If you are looking for a unique twist on a classic favorite, this Smashed Potato Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. It takes the humble potato salad to a whole new level by roasting smashed baby gold potatoes until crispy on the edges yet tender inside, then tossing them in a tangy, creamy dressing loaded with fresh herbs, crunchy pickles, crisp cucumbers, and vibrant radishes. Every bite delivers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that will brighten up any picnic, barbecue, or family meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a metal baking tray filled with several golden brown smashed potatoes. Each potato is flattened unevenly, exposing soft, textured potato flesh with a light crust on the outside. The potatoes are scattered loosely with visible bits of seasoning and oil on the tray. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you—each one plays an essential role, whether it’s adding creaminess, crunch, or brightness to this smashing potato salad. Having fresh herbs and quality olive oil makes all the difference in bringing this dish to life.

2 pounds baby gold potatoes: The perfect size for smashing, tender yet hearty enough to hold their shape when baked.
4½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve those irresistibly crispy edges.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors throughout the dish.
⅔ cup mayonnaise: The creamy base of the dressing that balances tangy and savory notes.
1 tablespoon stone ground mustard: Brings a subtle kick and a lovely texture to the dressing.
1½ tablespoons pickle juice: Provides that classic zesty tang for a punch of brightness.
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste: Adds a gentle heat and depth.
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives: Brings a mild oniony freshness to the salad.
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh Italian parsley: Adds a bright herbal note and lovely green color.
1 cup diced Persian cucumbers: Crunchy and refreshing, they add a cooling element to balance the richness.
¾ cup diced pickles: Introduces tanginess and a satisfying crunch.
4 hard boiled eggs, roughly chopped: Adds substance and richness for a more filling salad.
4 radishes, thinly sliced: Offers a peppery crunch and vibrant color contrast.

How to Make Smashed Potato Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Boil the Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F and greasing a rimmed baking sheet with olive oil. While the oven heats, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat and add the baby gold potatoes. Boil them until they become very tender when poked with a fork, which usually takes about 20 minutes. This initial cooking softens the potatoes perfectly for smashing and roasting.

Step 2: Smash and Roast the Potatoes

Once the potatoes have cooled slightly for about 5 minutes after draining, arrange them spaced out on your greased baking sheet. Gently press each potato with the bottom of a drinking glass or a sturdy kitchen tool until it flattens to about a quarter of an inch thick. This smashing creates more crispy surfaces once baked. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil evenly over them and sprinkle half a teaspoon of kosher salt. Roast in the oven for about 25 minutes or until golden and crisp on the edges. Let the potatoes cool for 10 minutes after baking, then roughly chop them into bite-sized pieces and transfer them into a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

While the potatoes are roasting, whisk together the mayonnaise, remaining 2½ tablespoons of olive oil, stone ground mustard, pickle juice, the remaining half teaspoon salt, and freshly cracked black pepper in a small bowl. This dressing is full of tang, creaminess, and a hint of sharpness that beautifully complements the salad’s rich textures.

Step 4: Combine and Toss the Salad

Add the chopped chives, parsley, diced Persian cucumbers, pickles, hard boiled eggs, and thinly sliced radishes into the bowl with the cooled potatoes. Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture and gently stir everything until all ingredients are evenly coated. This step ensures every scoop bursts with bright, creamy, and fresh flavors.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

For the best flavor and texture, cover your smashed potato salad and chill it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy. Chilling allows all the flavors to meld together, creating a harmonious and satisfying salad experience.

How to Serve Smashed Potato Salad Recipe

The dish is a potato salad served in a white bowl, showing at least four main layers. The bottom layer consists of crushed and lightly browned potato pieces with a rough texture. On top of the potatoes, there are thin, round slices of pale radishes with pink edges and some sliced cucumbers with fresh green skin and white centers. The entire salad is drizzled with a creamy white dressing, speckled with small green herbs and black pepper. The salad is topped with small green chive pieces and dots of black pepper scattered evenly. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra fresh herbs like chives and parsley on top brings an inviting pop of green and fresh fragrance right before serving. You can also add a few thin radish slices or a dusting of cracked black pepper for an elegant touch that signals just how vibrant this potato salad truly is.

Side Dishes

This Smashed Potato Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats such as chicken, steak, or fish. It’s also a fantastic companion to smoky barbecue dishes or robust sandwiches, balancing the flavors with its bright and creamy profile. And for a lighter meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive gathering, consider arranging the salad on a large platter and topping it with edible flowers or microgreens to elevate its visual appeal. Serving in individual clear glass jars or bowls can add charm for picnics or casual dinners. Its lovely mix of colors and textures makes it a natural showstopper, no matter the presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can safely store leftover smashed potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors may even deepen over time, although the potatoes are best enjoyed within this window to keep the texture just right.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this potato salad. The mayonnaise-based dressing and the fresh vegetables would not hold their texture well after thawing, resulting in a soggy and less flavorful dish.

Reheating

If you prefer your smashed potatoes warm, you can gently reheat the leftover chopped potatoes separately in the oven or on a skillet until crisp again, then toss with fresh dressing and veggies. However, the salad is truly best served chilled or at room temperature to appreciate its delightful crunch and freshness.

FAQs

Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While baby gold potatoes are ideal for their smooth texture and flavor, you can substitute with Yukon Golds or red potatoes. Just make sure they are small enough to smash and roast evenly.

Is this potato salad recipe dairy-free?

Yes, this Smashed Potato Salad Recipe is dairy-free since the creaminess comes from mayonnaise rather than yogurt or sour cream, making it suitable for those avoiding dairy.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative and omit the hard-boiled eggs. You could also add more crunchy veggies or beans for added protein and texture.

How long do I need to boil the baby potatoes?

Boil the baby potatoes for about 20 minutes or until they are very tender when pierced with a fork. This step ensures they smash easily without falling apart.

What if I don’t have pickle juice on hand?

If you don’t have pickle juice, a splash of vinegar combined with a pinch of salt and a little sugar can mimic the tangy brightness. Just adjust to taste to maintain that essential zing in the dressing.

Final Thoughts

This Smashed Potato Salad Recipe is a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors and fun textures that takes the classic potato salad up a notch. It’s comforting yet bright, perfect for sharing with friends and family anytime you want to impress with minimal fuss. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you might just find it becoming your new favorite staple! Happy cooking and even happier eating.