Smashed Potato Salad Recipe
Smashed Potato Salad Recipe is a medium American recipe that serves 6. 280 calories per serving. Recipe by Natashas Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 37 min | Cook: 1 hr 3 min | Total: 1 hr 55 min
Cost: $6.00 total, $1.00 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Gold Potatoes (small, skins left on; scrubbed and trimmed)
- 6 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (generously drizzle on potatoes before and after smashing)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (plus more for seasoning after each bake)
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
- 2 Celery Stalks (finely diced, about ½ cup)
- ¼ Red Onion (finely diced, about ¼ cup)
- ¼ cup Dill Pickles (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Dill (chopped; frozen dill works too)
- 1 tablespoon Capers (coarsely chopped; optional)
- ½ cup Mayonnaise (full‑fat or light, according to preference)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
Instructions
Prepare Potatoes
Scrub the gold potatoes clean, cut off any blemishes, and leave the skins on.
Time: PT5M
Boil Potatoes
Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, bring to a boil, then reduce to a low boil and cook 25 minutes until fork‑tender.
Time: PT25M
Temperature: 212°F
Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet
While potatoes are boiling, preheat oven to 450°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and drizzle with 1‑2 tbsp olive oil.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 450°F
Smash Potatoes
Drain potatoes and transfer them hot onto the prepared sheet, spacing them out. Using the back of a large mason jar or a potato masher, press each potato to about ½‑inch thickness. Drizzle another 2‑3 tbsp olive oil over the smashed potatoes and season with salt and pepper.
Time: PT5M
First Roast
Place the sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 15 minutes.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 450°F
Flip & Second Roast
Remove the sheet, flip each potato, drizzle with a little more olive oil, season the other side, and return to the oven for another 13 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
Time: PT13M
Temperature: 450°F
Cool Potatoes
Transfer the roasted potatoes to a second baking sheet to cool faster. Let them sit until warm but not hot (about 10 minutes).
Time: PT10M
Prep Vegetables & Herbs
Finely dice celery, red onion, pickles, and fresh dill. Coarsely chop capers if using.
Time: PT10M
Make Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth.
Time: PT2M
Combine Salad
Break the warm smashed potatoes into bite‑size pieces (by hand or coarsely chopping). Place them in a large mixing bowl, add the diced vegetables, dill, capers, and the full dressing. Gently toss with a spatula until everything is evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
Rest & Serve
Allow the salad to rest for at least 15 minutes (or refrigerate for deeper flavor). Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Time: PT15M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 280
- Protein
- 4 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free
Allergens: Eggs, Mustard
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Gold Potatoes: Red potatoes
- Instead of Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Vegetable oil, Canola oil
- Instead of Kosher Salt: Table salt
- Instead of Red Onion: White onion
- Instead of Dill Pickles: Bread and butter pickles
- Instead of Fresh Dill: Frozen dill
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt
- Instead of Dijon Mustard: Whole grain mustard
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Large Rimmed Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Olive Oil Drizzle Spoon (optional)
- Mason Jar (large) or Potato Masher
- Oven
- Mixing Bowl (large)
- Spatula
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Smash the potatoes while they are still hot to achieve uniform thickness.
- Flip the potatoes halfway through roasting for even crispness.
- Mix the potatoes with dressing while still warm for optimal flavor absorption.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- A large mason jar works great for smashing because its smooth bottom distributes pressure evenly.
- For extra herb flavor, add a pinch of fresh dill at the very end of mixing.
Troubleshooting
Potatoes are not crispy after baking.
Make sure the oven is fully preheated to 450°F and give the potatoes enough space on the sheet; crowding traps steam.
Salad is too dry.
Add a little more mayonnaise or a splash of olive oil; toss gently until the desired coating is achieved.
Vegetables are too chunky.
Finely dice the celery, onion, and pickles as instructed; a finer dice integrates better with the potatoes.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture will become mushy.
Room temperature: Can sit out for up to 2 hours; keep refrigerated after that.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the mayo‑mustard dressing up to 2 days in advance and store refrigerated.
- The salad can be assembled the night before; keep it covered and refrigerate.
- If making a day ahead, let the salad sit uncovered for 30 minutes before covering to prevent sogginess.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of smashed potato salad in American cuisine?
Smashed potato salads blend classic American potato salad comfort with a modern twist of roasting. The technique of smashing boiled potatoes before roasting became popular in the Midwest as a way to add extra crispness while keeping the creamy interior, making it a favorite for picnics and barbecues.
What are the traditional regional variations of potato salad in the United States?
In the South, potato salad often includes mustard and sweet pickles; the Midwest favors a mayo‑based, dill‑heavy version; the Pacific Northwest adds fresh herbs like dill and capers, similar to this recipe. Each region reflects local ingredient preferences and historic immigrant influences.
How is Kravchuk smashed potato salad traditionally served in American gatherings?
It is typically served as a chilled or room‑temperature side at barbecues, picnics, and holiday meals, often presented on a large platter alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or fresh salads.
What occasions or celebrations is smashed potato salad commonly associated with in American culture?
It shines at summer barbecues, Fourth of July picnics, Easter brunches, and family reunions because it can be made ahead and pairs well with a wide range of grilled proteins.
What makes Kravchuk smashed potato salad special or unique in American cuisine?
The combination of smashed, oven‑roasted potatoes for extra crunch, plus the bright tang of pickles, dill, and capers, sets it apart from traditional boiled‑only potato salads, delivering both texture and layered flavor.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Kravchuk smashed potato salad?
Common errors include over‑crowding the baking sheet (which steams the potatoes), not smashing the potatoes while hot (making them hard to flatten), and flipping too early, which prevents a deep golden crust.
Why does this recipe use a high‑heat oven roast instead of simply boiling the potatoes all the way through?
Roasting after smashing creates a crispy, caramelized exterior while preserving a fluffy interior, giving the salad a contrast of textures that pure boiling cannot achieve.
Can I make Kravchuk smashed potato salad ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Prepare the potatoes and dressing up to two days ahead, combine everything, and keep the salad covered in the refrigerator. It tastes even better after the flavors meld, but bring it to room temperature before serving for optimal texture.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the potatoes are done roasting?
The potatoes should be a deep golden‑brown on both sides, with crisp edges and a slightly cracked surface. When pressed, the interior should feel fluffy and tender.
What does the YouTube channel Natashas Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Natashas Kitchen, hosted by Natasha Kravchuk, specializes in approachable, family‑friendly recipes that blend comfort food with global influences, often highlighting seasonal produce and practical cooking shortcuts.
How does the YouTube channel Natashas Kitchen's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Natashas Kitchen focuses on simple, ingredient‑driven techniques—like the smashed‑potato method—while sharing personal stories and cultural tidbits, creating a warm, relatable vibe that differs from more production‑heavy or technique‑centric channels.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
