Crispy Smashed Potato Salad A Summer Delight
CRISPY SMASHED POTATO SALAD A SUMMER DELIGHT is a medium American recipe that serves 6. 370 calories per serving. Recipe by Catherine's Plates on YouTube.
Prep: 45 min | Cook: 1 hr | Total: 2 hrs
Cost: $7.60 total, $1.27 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 lb Baby Yukon Gold Potatoes (scrubbed, whole; can substitute baby red potatoes for color)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (for brushing potatoes; avocado oil works as well)
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt (plus extra ¼ tsp for dressing)
- 1 tsp Cracked Black Pepper (plus extra ¼ tsp for dressing)
- 1 cup Greek Yogurt (plain, full‑fat)
- 0.5 cup Mayonnaise (regular, not low‑fat)
- 1 unit Lemon (juice only, about 1 tbsp)
- 1 clove Garlic (large, minced; jarred minced garlic 1½ tsp can replace)
- 2 units Green Onions (white and green parts, diced)
- 1 small Red Onion (thinly diced)
- 2 tbsp Chives (chopped)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Curly Parsley (chopped)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Dill (chopped)
- 0.5 unit Cucumber (small, peeled and cut into match‑sticks)
Instructions
Prepare Potatoes
Scrub the baby Yukon Gold potatoes clean, place them in a large pot and add cold water until it covers the potatoes by about 1 inch.
Time: PT5M
Boil and Simmer
Bring the water to a rapid boil over high heat, then reduce to medium‑high and simmer 12‑15 minutes until a fork slides part‑way into the potatoes.
Time: PT15M
Preheat Oven
While the potatoes are simmering, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 425°F
Smash Potatoes
Drain the potatoes and spread them in a single layer on one or two sheet pans. Using a fork, press each potato until it cracks and flattens, leaving the skin on.
Time: PT5M
Oil and Season
Drizzle about 2 tbsp olive (or avocado) oil over the smashed potatoes, brush evenly, then sprinkle with salt and cracked black pepper.
Time: PT5M
Bake Until Crispy
Place the sheet pan(s) in the preheated oven and bake 45‑60 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the potatoes are golden‑brown and crisp on the edges.
Time: PT45M
Temperature: 425°F
Prepare Dressing
In a large mixing bowl combine 1 cup Greek yogurt, ½ cup mayonnaise, juice of 1 lemon, the minced garlic, diced green onions, diced red onion, chopped chives, parsley, dill, and cucumber match‑sticks. Add ¼ tsp salt and ¼ tsp cracked pepper, then whisk until smooth.
Time: PT10M
Cool Potatoes Slightly
Remove the baked potatoes from the oven and let them sit for about 5 minutes so they are cool enough to handle.
Time: PT5M
Cut Into Bite‑Size Pieces
Using a sharp knife, cut each crispy potato into bite‑sized chunks, keeping pieces relatively large to retain crunch.
Time: PT5M
Toss With Dressing
Transfer the cut potatoes to the bowl of dressing and gently toss until each piece is lightly coated; avoid over‑mixing to keep the crust intact.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Arrange the salad on a serving platter, garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 370
- Protein
- 6g
- Carbohydrates
- 42g
- Fat
- 19g
- Fiber
- 5g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Allergens: Dairy, Eggs
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Baby Yukon Gold Potatoes: Red potatoes, Fingerling potatoes
- Instead of Olive Oil: Avocado oil, Vegetable oil
- Instead of Kosher Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Cracked Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper
- Instead of Greek Yogurt: Regular plain yogurt
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Vegan mayo
- Instead of Lemon: Lime juice
- Instead of Garlic: Jarred minced garlic
- Instead of Green Onions: Scallions
- Instead of Red Onion: White onion
- Instead of Chives: Fresh parsley
- Instead of Fresh Curly Parsley: Flat‑leaf parsley
- Instead of Fresh Dill: Dried dill (½ tsp)
- Instead of Cucumber: Zucchini (peeled)
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Sheet Pan
- Basting Brush
- Fork
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Oven
- Tongs
- Whisk or Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Boil potatoes until fork‑tender
- Smash potatoes evenly without breaking them into mush
- Bake until golden‑brown and crisp
- Gently toss potatoes with dressing to preserve crispness
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika on the potatoes before baking
- Use a mix of baby Yukon Gold and red potatoes for a colorful presentation
- If you prefer a lighter dressing, substitute half the mayo with low‑fat Greek yogurt
Troubleshooting
Potatoes are soggy after baking
Make sure the potatoes are spread out with space between them and increase baking time; a higher oven temperature (425°F) is essential.
