Referees' Favorite Potato Salad
A creamy, smoky potato salad with turkey bacon, cucumber, and onion, perfect for picnics and gatherings, offering a savory and satisfying flavor combination.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the turkey bacon into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon for 8 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, and garlic powder.
- Add the cooked turkey bacon, potatoes, diced cucumber, and chopped onion to the bowl.
- Mix well to combine.
- Refrigerate before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the dressing. You can substitute the turkey bacon with regular bacon or even a plant-based alternative if preferred. If you like a bit of heat, add a dash of hot sauce to the mix. Make sure the potatoes are completely cooled before combining to prevent the dressing from becoming runny.
Serving Suggestions
This potato salad is a fantastic side dish for summer barbecues and pairs beautifully with Venison Tenderloin With Crab Meat Stuffing. Serve it alongside grilled meats or as part of a picnic spread. For a refreshing twist, garnish with fresh dill or parsley before serving for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, you can enjoy it cold straight from the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes for a slightly softened texture. Avoid freezing, as the potatoes can become mushy upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Referees' Favorite Potato Salad contains roughly 391 calories, with 7g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (27% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this potato salad ahead of time?
Yes, this potato salad can be made a day in advance. In fact, letting it sit in the refrigerator overnight allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.
What type of potatoes work best for potato salad?
Waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes are ideal for potato salad because they hold their shape better when cooked. However, you can also use Yukon Gold for a creamier texture. Avoid starchy potatoes like Russets, as they may become mushy.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables such as bell peppers, celery, or even peas for added crunch and color. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly to maintain balance in flavors. This recipe is versatile and can accommodate your favorite veggies!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).