Smashed Potato Salad
Smashed Potato Salad is a vibrant and refreshing summer side dish featuring tender smashed baby potatoes tossed in a zesty dressing with fresh herbs and crunchy vegetables. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or light meals, this salad is easy to prepare, versatile, and ideal for warm weather gatherings.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling and mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Potatoes
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes (red or fingerling recommended)
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons good-quality olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard (optional)
Fresh Herbs
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, parsley, or chives
Crunchy Veggies
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup sliced radishes
- Boil the potatoes: Start by boiling your baby potatoes in salted water until they are just fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them so they maintain enough structure for smashing.
- Smash the potatoes: Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. Gently press each potato with the bottom of a glass or a potato masher just enough to flatten them without turning into mush.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice or vinegar, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings like garlic powder or mustard to create a vibrant, flavorful dressing.
- Combine ingredients: Place the smashed potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Add chopped fresh herbs and crunchy veggies, then drizzle the dressing over everything. Toss gently to coat evenly while keeping the potatoes intact.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Choose waxy potatoes like red or fingerling for better structure when smashed.
- Don’t over-smash – keep some potato texture to enjoy contrast with crunchy veggies and dressing.
- Season as you go, tasting and adjusting salt, acidity, and herbs perfectly.
- The salad tastes best after a few hours in the fridge to allow the dressing to soak in.
- Add fresh herbs last to preserve their bright flavors and color.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, stirring gently before serving.
- This salad does not freeze well; enjoy fresh or refrigerated.
- Reheat gently if preferred warm, but best served chilled or room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Smashed Potato Salad, summer side dish, potato salad, gluten free, vegetarian, fresh herbs, picnic, barbecue, easy salad