Crispy Bacon stars in this ultimate summer potato salad! Tender potatoes, fresh herbs & tangy dressing create the perfect BBQ side dish. Easy, crowd-pleasing & ready in 30 mins!

100% Original Recipe | Inspired by Classic Flavors, Perfected in Our Kitchen

Introduction: The Potluck Hero You Need

Imagine this: golden potatoes, crispy bacon bits, and fresh herbs swimming in a tangy-sweet dressing that makes taste buds dance. This isn’t just potato salad—it’s the side dish that disappears first at every summer gathering. After testing 14 variations (and surviving 3 near-kitchen disasters), we’ve perfected this crowd-pleaser. Trust us: one bite and you’ll never buy store-bought again.

Key Features

✅ Texture Magic: Crispy bacon + tender potatoes + crunchy celery
✅ Bright & Balanced: Apple cider vinegar cuts through richness
✅ Herb Garden Freshness: Dill and chives elevate every forkful

Ingredients

*(Serves 6-8)*
Salad Base:

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes (halved)
• 8 oz thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 4 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• ½ red onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
• 3 tbsp chives, snipped

Zesty Dressing:

• ⅓ cup mayonnaise (make your own)
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt & black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bacon Perfection

Alt: Sizzling thick-cut bacon in a cast iron pan

• Fry bacon over medium heat until crisp (8-10 mins)
• Reserve 2 tbsp bacon fat – liquid gold for flavor!
• Drain on paper towels

2. Potato Mastery

• Cover potatoes with cold water + 1 tsp salt
• Boil 12-15 mins until just fork-tender
• Drain, toss immediately with reserved bacon fat

3. Dressing Whisk-Up

• Whisk mayo, vinegar, Dijon, honey, salt, and pepper

4. Grand Assembly

• Combine potatoes, bacon, celery, onion, and herbs
• Gently fold in dressing
• Chill 1 hour before serving

Pro Tips from Our Test Kitchen

• Potato Wisdom: Yukon Golds hold shape better than russets (USDA Potato Guide)
• Bacon Upgrade: Bake at 400°F for 15 mins for mess-free crispness
• Make-Ahead Hack: Prep components separately, combine last minute
• Herb Trick: Add extra dill stems to dressing while chilling – remove before serving!

Troubleshooting FAQs

Q: Can I substitute Greek yogurt for mayo?
A: Absolutely! Use 1:1 ratio + 1 tsp olive oil. Try our Greek Yogurt Dressing Guide for more tips.

Q: How long does it keep?
A: 3 days max (bacon softens after Day 1). Revive with extra fresh herbs!

Q: Vegan version options?
A: Use coconut bacon + vegan mayo + maple syrup instead of honey.

Q: Why toss warm potatoes in bacon fat?
A: Science! Fat carries flavors deeper into the potatoes (Food Chemistry Journal Study).

Serving Suggestions

• BBQ Pairing: Serve alongside our Smoky Pulled Pork Sandwiches
• Brunch Upgrade: Top with a fried egg and hot honey
• Light Lunch: Stuff into lettuce cups with avocado slices

Why This Recipe Works

• Texture Symphony: Crisp + tender + crunchy in every bite
• Flavor Balance: Smoky bacon ↔ tangy vinegar ↔ sweet honey
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Components stay fresh for quick assembly

Nutrition Spotlight

• Herb Power: Dill contains antioxidants like kaempferol (NIH Research)
• Smart Swap: Greek yogurt cuts 100+ calories per serving

Author Note:
*”After 14 test batches (and one smoke alarm incident), the bacon-fat toss became our ‘eureka’ moment. Share your creations with #PotluckHeroPotatoSalad – we feature favorites monthly!”*

• Chef Lena, Certified Culinary Nutritionist