Even people who don’t like traditional potato salad like this Bacon Ranch Potato Salad! It’s perfect for cookouts or tailgating!
Ranch Potato Salad
I was digging through one of my old recipe boxes the other day and ran across this Bacon Ranch Potato Salad recipe I got from a friend many years ago. I haven’t made it in quite a while and thought it would be the perfect side dish for just about every summer picnic under the sun!
It’s wonderful when you want a different kind of potato salad or for those people who don’t like traditional potato salad. Think potatoes, sour cream, green onions, crispy bacon, and Ranch dressing mix – it’s glorious, filling, and amazingly delicious. Plus, every kid and picky eater I know loves it, so no squabbles with your little ones (or stubborn relatives!) over not wanting to finish up a plate.
This ranch potato salad is perfect for cookouts, potlucks, or tailgating parties since it’s such a crowd-pleaser! It’s easy to make and can easily be doubled to feed a small army. I know this because I’ve done it before!
This Ranch Potato Salad recipe is another one of those amazing picnic foods that seem to taste better outdoors, especially in the summer!! 😉 Enjoy!
Bacon Ranch Potato Salad: Ingredients & Substitutions
To make this Ranch Potato Salad, you will need …
Ingredients
- red potatoes – cut into bite-sized pieces (1-inch chunks should be good) and cook until tender. Can’t have a potato salad without them!
- sour cream, ranch dressing mix – this forms your ranch-flavored “dressing” and it’s out-of-this-world tasty.
- bacon – cooked and crumbled. Y’all, I love bacon in just about anything, but adding it to this potato salad takes the cake. Reminds me of a baked potato sprinkled with tons of toppings and goodies!
- cheddar, green onions – other stir-ins for your bacon ranch potato salad!
NOTE: You may also need to add salt and pepper to taste! I don’t think it needs it, but that’s just me!!
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Bacon Ranch Potato Salad: FAQs
About 45 minutes, plus two hours. Set aside 15 minutes to prep the ingredients and 30 minutes to cook the potatoes. You’ll want to cover the salad and let it chill in the fridge for those 2 hours, as well. I know, I know, not fast – BUT – it’s efficient since most of the time you aren’t actively doing anything in the kitchen!!
Enough for about 8 people to have some, or 4 people to have seconds!
You can, but I feel it’s much more flavorful with the sour cream/ranch dressing mix, plus, you get a thicker “dressing”!
Not at all! Use any sharp cheese you like.
Cook and add the bacon immediately before serving! If you don’t, it’ll start to get a little mushy in the dressing over time.
I recommend it! You can chill it for about a day and then serve it, but I really wouldn’t wait longer than that.
Other recipes you may enjoy
Bacon Ranch Potato Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 – 2 ½ lb. red potatoes cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 container sour cream 16 oz.
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix 1 oz.
- 1 package bacon, cooked and crumbled 12-16 oz.
- 1 ½ cups Cheddar cheese, shredded 6 oz.
- 1 bunch green onions thinly sliced
Instructions
- Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Season the water with salt, if desired. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover and allow the potatoes to cook until tender – about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes into a colander and run them under cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the sour cream and ranch dressing mix.
- Add the potatoes, bacon, Cheddar, and green onions. Gently stir the mixture until it is well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate at least two hours before serving.
Notes
- If desired, you can use Russet potatoes in place of the red potatoes.
- If you prefer a thinner dressing, you can add a touch of milk or buttermilk to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional information listed on this page is an estimation based on the products I used. Ingredients and nutritional information can vary significantly between brands. Always be sure to read labels. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Likewise, recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them.
Originally published on September 1, 2014. Updated on May 30, 2022.
Looks simply irresistible!!!!
Looks and sounds amazing. Pinned .
A local deli has a similar potato salad, but it is so expensive. I'll have to give this recipe a try! Thanks, Jamie!
Why have I never thought to put bacon and ranch together in a potato salad? It looks amazing Jamie, I MUST try it!!
Love this potato salad, and your new look! 🙂 Saying hello from posed perfection! Cathy @ three kids and a fish
This is the perfect potato salad, Jamie!! Such great flavors and perfect for family gatherings all year round!!
Wow Jamie! You did it again! GREAT recipe!
This looks really good, Jamie! I usually like the vinegar based potato salads, but I like the twist on this one. I'll definitely give it a try. Pinning!
This makes me think of classic salad recipes from my childhood. Pinned.
Love the idea of ranch in a potato salad! Thanks for sharing, Jamie.
We will just love your Bacon Ranch Potato Salad, awesome! Thank you so much for sharing this awesome post with Full Plate Thursday and hope you are having a fantastic weekend!Come Back Soon,Miz Helen
This looks fabulous! Thanks for linking up with What's Cookin' Wednesday!
Thank you for linking up your yummy potato salad! You have been featured at http://mooreorlesscooking.com for our Simple Supper Linky Party! Nettie
I have made this several times before…in fact, making it now for a work potluck. I always get rave reviews. Thanks for posting this recipe 🙂
Just finished.. now to wait the 2 hours! Licking the spoon was a must and it was yummy! Happy 4th everyone!