If you’re ready to elevate a classic side dish into something irresistibly crunchy and delightfully rich, then the Crispy Fried Potato Salad with Creamy Dressing Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe reinvents traditional potato salad by frying the dressed potatoes, creating an exciting texture contrast that will have you craving each bite. It’s creamy, tangy, and has that perfect crispy edge that makes every forkful a celebration of flavors. Whether you’re planning a family gathering or just want to treat yourself, this potato salad hits all the right notes for a refreshing twist on a beloved favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl filled with small round light brown potatoes in the top left, next to a small glass bowl with chopped green herbs. Below and to the right is a small white bowl with chopped green onions and herbs. In the center, there is a covered white ceramic container holding a whole garlic bulb. Below it, to the right, are two lemon halves with bright yellow skin and a small white bowl with white salt. At the bottom right corner is a white bowl filled with creamy white mayonnaise. To the bottom left, a clear glass measuring cup holds a small amount of water. There is also a wooden pepper grinder and a white container with a small golden spoon. All items are placed on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun in making the Crispy Fried Potato Salad with Creamy Dressing Recipe. Each component, from the humble potato to the sharp pickles, plays a key role in building layers of flavor and crunch that make this dish memorable and balanced.

Potatoes: 2 pounds diced, they form the hearty base with a creamy interior once boiled.
Mayonnaise: 1 cup for that rich, smooth dressing that coats everything perfectly.
Mustard: 1 tablespoon adds a tangy zing that brightens up the creaminess.
Celery: 1/2 cup chopped, bringing fresh, crisp texture for a nice contrast.
Green onions: 1/2 cup sliced, providing a sharp, mild bite that lifts the flavors.
Pickles: 1/4 cup chopped, for a delightful tart crunch that surprises every bite.
Salt and pepper: To taste, essential seasoning that enhances and balances.
Oil for frying: Just enough to get that golden, crispy exterior on the potato salad mix.

How to Make Crispy Fried Potato Salad with Creamy Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Boil and Prepare the Potatoes

Start by boiling your diced potatoes until they’re tender but still firm enough to hold their shape. It’s key not to overcook them because they’ll continue to firm up after frying. Drain the potatoes well and allow them to cool completely. This prevents excess moisture from making the salad soggy later.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Dressing

In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper. This simple dressing packs a punch of flavor and provides the creamy base for the potato salad. The mustard brings a nice zip that cuts through the richness, keeping things perfectly balanced.

Step 3: Mix the Salad Ingredients

Add the cooled potatoes, chopped celery, sliced green onions, and chopped pickles into the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together, making sure each piece is coated without breaking the potatoes. This step is all about combining fresh crunch with creamy comfort.

Step 4: Fry Until Crispy

Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully add the dressed potato salad mixture to the pan in batches if needed, pressing lightly to form a loose but compact layer. Fry until the bottom is golden and crispy, then gently flip to crisp the other side. This frying step transforms the salad from everyday to extraordinary with irresistible texture.

How to Serve Crispy Fried Potato Salad with Creamy Dressing Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a silver fork holding a creamy dish with chopped green onions and small pieces of golden-brown potatoes mixed in a white, thick sauce. The fork is positioned above a stack of three white plates, each carrying a portion of the same creamy potato salad with visible green onion slices and a creamy texture covering each piece. In the background, there is a large bowl filled with more of the same salad, placed against a white marbled surface. A white small dish with more chopped green onions is also seen in the bottom right corner. A white towel with black stripes is partially visible at the bottom left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives adds a beautiful pop of green and a fresh aroma that complements the creamy dressing perfectly. A little extra cracked pepper or a few pickle slices on top also makes for a great final touch, inviting everyone to dive in.

Side Dishes

This potato salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, barbecue ribs, or a summery veggie burger. It can also stand alone as a hearty side on a picnic or casual dinner table, bringing a delightful fusion of crisp and creamy to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this Crispy Fried Potato Salad with Creamy Dressing Recipe in individual cast iron skillets or rustic bowls to keep the crispy edges warm. You can also transform it into a layered salad in a glass jar for a picnic or potluck, showcasing the colors and textures in a fun and eye-catching way.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Crispy Fried Potato Salad with Creamy Dressing Recipe in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The texture will soften over time, but the flavors continue to deepen, and you can always re-crisp it briefly in a hot pan.

Freezing

This recipe is best enjoyed fresh because frying helps maintain the texture, which freezes poorly. For best results, avoid freezing the fully assembled salad but feel free to freeze boiled potatoes separately if you want to prep ahead.

Reheating

To bring back some of that crispy magic, gently reheat the salad in a skillet over medium heat with a touch of oil. Avoid using the microwave if you want to keep the crunch on the outside while warming the interior.

FAQs

Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape well after boiling and frying, providing the perfect texture for this salad. Starchy potatoes like Russets might become too soft and break apart during frying.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this Crispy Fried Potato Salad with Creamy Dressing Recipe is completely vegetarian since it contains no meat or meat-based ingredients. Just double-check your mayonnaise if you follow strict vegetarian guidelines.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

You can prepare the creamy dressing a day ahead and refrigerate it in an airtight container. This can even help the flavors meld together, making the potato salad taste even better when combined.

How crunchy will the salad be after frying?

The frying process crisps up the outside of the potato salad mixture, creating a delightful crunchy crust while keeping the inside creamy and tender. For extra crunch, you can fry it a bit longer, but watch carefully to avoid burning.

Can I add other vegetables or herbs?

Definitely! Adding diced bell peppers, fresh dill, or even radishes can introduce new flavors and colors to your potato salad. Just be mindful to balance the textures so you don’t lose that signature crunch creamy contrast.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Fried Potato Salad with Creamy Dressing Recipe is a game changer for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of classic potato salad but craves a bit more texture and excitement. It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family anytime you want to impress without the fuss. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this crunchy, creamy delight again and again.

Crispy Fried Potato Salad with Creamy Dressing Recipe

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4.4 from 81 reviews

Author: Patricia
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Crispy Fried Potato Salad offers a delightful twist on the traditional potato salad by incorporating a crunchy texture from frying while maintaining a creamy, tangy dressing. It combines tender boiled potatoes with a mix of fresh celery, green onions, and pickles, all tossed in a flavorful mayonnaise and mustard dressing. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal, it’s versatile served warm or cold.

Ingredients

Potatoes

2 pounds potatoes, diced

Dressing

1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Other Ingredients

1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup green onions, sliced
1/4 cup pickles, chopped
Oil for frying

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Instructions

Boil Potatoes: Boil the diced potatoes in salted water until they are tender but still hold their shape, about 10-15 minutes. Drain and allow them to cool completely to prevent the mayonnaise dressing from breaking down.
Prepare Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper to create a smooth, tangy dressing that complements the potatoes.
Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the cooled boiled potatoes, chopped celery, sliced green onions, and chopped pickles into the dressing, ensuring the mixture is evenly coated without mashing the potatoes.
Fry Salad Mixture: Heat an adequate amount of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Carefully fry the potato salad mixture in batches, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes develop a crispy golden crust, approximately 5-7 minutes per batch. Drain excess oil on paper towels if desired.
Serve: Serve the crispy fried potato salad warm for the best texture and flavor, or chill for a refreshing cold salad experience. Adjust seasoning before serving as needed.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to your taste preference for salt and pepper.
For an extra crunchy texture, fry the potatoes a little longer but avoid burning.
This salad can be prepared a day ahead to allow flavors to meld together beautifully.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American