Sometimes simple things are the best, and I think that’s the case with this Bacon Ranch Potato Salad. There are no crazy ingredients, no elaborate prep methods – just simple delicious food. It’s the perfect complement to nearly any meal.
One thing to keep in mind with potato salad is to monitor the doneness of your potatoes carefully. They can go from perfect for potato salad to mashed potatoes quickly, so just keep an eye on them. If you do end up over-cooking them a bit, there’s a tip in the recipe to help keep them together.
I remember growing up as a kid, my mom would make potato salad and would leave a small bowl of it out just for me so I could eat it while it was still warm – that’s my favorite way to eat it. I love it cold too, but have always preferred it while it’s still a little warm. Call me crazy! Y’all enjoy! 
Recipe Card
Bacon Ranch Potato Salad
Ingredients
- 3 lbs small red potatoes
- salt
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch salad dressing mix
- 4 green onions (sliced thin)
- 4 strips bacon (cooked and crumbled (about 1/3 cup crumbled))
Instructions
- Wash and cut potatoes into about 1-inch chunks. Place the potatoes in a large pot with just enough water to cover them. Add enough salt to make the water taste like ocean water. Place over medium high heat. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife, but not mushy.
- Meanwhile, make the dressing by combining the mayo, sour cream, and ranch dressing mix.
- Once the potatoes are cooked through, drain them well. If you like your potato salad cold, spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and and chill them in the refrigerator. (If you find that you may have cooked them too long, this also helps firm them up so when you toss them with the dressing, they won't all fall apart.)
- Combine the potatoes, dressing, green onions, and bacon in a large bowl and toss to coat. Serve immediately or refrigerate until served.
* If nutritional values are provided, they are an estimate and will vary depending on the brands used. The values do not include optional ingredients or when ingredients are added to taste. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, I recommend grabbing your favorite brands and plugging those ingredients into an online nutritional calculator.
Alicia
This is my 3rd time making! My husband requests it, and he isn’t a potato salad fan, but loves this one. Today I am adding the whites from hard boiled eggs! ????????It works well!
Glad to hear he’s enjoyed it!
Kathy
I make a similar one called loaded baked potato salad, only difference is I add mixed ranch dressing, and shredded cheese. LOVE it warm!!! I will do leftovers for 30 seconds in the microwave! I do not care for hard boiled eggs or mustard either, so usual potato salad is a no thanks! This recipe, like mine, is A+!!!
Thanks, Kathy! It’s so good warm, right!?!?
Virginia Lloyd
We use Ranch dressing w/ bacon instead of sour cream and Mayo. The rest is the same. Have made it for 30+ years
Sounds delicious!
Kathi
Hi all! Just made this wonderful potato salad for a BBQ tomorrow. Can’t wait to serve it. It was so easy!
I sure hope everyone enjoys it, Kathi!!
Kathi
OMG! My son-in-law asked for the recipe! ????. He’s a BBQ kind of guy not a potato salad maker! So I sent him your recipe! I had so many compliments!! Thank you for it and I definitely will make it again!!!
I’m so glad it worked out for y’all!!
Shirley stewart
Thanks
Julia
You are not the the only one who likes warm potato salad ,I have been known to take potao salad out of the fridge andstivl it in the microwave tovwarm it up.
Lynn
This sounds delicious, thanks! I’ve always liked potato salad best warm too, or room temperature, but not really cold. Could be a southern thang!! 😉
🙂 Maybe so!
Cathy
I generally don’t like potato salad but I have made this one several times and everyone loves it, including me! Thanks.
That’s great! So glad y’all have enjoyed it!
Samantha
Stacey, my mother made this on Saturday and I made it today and everyone loved it! We both paired it with your delicious Fall-Off-the-Bone Slow Cooker Ribs. What a great dinner!
Believe it or not, this was my very first attempt at making potato salad. I usually let my mother or someone else make it, ha ha. I managed just fine, though. Thanks for the clear directions and the tip to put the cooked potatoes in the fridge to cool off before mixing it up with the dressing, bacon, and green onions. It came out perfectly!
I’ll definitely be making this one again and again, but I’m also going to try your regular Potato Salad too. Thanks for all the great recipes, Stacey!
Another success! Glad to hear the recipes are turning out so well for y’all!!
June
I have never had warm potato salad – maybe now I will. Do you peel the potatoes? Thanks!
You can, but I prefer not to with thin skinned red potatoes.
Tina
Not crazy at all! We love it warm as well! This recipe looks delicious!
Thanks, Tina!
Kari
I haven’t made potato salad in ages! This one looks delicious. I like that you incorporated the Ranch seasonings.
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com
It just gives it a huge kick of flavor. 🙂
Stephanie @ Plain Chicken
I make something very similar – it is SO good. Gonna have to whip up a batch soon!
I know – so easy and filled with flavor! We cook a LOT alike. 🙂
Janene M
I’m with you, I have always enjoyed potato salad while still warm. My Dad made the best potato salad, I would always sneak a spoonful when he wasn’t looking!
It’s just so good that way!
Sigi G
Nope, you are not crazy at all. I grew up eating Potatoe Salad warm and couldn’t understand how people could eat it cold. Potatoe Salad has often been my go to recipe when making a quick meal, because once it’s done – it is ready to eat :)!
Yes! I just love it warm!
Peg
MMMMmmmmm ….. this sounds DELICIOUS! And you’re not crazy – I too like a little bowl of potato salad while it’s still warm. Okay. Maybe a BIG bowl of it. But warm. MMMMmmmmmm!!!
I’m not sure what it is, I’ve just always liked it that way.
Diane
Being originally from Pgh, PA we called warm potato salad German potato salad…MOM and Dad loved it I did no…I love good old fashioned cold potato salad…Will give your recipe a try when it get warmer here in Virginia…
Enjoy!!
cindi
My whole family would rather eat potato salad warm! Nope, you are not crazy, just southern!
Ha! Thanks, Cindi!