Ranch Potato Salad

Ranch potato salad is the perfect example of two really great foods that are even better together. The creamy ranch dressing is pungent and rich with fresh herbs, lemon juice, and fresh garlic, but they're the perfect complement to the tender potatoes, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Sharp Cheddar cheese and meaty bacon add much-needed umami, and together the whole dish leans toward the flavors of a loaded baked potato.

Many recipes for ranch potato salad call for bottled ranch dressing, but we like the super fresh taste of the homemade ranch dressing. Whereas the pre-made ranches can be a little flat, this one is bright and brings you back for seconds with its bold, fresh flavors.

Learn how to make ranch potato salad, and delight everyone at the barbecue by bringing this new version the next time you get together.

Ingredients for Ranch Potato Salad

If you want to make this ranch potato salad recipe, you'll need to grab a few things from the grocery store. These include:

• Red potatoes: We like these petite spuds because the thin skin doesn't need to be peeled prior to boiling (though you can if you want). They also hold their shape well once boiled.
• Salt: You'll use a bit to flavor the final dish, and you'll use a bit more to flavor the water in which you boil the potatoes. Cooking the red potatoes in salty water is the best way to get them flavored. Salting after they're cooked won't have the same results.
• Bacon: This is optional really, but we don't think any ranch potato salad would be complete without these meaty morsels.
• Sour cream and mayonnaise: These two thick sauces form the base of the ranch dressing. If you want it thinner, you can add a splash of buttermilk.
• Fresh chives, parsley, and dill: These are the primary herbs in ranch dressing. Fresh is preferred over dry, but dry will work in a pinch. Just reduce the amount by half.
• Lemon juice: All potato salads need a little tang, and this one gets it from lemon juice.
• Garlic: Ranch dressing needs garlic, and fresh garlic more completely flavors the dish.
• Black pepper: Pepper rounds out the flavor and balances the tartness of the dressing.
• Cheddar cheese: This adds the final touch of flavor and richness to the dish.

How To Make Ranch Potato Salad

This potato salad comes together easily. Cook the bacon and make the dressing while the potatoes boil. Once the potatoes are drained and cooled, this side will come together in minutes and be ready for the table. Full directions for making this potato salad are below, but here's a brief recap:

• Step 1: Boil the potatoes. The best way to get tender potatoes for potato salad is to start them in cold water. This way, the potatoes don't overcook on the outside before the middle is tender.
• Step 2: Cook the bacon. While the potatoes cook, you can crisp up bacon pieces on the stove, or cook the bacon in the oven and chop after it's cooked and cooled slightly.
• Step 3: Make the dressing. Combine the ingredients for the dressing. If it feels a little too thick, you can add a splash of buttermilk, but the dressing should not be thin. You want it to stick to the potatoes.
• Step 4: Make the potato salad. Mix together the potatoes, bacon, dressing, and cheese. Chill for a few hours, and serve.

The Best Way To Boil Potatoes for Potato Salad

If you've never boiled potatoes in cold water, you might find the technique puzzling, but we promise it's the best way.

Starting potatoes in cold, salted water will help them cook evenly as the water rises to boiling. If you drop potatoes into boiling water, the outside will cook very quickly while the inside is not tender. You also will get less of the salt into the potato, as it has to absorb some of the salty water as it cooks.

Potatoes started in boiling water are often mushy and and fall apart during mixing, so try the cold-start technique next time. We think you'll be convinced.

Can You Make Ranch Potato Salad Ahead?

Yes, you can make ranch potato salad before you plan to serve it. In fact, we recommend it. The potato salad needs to chill before it's served, so you can make it 4 to 12 hours before you plan to serve it.

If dinner is more than 12 hours later, consider keeping the bacon separate from the potato salad. Then, stir it into the potato salad just before putting it on the table so the bacon stays crispy.

How To Store Ranch Potato Salad

Ranch potato salad will last in the fridge for up to five days if stored properly. Keep it in an airtight container, and give it a stir just before taking a scoop.

Also, remember that foods left out at room temperature for more than two hours should be discarded. If the foods are sitting out in temperatures above 90°F for more than an hour, they should also be tossed, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Do not freeze ranch potato salad. The dressing will separate from the potatoes, and you will have a mess on your hands after thawing.

Our Tips for the Best Ranch Potato Salad

Potato salads are typically one of the easiest sides you can make for a meal, but a few smart tips will make even the best potato salad maker look like a sides genius. The Southern Living Test Kitchen shared these smart strategies:

• Start in cold water: This will help the potatoes cook evenly. If started in hot water, the potatoes may turn mushy.
• Drain well: Get as much water off the potatoes as you can after they're cooked. The best way? Let them sit in a colander or on towels to cool and dry while you're preparing the rest of the ingredients.
• Salt the water: It's nearly impossible to flavor potatoes once they're cooked, so don't skip salting the water. Only a small amount is actually absorbed by the potatoes, but it's enough to make a big flavor difference.
• Check the potatoes often: Don't let the potatoes overcook. Mushy potatoes aren't great for potato salad, so keep an eye on them. When a fork cleanly pierces a piece, drain the potatoes to stop the cooking process.
• Make extra ranch dressing: if you're planning to eat this potato salad for a few days, you might want to make extra dressing. The potatoes will absorb some of it while the salad sits in the fridge, and adding a bit more just before you eat it will bring back the rich flavor and creamy texture.

What To Serve With Ranch Potato Salad

Ranch potato salad is perfect for a picnic, potluck, or backyard barbecue, so consider some of these other dishes to serve with it:

• Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs
• Grilled Chicken Legs
• Classic Grilled Corn on the Cob
• Classic Coleslaw
• Cast-Iron Skillet Burgers
• Ultimate Southern Burger