This homemade Smashed Potato Salad is exactly as delightful as it sounds – crisp smashed potatoes tossed with crunchy pickles, sweet celery, onion, fresh dill, and tangy capers, all brought together with an irresistible two-ingredient dressing.

This light, wholesome, and totally satisfying dish will win you over with every bite. Watch the video tutorial and see how easy it is to create this delicious dish.

Smashed Potato Salad in a white bowl with a serving spoon, sitting on a red checkered towel.

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We love potato side dishes in this house, from the Creamy Potato Salad to Twice Baked Potatoes, and you’ve got to try Greek Lemon Potatoes. Honestly, I’ve never met a potato I didn’t like. If you’re a potato fan, this Smashed Potato Salad is an absolute must-try!

Smashed Potato Salad Video Tutorial

Making Smashed Potato Salad is so easy – just follow Natasha’s video and she’ll guide you through each simple step. Grab your ingredients, we’ve got some potatoes to smoosh!

This Smashed Potato Salad Recipe is a keeper!

My sister-in-law, Nadya, made this delicious Smashed Potato Salad for a family get-together last week, and everyone loved it! My daughter enjoyed it so much that I knew I had to recreate it ASAP. After one bite, I knew it was more than your average potato salad—it deserves a place on our Thanksgiving table. My husband loved it too, requesting an encore the very next day, and here we are, happily making it again.

This twist on classic potato salad is perfect for a weeknight dinner, great for meal prep, and special enough for a holiday feast. By taking our classic Smashed Potatoes recipe and turning it into an irresistible potato salad, we’ve found the best way to use leftover smashed potatoes – though it’s absolutely worth making them just for this dish.

Whether served chilled for a summer BBQ or slightly warm throughout the year, this salad is always delicious, even if you don’t have time to completely cool the potatoes.

Smashed Potato Salad ingredients in a bowl, ready to mix with the two ingredient mayonnaise based dressing

Ingredients for Smashed Potato Salad

The key to making great smashed potato salad is baking the potatoes until their edges are perfectly crispy, adding that crispy texture and a bit of crunch to the dish.

  • Potatoes – You can’t have potato salad without them! Use baby gold potatoes or red potatoes as they cook quickly, have a tender texture, and provide a creamy interior and crispy edges after baking.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil – To drizzle over the smashed potatoes before baking, which helps get those crispy edges.
  • Dill Pickles – adds a tangy and crunchy element to the salad, that balances the creaminess of the potatoes and mayo-based dressing.
  • Red Onion – provides a sharp and slightly pungent flavor that complements the creaminess of the potatoes and mayo-based dressing.
  • Celery – adds a refreshing crunch and mild flavor.
  • Fresh Dill – Adds a bright, herbal flavor that complements the other ingredients, adds freshness to the salad, and delicately garnishes the top before serving.
  • Capers – Provide a briny (salty) flavor to this salad.
  • Salt and Pepper – to season the potatoes.
  • Mayonaise – Forms the creamy base of the dressing and helps to bind the ingredients together.
  • Mustard – Adds a tangy flavor to the dressing.
Ingredients for Smashed Potato Salad: Gold potatoes, dill pickles, dijon mustard, salt and pepper, celery, dill, capers, mayonnaise, red onion, extra virgin olive oil

Variations

  • Garnish with fresh greens such as chives, fresh parsley, or chopped green onions. For a kick, use a sprinkle of paprika (1/2 tsp).
  • Reduced-fat dressing, combine 1 to 2 Tbsp mayo with ½ cup of Greek yogurt
  • Boiled Potatoes – If you have leftover boiled potatoes, you could smash them and finish them in the oven.

Which Potatoes Are Best for Smashed Potato Salad?

When choosing potatoes for smashed potato salad, look for varieties that are relatively small and uniform in size, as this will ensure even cooking and consistent texture. I like to use Baby Potatoes (such as Baby Gold or Baby Red Potatoes). These small potatoes are ideal because they cook quickly and evenly, and their small size makes them perfect for smashing.

That said, my sister-in-law used regular gold potatoes (they take longer to boil), and she smashed those. They didn’t get as crispy, but it worked just fine!

Smashed potatoes on a baking sheet, baked until crisp and golden.