Dressing is too thick
Thin it with a splash of milk or extra lemon juice until desired consistency is reached.
Potatoes fall apart when cutting
Allow the baked potatoes to cool slightly; use a gentle sawing motion with a sharp knife.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; the potatoes may lose some crispness.
Freezer: Not recommended – texture changes dramatically when frozen.
Room temperature: Can sit out for up to 2 hours for serving; keep chilled after that.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The yogurt‑mayonnaise dressing can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead and kept refrigerated
- Baked potatoes can be made a day before; re‑crisp them under the broiler for 3‑5 minutes before tossing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of smashed potato salad in American cuisine?
Smashed potato salad is a modern twist on classic American potato salads, combining the comfort of boiled potatoes with the crunch of roasted potatoes. It reflects the recent trend of adding texture contrasts to traditional side dishes, especially popular at spring gatherings and backyard barbecues.
What are the traditional regional variations of potato salad in the United States?
In the Midwest, potato salad often features a mustard‑based dressing, while the South favors a mayo‑rich, sweet‑pickled relish version. The Northeast leans toward a dill‑yogurt dressing, similar to the one in this recipe, highlighting fresh herbs and a lighter tang.
How is smashed potato salad traditionally served in the Southern United States?
In the South, smashed potatoes are typically served warm or at room temperature alongside fried chicken or barbecue, often garnished with chopped chives and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added richness.
What occasions or celebrations is smashed potato salad traditionally associated with in American culture?
It’s a popular side for spring picnics, Fourth of July barbecues, family potlucks, and casual dinner parties, where its bright herbs and crisp texture complement grilled meats and fresh salads.
What makes smashed potato salad special or unique in American side‑dish cuisine?
The dish combines two textures—soft interiors from boiling and a crunchy exterior from oven‑roasting—while the yogurt‑mayonnaise dressing adds a tangy, herb‑forward flavor that’s lighter than traditional mayo‑only salads.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making smashed potato salad?
Common errors include over‑cooking the potatoes so they become mushy, overcrowding the sheet pan which prevents crisping, and over‑mixing the salad which breaks the crispy crust. Follow the critical steps to keep potatoes firm and crisp.
Why does this smashed potato salad recipe use both Greek yogurt and mayonnaise instead of just one?
Greek yogurt adds tanginess and protein while keeping the dressing lighter, whereas mayonnaise provides richness and helps the coating adhere to the crispy potatoes. The blend balances flavor and texture.
Can I make smashed potato salad ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes—prepare the dressing up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake the potatoes the day before, then re‑crisp under a hot broiler for a few minutes before tossing with the dressing. Store the combined salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making smashed potato salad?
The potatoes should have a golden‑brown, crackled surface with a fluffy interior. The dressing should be creamy but not soggy, lightly coating each bite‑size piece without soaking the crust.
What does the YouTube channel Catherine's Plates specialize in?
The YouTube channel Catherine's Plates specializes in approachable, family‑friendly American comfort food recipes with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and clear step‑by‑step video tutorials.
How does the YouTube channel Catherine's Plates' approach to American side‑dish cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Catherine's Plates emphasizes simple techniques like oven‑smashing potatoes for texture contrast, uses wholesome dressings with Greek yogurt, and provides detailed visual cues, making classic dishes feel fresh and modern compared to more traditional or overly complex channels.
Last updated: September 2, 2026






