Simple Potato Salad (With Bacon)

Who doesn't love to be able to whip up a simple potato salad for the many potlucks, barbeques, and picnic gatherings throughout the year?

One that is quick to put together, yet flavorful and satisfying.

I recently took this creamy potato salad to an end-of-school-year picnic. You know that people really like it when they ask randomly, "Who made the ________?"

Well, four or five moms said within my earshot, "This potato salad is amazing." Or, "Who made the potato salad?"

Needless to say, this was why I knew that this recipe was a definite keeper.

My family loves it, but the fact that multiple other families also loved it (including kids who were gobbling it up) was the best way for me to know that the recipe is a success beyond my own family.

I hope that you get the same comments when you make it. And you can absolutely take all the credit for the praise!

So, take it to your next picnic, cookout, or potluck and listen for random comments before they know who made it.

Why is this potato salad so special?

Did you notice that this is yet another of my recipes with my beloved BACON? Ah yes, I can't seem to stop using it in my recipes. It just makes sense too often ... 😉

This is no ordinary salad, as the ingredient list is extensive. And with bacon, green onions, celery, yellow mustard, paprika, dill - all ingredients I couldn't bear to leave out.

Not ordinary, but it is simple to make. Best made ahead and refrigerated for at least a few hours, preferably overnight.

Making Creamy Bacon Potato Salad

You will first need to boil the eggs. Start these, and you can be assembling and preparing the other ingredients while they cook.

Boiling eggs:

To boil the eggs, I like to start with cold water in a pot large enough for the eggs to be covered with the water. Add just a shake of salt to the water, which helps it boil faster.

Turn the heat to high and wait until it begins to boil. Remove from heat just before the rolling boil and cover with the lid. Let sit for 20 minutes covered off the heat.

Next, you will drain the eggs and add running cold water to the pot. Alternately, you can add the eggs to ice water.

The purpose here is to get the eggs cooled down quickly so the cooking process stops, and also your eggs should be easier to peel.

While the eggs are cooking, you can take the time to cook the potatoes and bacon and assemble your other ingredients.

Cooking the Potatoes:

Wash and cut potatoes in half. You won't want to peel them yet, as it will be easier to do this after cooking. Add potatoes to large pot and cover with water.

Bring to a boil and cook on medium for 10-15 minutes or until just fork tender but not falling apart. Don't overcook or let get mushy.

Meanwhile, cook bacon until browned and crispy. Remove from heat and set aside. Cut boiled eggs in half and separate yolks from whites.

Assembling the salad:

Chop whites in small pieces. Add yolks to small bowl and mash.In medium-sized bowl, add egg whites, celery, onion, parsley, dill, paprika, salt, and pepper.

To mashed yolks in small bowl, add mayonnaise and mustard and blend until almost smooth.

Add yolk mixture to large bowl with egg whites and other ingredients and incorporate thoroughly.

When potatoes are done, drain water. Peel each potato and gently chop into ½-inch pieces. Crumble cooled bacon. Add potatoes to egg mixture along with crumbled bacon.

Blend thoroughly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving (best refrigerated overnight).

The color, the creaminess, the light crunch of the celery, the smoky bacon flavor, and the tender potatoes - all make this potato salad an absolute winner.

I hope that you, your family, and all you serve it for are as delighted with it as my family and friends. Enjoy!

What Goes Good With Potato Salad?

I like to serve my potato salad with just about anything. Great for cookouts or barbecues. Goes great with hotdogs, burgers, chicken, fish, steaks - anything you're cooking on the grill!

Also is great to take to potlucks, picnics, or other social gatherings. While I usually will make potato salad in the summertime, there's no reason you can't make it all year long. You can even serve it warm if the days are getting chilly.

Try this potato salad along with my hotdog chili and creamy Southern coleslaw next time you're grilling hot dogs.

When to Serve This Salad

As above, I like to serve it in the summertime with grilled foods and at potlucks.

Will also pair well as an Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas side dish. Any time you're fixing food for a crowd, it's sure to please.

Easy to make ahead and keeps well until time to serve. Plus - most anyone will love it!

Find more of my great summer recipes here.

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