Perfect Potato Salad - 3 Ways

Perfect Potato Salad - 3 Ways is a easy British recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Jamie Oliver on YouTube.

Prep: 27 min | Cook: 22 min | Total: 1 hr 4 min

Cost: $10.68 total, $2.67 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 kg New Potatoes (small, waxy potatoes, washed)
  • 3 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (cold‑pressed, high quality)
  • to taste Salt (sea salt preferred)
  • to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 Lemon (zested and juiced, skin grated with fine grater)
  • 2 tbsp Chives (finely sliced)
  • 2 tbsp Flat‑leaf Parsley (finely chopped)
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Mint (finely chopped)
  • 3 tbsp Plain Greek Yogurt (full‑fat for creaminess)
  • 1 tsp English Mustard (smooth, not grainy)
  • 3 Smoked Bacon Rashers (cut into thin strips, smoked variety)
  • 2 tbsp Bread Crumbs (plain, toasted in bacon fat)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Potatoes

    Wash the new potatoes thoroughly and set them aside. No need to peel; the skins add texture and nutrients.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Boil Potatoes

    Place the potatoes in a pot of boiling water (water should already be boiling before adding). Reduce to a gentle boil and cook for about 15 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 100°C

  3. Drain and Smash

    Drain the potatoes in a colander. Return them to the mixing bowl and, while still hot, gently smash them with a fork or potato masher, leaving some larger chunks and some “potato snow.”

    Time: PT5M

  4. Season and Dress

    Drizzle the olive oil over the smashed potatoes, season with salt and pepper, add the lemon zest and freshly squeezed juice, then toss everything together until evenly coated.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Chop Fresh Herbs

    Finely slice the chives, parsley and mint using a cross‑chop technique. Set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Add Herbs

    Sprinkle the chopped herbs over the dressed potatoes and give a gentle toss to distribute the aroma.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Creamy Yogurt‑Mustard Dressing

    Add 2‑3 tbsp of plain Greek yogurt and 1 tsp English mustard to the salad, mixing until the potatoes are lightly coated.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Cook Bacon

    Heat a skillet over medium‑high heat, add the bacon strips and fry until crisp and golden, about 5 minutes. Remove and set on paper towels to drain.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium‑high heat

  9. Crumble Bacon

    Once cooled, finely slice or crumble the bacon into bite‑size pieces.

    Time: PT3M

  10. Toast Breadcrumbs in Bacon Fat

    Using the same skillet, add the plain bread crumbs to the rendered bacon fat and sauté over medium heat until they turn golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium heat

  11. Finish and Serve

    Scatter the crispy bacon bits and toasted breadcrumbs over the salad, give a final gentle toss and serve immediately or keep chilled until serving.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
5g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
12g
Fiber
3g

Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten, Contains pork

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Pork

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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Perfect Potato Salad - 3 Ways

Recipe by Jamie Oliver

A vibrant, three‑way potato salad using new potatoes, fresh herbs, creamy yogurt‑mustard dressing and optional crispy smoked bacon with breadcrumb crunch – the ultimate side for picnics, BBQs or any British gathering.

EasyBritishServes 4

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

Source Video
27m
Prep
22m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
59m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$10.68
Total cost
$2.67
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Start potatoes in boiling water to preserve flavor
  • Do not over‑mash potatoes – keep some texture
  • Cook bacon until crisp and use its rendered fat for breadcrumbs
  • Season while potatoes are hot so flavors absorb

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot boiling water with care to avoid burns.
  • Use tongs or a spatula when frying bacon and breadcrumbs to prevent splatter burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

Potato salad has long been a staple of British picnics and summer barbecues, evolving from simple boiled potatoes with vinegar to richer, herb‑laden versions like Jamie Oliver’s. It reflects the British love of hearty, comforting side dishes that can be made ahead and enjoyed outdoors.

cultural
Q

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

A

In England, a classic version uses mayonnaise and chives, while in Scotland a mustard‑yogurt dressing is popular. Wales often adds crispy bacon, and in Northern Ireland you’ll find a splash of malt vinegar and fresh dill. Jamie’s three‑way approach combines elements from several regions.

cultural
Q

How is potato salad traditionally served at British gatherings?

A

It is typically served chilled or at room temperature alongside grilled meats, fish pies, or as part of a buffet at garden parties, picnics and BBQs. It’s often presented in a large bowl for guests to help themselves.

cultural
Q

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

A

Potato salad is a go‑to side for summer garden parties, family barbecues, cricket matches, and holiday picnics such as those on Bank Holiday weekends. Its make‑ahead nature makes it ideal for outdoor events.

cultural
Q

What makes Jamie Oliver’s potato salad special within British cuisine?

A

Jamie Oliver’s version layers textures – fluffy potato snow, fresh herbs, creamy yogurt‑mustard dressing, and a final crunch of smoked bacon and breadcrumbs. The use of new potatoes and hot‑water start preserves flavor, setting it apart from store‑bought versions.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for British potato salad versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional British potato salad uses new potatoes, mayonnaise or yogurt, mustard, fresh herbs, and sometimes bacon. Acceptable substitutes include using Greek yogurt instead of mayo, smoked turkey bacon for a leaner option, or panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

cultural
Q

What other British dishes pair well with Jamie Oliver’s potato salad?

A

It pairs beautifully with grilled sausages, roast chicken, lamb chops, fish and chips, or a classic Ploughman’s lunch featuring cheese, pickles and crusty bread.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this potato salad?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the potatoes so they become mushy, over‑mixing which makes the salad gluey, under‑seasoning the hot potatoes, and not crisping the bacon or breadcrumbs enough, which reduces the desired crunch.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use hot‑water start for the potatoes instead of a cold start?

A

Starting potatoes in boiling water locks in flavor and nutrients, and shortens cooking time, giving a firmer texture that holds up better when smashed and dressed.

technical
Q

Can I make Jamie Oliver’s potato salad ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes – boil and smash the potatoes, keep them covered in the fridge, and store the herb mix, yogurt‑mustard dressing, and cooked bacon separately. Combine everything no more than an hour before serving and keep the finished salad chilled.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Jamie Oliver specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Jamie Oliver focuses on approachable, home‑cooked recipes that celebrate fresh, seasonal ingredients, often with a British or Mediterranean twist, and includes tips for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Jamie Oliver’s approach to British cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Jamie Oliver’s style emphasizes simplicity, bold flavors, and practical techniques like starting potatoes in boiling water, while many other channels may rely on more complex methods or heavy sauces. His videos often showcase rustic, family‑friendly dishes with a focus on healthful twists.

channel

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