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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!!
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.
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Bacon Ranch Potato Salad
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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
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Originally published on September 1, 2014. Updated on May 30, 2022.
Love the idea of ranch in a potato salad! Thanks for sharing, Jamie.
This makes me think of classic salad recipes from my childhood. Pinned.
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!
Wow Jamie! You did it again! GREAT recipe!
This is the perfect potato salad, Jamie!! Such great flavors and perfect for family gatherings all year round!!
Love this potato salad, and your new look! 🙂 Saying hello from posed perfection! Cathy @ three kids and a fish
Why have I never thought to put bacon and ranch together in a potato salad? It looks amazing Jamie, I MUST try it!!
A local deli has a similar potato salad, but it is so expensive. I'll have to give this recipe a try! Thanks, Jamie!
Looks and sounds amazing. Pinned .
Looks simply irresistible!!!!