Introduction
Crispy smashed potato salad is a delightful blend of textures and flavors that elevates a simple salad into a satisfying dish. The combination of crispy smashed Yukon Gold potatoes, fresh romaine lettuce, and tangy pickles, all brought together with a creamy dressing, makes for a perfect side or main course. This article will detail the ingredients and steps needed to create this delicious dish.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Crispy Smashed Potatoes:
– 24 ounces baby Yukon Gold potatoes
– 1 tablespoon salt
– Avocado oil spray
– 2 tablespoons McCormick Salad Supreme seasoning
For the Salad:
– 2 hearts of romaine, finely chopped
– 1 cup dill pickles, chopped
– 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
For the Dressing:
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 clove garlic, grated
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon pickle juice
– 1 tablespoon freeze-dried dill (or 1/4 cup fresh, chopped)
– 1 teaspoon McCormick Salad Supreme seasoning
– 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30-45 minutes (depending on method)
Total Time: 50-65 minutes (including prep)
Yield: Serves 4-6 people
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and the 24 ounces of baby Yukon Gold potatoes. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, approximately 15-25 minutes depending on their size.
Prepare the Salad Ingredients
While the potatoes cook, finely chop the 2 hearts of romaine lettuce, chop the 1 cup of dill pickles, and thinly slice the 1/4 cup of red onion.
Make the Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1 grated clove of garlic, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of pickle juice, 1 tablespoon of freeze-dried dill (or 1/4 cup fresh, chopped), 1 teaspoon of McCormick Salad Supreme seasoning, and 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt until the mixture is smooth.
Smash the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are cooked and cool enough to handle, place them on a flat surface. Using the back of a flat drinking glass, gently press down on each potato to flatten them to about 1/4 to 1/8 inch thickness. Carefully slide the glass off to prevent sticking.
Roast the Potatoes
Arrange the smashed potatoes in a single layer in the basket of an air fryer. Spray them generously with avocado oil, sprinkle with the Salad Supreme seasoning, and spray again with oil. Air fry at 375°F for 15 minutes, or until they are golden, craggly, and crispy. You may need to do this in batches. Alternatively, bake them in the oven at 375°F for 30-45 minutes until they reach your desired crispiness.
Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, toss the chopped romaine, dill pickles, and red onion with the prepared dressing until well combined. Add half of the crispy smashed potatoes to the salad and toss gently; it’s acceptable if they break into smaller chunks. Reserve the remaining half of the crispy potatoes to scatter on top of the salad before serving.
Notes
Potato Cooking Time
Keep an eye on the potatoes while cooking; smaller ones will cook faster than larger ones. Fork-tenderness is the key indicator of doneness.
Dressing Consistency
If you prefer a thinner dressing, feel free to add a splash of water or more pickle juice until you reach your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
This salad works well as a side dish or a light meal. You can also add cooked chicken or bacon for extra protein.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The potatoes may lose their crispness upon storing, so you may want to re-crisp them in an air fryer or oven before serving.
Cook techniques
Boiling Potatoes
Boil baby Yukon Gold potatoes in salted water until fork-tender for easy smashing.
Chopping Ingredients
Finely chop romaine lettuce and dill pickles, and thinly slice red onion for the salad.
Making Dressing
Whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and seasonings to create a smooth dressing.
Smashing Potatoes
Gently press cooked potatoes with a flat surface to flatten them evenly.
Air Frying or Baking
Air fry smashed potatoes at 375°F for 15 minutes for a crispy finish, or bake at the same temperature for 30-45 minutes.
Tossing Salad
Combine chopped salad ingredients and dressing, then mix in half of the crispy potatoes before serving.
FAQ
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, other waxy potatoes can work, but Yukon Golds provide great flavor and texture.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Absolutely, the dressing can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
How do I make the salad vegetarian?
This salad is already vegetarian; just ensure all ingredients are sourced accordingly.
Can I use different seasonings?
Yes, feel free to experiment with other seasoning blends to suit your taste.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can easily bake the smashed potatoes in the oven for a crispy result.
Conclusion
The crispy smashed potato salad combines the comforting elements of crispy potatoes with a fresh, tangy salad that makes for a delightful and satisfying dish. The unique mix of flavors from the dill pickles and the creamy dressing complements the lightness of the romaine, creating a balanced meal that is sure to impress.
Grilled Chicken and Potato Combo
Pair the crispy smashed potatoes with grilled chicken breast seasoned with herbs and spices for a hearty meal.
Vegetarian Option with Chickpeas
Add roasted chickpeas to the salad for a protein boost and a satisfying crunch that complements the crispy potatoes.
Cheesy Potato Salad Twist
Incorporate shredded cheese, like cheddar or feta, into the salad for an extra layer of flavor that blends well with the creamy dressing.
Southwestern Style Additions
Include black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers in the salad for a southwestern flair that enhances both flavor and texture.
Seafood Variation
Mix in fresh shrimp or crab meat with the salad for a delightful seafood twist that pairs beautifully with the potatoes.
Herbed Quinoa Side Option
Serve the crispy smashed potatoes alongside a herbed quinoa salad for a nutritious and filling side dish combination.
Spicy Salsa Lift
Top the salad with a spicy salsa or hot sauce to add a zesty kick that elevates the overall flavor profile.