How to Make Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

  • Boil the Potatoes – Preheat the oven to 450°F. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add 2 lbs of baby potatoes. Return to a boil and simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a knife. The exact timing will vary based on the size of the potatoes.
  1. Smash Potatoes – Drain the potatoes well and transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a potato masher or the bottom of a mason jar, or even a spatula, to gently smash each potato to an even ½-inch thickness.
  1. Season and Bake – Drizzle the smashed potatoes with oil and season with half of the salt and pepper. Bake at 450°F for 15 minutes. Flip the potatoes over and drizzle the second side with oil, then season with the remaining salt and pepper. Bake for an additional 12-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are crisp and golden brown at the edges. Remove from the oven and let cool until just warm or room temperature, then transfer them to a mixing bowl.
Smashed Potato Salad- How to smash potatoes after boiling them. Set the potatoes on a baking sheet and press them with the bottom of a jar into flattened discs, and bake until crispy.
  1. Assemble – Add the remaining salad ingredients to the bowl: pickles, red onion, celery, dill, and capers.
  2. Make the Potato Salad Dressing: In a small dish, stir together the mayo and Dijon mustard. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. The potatoes will break up slightly as you toss them, which is perfect for texture. Garnish with more dill if desired and enjoy!
Smashed Potato Salad ingredients combined in a serving bowl with two-ingredient dressing in a separate bowl, ready to be combined.

Pro Tip:

Allow the smashed potatoes to cool slightly before adding the dressing. They can be added cold, at room temperature, or slightly warm if you’re in a hurry.

What to Serve with Smashed Potato Salad?

This versatile side dish complements a variety of meals, from proteins and sandwiches to cookout favorites and comforting classics, making it perfect for any occasion, including a holiday buffet.

Smashed Potato Salad in a bowl with a serving spoon, garnished with fresh dill.

Make-Ahead

Prepare the salad in advance to be ready for your cookout or holiday meal. Leftovers keep well and taste even better after the flavors meld together.

  • To Refrigerate: All the salad to cool completely and then cover with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. The salad can be stored for up to 3-4 days.
  • To Serve: Enjoy this salad cold, right out of the refrigerator. When ready to eat again, give the salad a light stir to redistribute the dressing and refresh the flavors.
Smashed Potato Salad in a red serving bowl with a serving spoon, garnished with fresh dill.

Enjoy this delicious Smashed Potato Salad as a delightful addition to your next meal, whether it’s a casual family gathering or a special holiday feast!

More Potato Side Dish Recipes

There are countless ways to enjoy potatoes, whether it’s for breakfast (hello Breakfast Potatoes!), lunch, or dinner – from my favorite Potato Pierogi to indulgent Au Gratin Potatoes. If you love this Smashed Potato Salad recipe, then you won’t want to miss these other mouthwatering potato side dish recipes.

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Smashed Potato Salad Recipe

5 from 23 votes
Smashed Potato Salad in a red serving bowl with a serving spoon, garnished with fresh dill.
A crispy twist on potato salad, with crisp vegetables and fresh herbs, combined with an irresistible two-ingredient dressing. This light and satisfying dish will win you over with every bite.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 6 servings
  • 2 lb baby gold potatoes, or red potatoes, whole and unpeeled
  • 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, to drizzle
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt, divided or added to taste
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, divided
  • 1 cup chopped dill pickles, or added to taste
  • ¼ red onion, about ½ cup, finely chopped
  • ½ cup celery, about 2 sticks, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped, plus more to garnish
  • 1 ½ Tbsp capers, chopped
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 ½ Tbsp dijon mustard

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 450°F. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add 2 lbs of baby potatoes. Return to a boil and simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a knife. The exact timing will vary based on the size of the potatoes.
  • Drain the potatoes well and transfer them to a rimmed sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Use a potato masher or the bottom of a mason jar to gently smash each potato to an even ½-inch thickness.
  • Drizzle the smashed potatoes with oil and season with half of the salt and pepper. Bake at 450°F for 15 minutes. Flip the potatoes over and drizzle the second side with oil, then season with the remaining salt and pepper. Bake for an additional 12-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are crisp and golden at the edges. Remove from the oven and let cool until just warm or room temperature, then transfer them to a mixing bowl.
  • Add the remaining salad ingredients to the bowl: pickles, onion, celery, dill, and capers.
  • In a small dish, stir together the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. The potatoes will break up slightly as you toss them, which is perfect for texture. Garnish with more dill if desired and enjoy!

Notes

Variations:
  • Garnish with fresh herbs such as fresh parsley, chives, or chopped green onions. For a little spice, add a sprinkle of paprika (1/2 tsp).
  • Reduced-fat dressing: combine 1 to 2 Tbsp mayonnaise with ½ cup Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.

Nutrition Per Serving

1serving Serving294kcal Calories28g Carbs4g Protein19g Fat3g Saturated Fat9g Polyunsaturated Fat7g Monounsaturated Fat0.03g Trans Fat8mg Cholesterol813mg Sodium719mg Potassium4g Fiber2g Sugar254IU Vitamin A33mg Vitamin C45mg Calcium2mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Smashed Potato Salad Recipe
Serving Size
 
1 serving
Amount per Serving
Calories
294
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
19
g
29
%
Saturated Fat
 
3
g
19
%
Trans Fat
 
0.03
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
9
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
7
g
Cholesterol
 
8
mg
3
%
Sodium
 
813
mg
35
%
Potassium
 
719
mg
21
%
Carbohydrates
 
28
g
9
%
Fiber
 
4
g
17
%
Sugar
 
2
g
2
%
Protein
 
4
g
8
%
Vitamin A
 
254
IU
5
%
Vitamin C
 
33
mg
40
%
Calcium
 
45
mg
5
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Side Dish
Keyword: potato salad, potato salad recipe
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 294
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook
5 from 23 votes

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Cindy O
    August 5, 2024

    Natasha, your recipes never disappoint. I am a seasoned cook, and have had my own catering business long ago (I’m 70 now), but just watching you on YouTube and the ease and excitement brought to every recipe is amazing. This was delicious. Thank you for just being you!!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      August 5, 2024

      Aw, thank you so much for the wonderful feedback, Carol!

