baked-potato-salad-with-bacon-ranch-easy-recipe/