Loaded Baked Potato Salad Recipe

If you love the bold flavors of a loaded baked potato, wait until you try them in salad form! Loaded Baked Potato Salad takes everything you adore—crispy vegan bacon, creamy vegan cheddar, tangy dressing, and fluffy baked potatoes—and swirls it all together in one irresistible, make-ahead dish that’s always a crowd pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the stars of this dish. Each ingredient in this Loaded Baked Potato Salad plays an important role—giving you the ideal balance of creamy, smoky, tangy, and fresh. Gather these essentials and you’re halfway to potato salad bliss!

• Russet potatoes: The classic choice—sturdy enough to hold their shape, fluffy inside, and perfect for baking.
• Olive oil: Just a brush on your potatoes before baking gives them golden, flavorful skins.
• Lemon juice: A splash right after chopping the potatoes keeps them bright and adds fresh zing.
• Vegan mayonnaise: The backbone of a creamy, luscious dressing—choose your favorite brand for best results.
• Vegan sour cream or plain vegan yogurt: Adds tang and silkiness without dairy; Greek-style vegan yogurts are especially creamy!
• Dijon mustard: For subtle heat and depth—don’t skip it!
• Garlic powder & smoked paprika: These spices add savory warmth and a gentle smoky background that makes you crave another bite.
• Vegan cheddar cheese: Shredded and melty, this gives the salad its “loaded” attitude—cheese shreds that deliver both flavor and color.
• Vegan bacon: Crispy, smoky, and absolutely essential; chop it up so a bit lands in every forkful.
• Green onions: Fresh, mild, and a pop of color—plus, they’re perfect as a finishing garnish.
• Fresh parsley: For a gorgeous green touch and a burst of herby freshness.
• Salt and black pepper: Season everything to your taste; potatoes and creamy dressing always need a little extra.

Variations

Loaded Baked Potato Salad is endlessly customizable. Let your taste buds steer the way—swap in your favorite mix-ins, make it spicy, or lighten things up with fresh veggies. Here are a few fun ideas to start with:

• Switch up the potatoes: Try Yukon Golds for buttery texture, or red potatoes for a firmer, skin-on experience.
• Make it extra spicy: Add diced pickled jalapeños or swirl in a spoonful of hot sauce to the dressing for a kick.
• Boost the veggies: Toss in roasted corn kernels, diced bell peppers, or even chopped celery for crunch and color.
• Customize the cheese: Use vegan pepper jack for a bold twist or opt for classic vegan mozzarella if you prefer mild flavors.

How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Step 1: Bake the Potatoes

Preheat your oven and get those Russets scrubbed. Prick them all over with a fork, rub them lightly in olive oil, and bake until they’re fork-tender and fluffy inside—no shortcuts! Baking, rather than boiling, truly brings out the signature taste of a loaded baked potato in this salad.

Step 2: Cool, Peel, and Chop

Let your potatoes cool until they’re comfortable to handle—trust me, your fingers will thank you. Peel them if you want a classic, creamy bite, or leave the skins on for rustic flair and extra fiber. Chop into generous, bite-sized cubes and shower with lemon juice to keep them bright and zippy.

Step 3: Whip Up the Dressing

While the potatoes cool, whisk together your vegan mayo, sour cream (or yogurt), lemon juice, Dijon, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This dreamy dressing hits the sweet spot between creamy and tangy, enveloping every chunk of potato in pure flavor.

Step 4: Combine Potatoes and Dressing

Add your chopped potatoes to the dressing while they’re still slightly warm—this lets them absorb all that fabulous flavor. Gently fold until every piece is beautifully coated but not smashed; you want a mix of creamy bits and tender pieces.

Step 5: Add the “Loaded” Toppings

Now for the fun part: stir in the shredded vegan cheese, crispy vegan bacon, sliced green onions, and fresh parsley. You’ll see the salad spring to life with color and texture! Feel free to taste and adjust seasoning right here.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

For best flavor (and the ultimate texture), pop the salad in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This gives everything a chance to meld and lets the salad become creamy dreamy. Just before serving, top with a flourish of extra vegan bacon, cheese, and green onions—now it’s party-ready!

How to Serve Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Garnishes

In true “loaded” fashion, don’t forget to shower your salad with more vegan bacon bits, melty cheese shreds, and a handful of crisp green onions just before serving. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dusting of paprika makes it look irresistible on the table.

Side Dishes

This loaded salad is the perfect sidekick for classic cookout fare—think veggie burgers, barbecued tofu, grilled corn, or even a simple mixed greens salad. Honestly, Loaded Baked Potato Salad fits right in with virtually every summer meal or picnic spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this salad in mini mason jars for individual portions at parties, or hollow out baked potato skins and let guests scoop their own “salad boats.” It also makes a vibrant, colorful addition piled high on a serving platter, garnished to the nines.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Loaded Baked Potato Salad stores beautifully! Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh, creamy, and delicious for 3 to 4 days. Give it a gentle stir before serving leftovers to refresh the texture.

Freezing

Unfortunately, freezing isn’t the best option for this salad. The potatoes and dressing tend to get watery and mushy after thawing—so enjoy it fresh from the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Loaded Baked Potato Salad is meant to be served cold (or at cool room temperature), just like classic potato salad. If you prefer, you can let it sit out for about 10–15 minutes after removing from the fridge to take the chill off, but there’s no reheating required.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fall in love, do yourself (and your friends!) a favor and whip up a bowl of Loaded Baked Potato Salad. Whether it’s a barbecue, a picnic, or just a Tuesday night, this dish is pure, creamy comfort that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy every bite!

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