The Best Potato Salad In The World!

The Best Potato Salad In The World! is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 530 calories per serving. Recipe by Dont Go Bacon My Heart on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min

Cost: $15.40 total, $2.57 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Baby Potatoes (washed, halved if larger than bite‑size)
  • 8 slices Bacon (cut into 1‑inch pieces after cooking)
  • 1 small Red Onion (finely diced)
  • 3 large Eggs (hard‑boiled, peeled and chopped)
  • 1 cup Sour Cream (full‑fat for best texture)
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Chives (finely chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (flat‑leaf, finely chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (kosher or table salt)
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar (granulated)
  • ½ teaspoon White Pepper (ground)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Potatoes

    Slice the baby potatoes into bite‑size pieces if they are larger than 1½ inches. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Cook until fork‑tender, about 12‑15 minutes. Drain in a colander and return to the pot. Let them sit uncovered for 5 minutes to steam‑dry completely.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: 212°F

  2. Cook the Bacon

    While the potatoes are boiling, heat a skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the bacon strips and cook, turning occasionally, until crisp and browned, about 8‑10 minutes. Transfer to a paper‑towel‑lined plate, crumble once cool.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  3. Hard‑Boil the Eggs

    Place the eggs in a small saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn off the heat, cover, and let sit for 10 minutes. Transfer to an ice‑water bath for 5 minutes, then peel and chop.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 212°F

  4. Prep the Vegetables & Herbs

    Dice the red onion finely. Chop the chives and parsley together. Set aside in separate small bowls.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Make the Sour Cream Dressing

    In the mixing bowl, combine sour cream, lemon juice, chopped chives, chopped parsley, salt, sugar, and white pepper. Stir until smooth and the sugar has dissolved.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Assemble the Salad

    Add the steam‑dried potatoes, crumbled bacon, diced red onion, and chopped eggs to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Chill and Serve

    Transfer the salad to a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
530
Protein
15g
Carbohydrates
45g
Fat
30g
Fiber
4g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Contains Pork, Contains Dairy

Allergens: Eggs, Dairy, Pork

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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The Best Potato Salad In The World!

Recipe by Dont Go Bacon My Heart

A creamy, tangy potato salad loaded with crispy bacon, hard‑boiled eggs, red onion, and fresh herbs. The sour‑cream‑lemon dressing gives it a bright flavor that makes this the ultimate side dish for picnics, BBQs, or any gathering.

EasyAmericanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
15m
Prep
50m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 15m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$15.40
Total cost
$2.57
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Steam‑dry the boiled potatoes to avoid a watery salad.
  • Render bacon until crisp for maximum flavor and crunch.
  • Balance the sour‑cream dressing with lemon juice, salt, and a pinch of sugar.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle boiling water and hot potatoes with care to avoid burns.
  • Use tongs or a splatter guard when cooking bacon to prevent hot‑oil splatters.
  • Ensure eggs are fully cooked to eliminate any risk of salmonella.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of potato salad in American cuisine?

A

Potato salad became a staple of American picnics and barbecues in the early 20th century, evolving from European boiled‑potato salads. It reflects the country’s love of hearty, portable side dishes that can be made ahead and served cold.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of potato salad in the United States?

A

In the Midwest, mayonnaise‑based salads dominate, while the South favors mustard or vinegar‑based versions. The Northeast often includes celery and herbs, and the West Coast embraces lighter sour‑cream or yogurt dressings like this recipe.

cultural
Q

How is bacon‑herb potato salad traditionally served in American BBQ gatherings?

A

It is typically served chilled in a large bowl alongside grilled meats, corn on the cob, and coleslaw. Guests scoop generous portions onto plates, and the crisp bacon adds a smoky contrast to the smoky grill flavors.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is potato salad traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Potato salad is a go‑to side for Fourth of July picnics, family barbecues, potlucks, and holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving when a cold side is needed to balance the hot mains.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for a classic American potato salad versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Classic ingredients include potatoes, mayonnaise or sour cream, mustard, hard‑boiled eggs, and herbs. Substitutes such as Greek yogurt for sour cream, turkey bacon for pork bacon, or lime juice for lemon juice work well while keeping the dish recognizable.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with bacon‑herb potato salad?

A

It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, smoked ribs, pulled pork, hot dogs, burgers, and corn on the cob. A crisp green salad or coleslaw also balances the richness of the potato salad.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making bacon‑herb potato salad?

A

Common errors include not drying the boiled potatoes, over‑mixing which breaks the potatoes, using under‑cooked bacon, and adding too much dressing which makes the salad soggy. Follow the critical steps to ensure texture and flavor.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use sour cream instead of mayonnaise for the dressing?

A

Sour cream provides a tangy brightness that balances the richness of bacon and eggs, while still giving a creamy mouthfeel. It also keeps the salad lighter than a full‑fat mayonnaise base.

technical
Q

Can I make bacon‑herb potato salad ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Prepare the dressing and boiled potatoes up to a day ahead, storing each in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Combine with bacon, eggs, and onion just before serving, or keep dressing separate and toss when ready.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the bacon‑herb potato salad is done?

A

The potatoes should be tender but still hold their shape, the dressing should coat each piece lightly without pooling, and the bacon should be golden‑brown and crisp. The salad should have a creamy off‑white base speckled with green herbs.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Dont Go Bacon My Heart specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Dont Go Bacon My Heart specializes in hearty, comfort‑food recipes that highlight bacon and other indulgent ingredients, often with a playful, down‑to‑earth cooking style.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Dont Go Bacon My Heart's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

A

Dont Go Bacon My Heart focuses on simple, ingredient‑driven recipes that celebrate bold flavors like bacon, using straightforward techniques and minimal equipment, whereas many other channels may emphasize elaborate plating or complex culinary theory.

channel

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