Crispy Smashed Potato Salad is a bold and flavorful twist on the classic creamy potato salad. By roasting smashed baby potatoes to golden crispiness and combining them with a tangy, herb-infused dressing, this dish offers a delicious contrast of textures—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Ideal for summer BBQs, potlucks, or a hearty side, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as satisfying as it is simple to prepare.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs baby potatoes

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• 2 green onions, sliced

• 1 tablespoon capers (optional)

Directions

1. Boil the Potatoes
In a pot of salted water, boil baby potatoes for 12–15 minutes until tender. Drain and let cool slightly.

2. Smash & Roast
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Place potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and gently smash with a fork.
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Roast for 20–25 minutes until crispy and golden brown.

3. Make the Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

4. Combine
Toss warm roasted potatoes with the dressing, parsley, green onions, and capers.

5. Serve
Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with additional herbs if desired.

Nutrients

Per serving (approximate):

• Calories: 280

• Fat: 15g

• Carbohydrates: 32g

• Protein: 4g

Why It Works

Crispy Smashed Potato Salad is a game-changing twist on the traditional picnic staple, combining the hearty comfort of roasted potatoes with the tangy richness of a creamy herb dressing. Instead of the usual boiled-and-chilled chunks, baby potatoes are smashed and roasted until golden and crisp, delivering a delightful crunch that’s perfectly offset by their creamy interiors. This contrast in texture makes the salad bold and satisfying, while the lemony, mustard-spiked dressing brings it all together with brightness and bite. Whether served warm, at room temperature, or slightly chilled, this potato salad is guaranteed to steal the spotlight at any BBQ, potluck, or summer gathering.

The genius of this recipe lies in transforming the potato texture. Boiling ensures the inside is tender, while smashing and roasting introduce irresistible crispiness. Unlike the often mushy texture of classic potato salad, this version offers crisp edges that hold up beautifully against the creamy dressing, keeping every bite interesting and flavorful. The warm potatoes also soak up the dressing better than cold ones, allowing the tangy flavors to penetrate every bite.

This dish is elevated further with the addition of chopped herbs, green onions, and optional briny capers, adding freshness and complexity. It’s rustic, modern, and irresistibly crave-worthy.

Texture and Flavor Highlights

• Crispy and golden edges from oven-roasting add a satisfying crunch

• Creamy, fluffy centers deliver comfort and richness

• A punchy dressing featuring lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and mayo gives a zesty, slightly tangy backbone

• Fresh herbs and scallions add lightness and balance

• Capers (optional) provide a salty, briny pop that complements the creamy and crispy components

Altogether, the dish feels indulgent without being heavy, making it perfect as a standalone side or a complement to grilled meats, sandwiches, or plant-based mains.

Ingredient Notes and Swaps

• Baby Potatoes: These work best for their small size and smooth texture, ideal for smashing and roasting. Red or yellow varieties are both excellent. If using larger potatoes, simply cut them in halves or quarters.

• Olive Oil: Helps achieve that crispy texture in the oven. You can also use avocado oil for a neutral flavor and higher smoke point.

• Garlic Powder: While optional, it adds savory depth to the roasted potatoes.

• Mayonnaise: Choose a high-quality mayo or use a plant-based version for a vegan twist.

• Dijon Mustard: Provides sharpness and depth. Stone-ground mustard or even whole-grain mustard can also be used.

• Lemon Juice: Fresh is best for its bright acidity, which cuts through the richness.

• Capers: Optional, but recommended if you love a salty, tangy bite.

• Parsley and Green Onions: Bring herbaceous flavor and color. You could also use dill, chives, or cilantro depending on your preferences.

Ideal for Gatherings and Make-Ahead Meals

Crispy Smashed Potato Salad is made to impress a crowd. Its texture and flavor hold up well over time, making it a practical and popular choice for:

• Summer BBQs

• Outdoor picnics

• Potlucks and buffet-style meals

• Weeknight dinners or Sunday brunches

• Meal prep lunches

You can prepare the roasted potatoes in advance and reheat them briefly in the oven before tossing with the dressing. Alternatively, serve it at room temperature for peak flavor without any last-minute prep.

Serving and Presentation Tips

For the best visual and textural appeal:

• Arrange roasted potatoes on a platter rather than in a bowl to preserve crisp edges

• Drizzle the dressing evenly and sprinkle herbs and capers right before serving

• Garnish with extra lemon zest or flaky sea salt for a restaurant-style finish

• Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, burgers, or skewers for a complete spread

This salad also makes a satisfying vegetarian main when paired with a hearty grain like quinoa or lentils.

Tips for Success

• Smash gently: Use a fork or the bottom of a glass to flatten the potatoes just enough to crack the skins but not break them apart

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give the potatoes space to roast evenly and get crispy—use two pans if necessary

• Roast at high heat: 425°F is ideal for caramelizing and crisping the potatoes without drying them out

• Dress while warm: The dressing absorbs more easily and clings better to warm potatoes

Storage and Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While the potatoes may lose some crispness, the flavor will continue to develop. Reheat in the oven or an air fryer to revive the texture, or enjoy them cold for a more traditional potato salad feel.

Conclusion

Crispy Smashed Potato Salad is a flavorful, texture-packed update to a beloved classic. With its golden, crunchy potatoes and zippy, herb-infused dressing, it offers the best of both worlds—comfort and crispiness in every forkful. Ideal for gatherings or everyday meals, this dish elevates the humble potato into something truly memorable. Simple to make, easy to customize, and impossible to resist, it’s a must-have addition to your warm-weather menu.