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Creamy Bacon Ranch Potato Salad Without Mayo

creamy bacon ranch potato salad without mayo - featured image

A creamy and tangy potato salad made without mayo, featuring crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, and tender potatoes. Perfect for summer BBQs and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold or red potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 68 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 3/4 cup full-fat sour cream
  • 1 packet (about 1 oz or 28 g) ranch seasoning mix
  • 34 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, minced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)

Instructions

  1. Wash and cut 2 pounds of Yukon Gold or red potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Leave skins on for texture and nutrients if desired.
  2. Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by about 2 inches. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over high heat.
  3. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 12-15 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender but still hold their shape.
  4. Drain potatoes in a colander and let cool for about 15 minutes until warm but not hot.
  5. While potatoes cool, cook 6-8 slices of thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3/4 cup sour cream, ranch seasoning, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
  7. Add the warm potatoes, crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, and minced dill to the dressing. Gently toss to coat evenly.
  8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. For best flavor, chill longer if possible.
  9. Before serving, gently stir the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Notes

Use warm potatoes when mixing with dressing for better flavor absorption. Cook bacon until crisp for texture contrast. Gently fold ingredients to avoid breaking potatoes. Chill at least 1 hour before serving for best taste. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; stir gently before serving again. For dairy-free version, substitute sour cream with coconut yogurt or cashew cream and use dairy-free ranch seasoning.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato salad, bacon, ranch, no mayo, summer BBQ, creamy potato salad, easy side dish, picnic recipe