      Reply

  • Dee
    August 3, 2024

    Quite likely The absolute best potato salad I have ever made, and eaten!!! NATASHA, I took a picture, but it will not justify how incredibly tasty it was. Next time I will definitely double or triple the recipe because it was gone in less than five minutes for my group of four for dinner. I can always count on your recipes for not just being good, but spectacular. From one Ukrainian to the other.👏👍❤️

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      August 3, 2024

      That’s so great to hear, Dee! So glad you loved it.

      Reply

  • Anita Anderson
    August 1, 2024

    The best potato salad I’ve had. Thank you for all of your incredible recipes!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      August 1, 2024

      I’m so glad you loved it, Anita! Thank you for the feedback.

      Reply

  • Sue
    August 1, 2024

    Can I add crumbled feta at the end ,I’m going to make it today and my family loves feta cheese or will it be enough without it.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      August 1, 2024

      Hi Sue. I think this recipe has plenty of flavor as is. But feel free to experiment with it. I hope you all of it.

      Reply

  • Cathy
    July 31, 2024

    Tried this last night and it’s truly delicious! I didn’t have baby gold potatoes and so they weren’t neatly smashed but it didn’t matter. Try this one!

    Reply

  • TAMMY GABARDI
    July 30, 2024

    Saw sharkie behind the red onion.🦈
    Hubby & I LOVE your cookbook.
    We enjoy cooking your recipes together.
    You need to do another cookbook already.
    Keep them coming 😁

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 30, 2024

      Great eye, Tammy! Thank you for watching!

      Reply

  • Lia
    July 30, 2024

    Wow, this salad is delicious definitely will be making it again. Thank you for the recipe.

    Reply

  • Assunda
    July 29, 2024

    Thank you Natasha for all your tasty recipes. I’ve tried many and love them. I’m making this one for our Family reunion. I’m sure it will be a big hit.😊

    Reply

  • Salina J Sims
    July 29, 2024

    This recipe is really very delicious. I liked it

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 29, 2024

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Kari
    July 28, 2024

    This is my favorite potato salad ever! So tasty!

    Reply

  • Delyn Konstantinidis
    July 27, 2024

    Made this tonight with BBQ chicken thighs. Substituted half mayo for non fat Greek yogurt and had to use dried dill weed and substituted out some red onion for green onion. Didn’t used capers. Didn’t have any. It was delicious 🤤. Family loved it and I will definitely make again thanks Natasha!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      July 27, 2024

      Sounds wonderful. Thank you for trying the recipe!

      Reply

  • Emilie Fedorov
    July 27, 2024

    Saw the shark at your right about 3 minutes in..

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      July 27, 2024

      Good catch!

      Reply

  • Lisa
    July 27, 2024

    Saw Sharkie at 2:59 by the red onion!!! Going to try this tonight!!!

    Reply

  • Robert E Godwin Jr
    July 27, 2024

    Saw Sharkie at 2:55! Can’t wait to try this recipe!

    Reply

  • Andrew A Nourb
    July 27, 2024

    Love your recipes. mad many dishes and enjoyed them. thanks

    Reply

  • Joanne Paquette
    July 27, 2024

    I plan on making this delicious smash potato salad this week!! Thank you for all your great recipes you share with us!!
    I’m making two pans of lasagna today for family. Every one love this recipe!!

    Reply

  • Sha
    July 27, 2024

    This is a new comfort food! Sooo simple and convenient. Such a keeper!

    Reply

  • Caroline
    July 26, 2024

    Any suggested substitute for the capers?! Or can you just leave them out? Not a big fan. Otherwise this recipe sounds wonderful!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      July 27, 2024

      Hi Caroline! You can just leave them out! I hope you love the recipe!

      Reply

      • Caroline
        July 30, 2024

        Made this last night to go with a small pork loin…it was delicious! My husband, who generally does NOT like potato salad, took what little leftovers there were with him for lunch today!!😊

        Reply

  • Kristen
    July 26, 2024

    Loved this potato salad! This is my new go-to recipe.

    Reply

  • jess
    July 26, 2024

    this was everything that I wanted it to be and more! thank you so much for sharing this recipe!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      July 26, 2024

      You are so welcome!

      Reply

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