There is something truly comforting and satisfying about a classic potato salad, but this Healthy Potato Salad Recipe takes it to a whole new level. Combining tender, perfectly cooked potatoes with crunchy celery, fresh cucumber, and a creamy yet light dressing, this salad is bursting with flavor and texture. The smoky bits of streaky bacon add just the right amount of savory detail without overpowering the freshness, making this dish a vibrant, nourishing side that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Whether you’re bringing it to a picnic or serving it at a family dinner, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites for good reason.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Healthy Potato Salad Recipe are simple, approachable, and essential for creating the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color. Each ingredient plays a distinct role—from the creamy dressing that ties everything together to the crisp vegetables that add brightness and crunch.
- Potatoes (1 kg / 2 lb, peeled and cut into 2cm cubes): The foundation of the salad, offering a soft and substantial bite.
- Cooking/Kosher salt (2 tsp for cooking potatoes): Enhances the potatoes’ natural flavor as they cook.
- Streaky bacon (250g / 8oz): Adds a smoky, savory richness and a delightful crisp texture.
- French Dressing (1/2 cup): Light and tangy, it soaks into the potatoes giving them extra zest and moisture.
- Cucumber (3/4 cup, finely diced): Provides a fresh crunch and subtle sweetness.
- Celery (1 cup, diagonally sliced): Adds a refreshing crispness and brightens the dish.
- White onion (1/4 cup, finely minced): Offers mild pungency that balances the creaminess.
- Mayonnaise (1/3 cup, preferably whole-egg): Creates rich creaminess in the dressing.
- Sour cream (1/3 cup, full fat or yogurt): Gives a tangy depth and smooth texture.
- Horseradish cream (1 tbsp): Brings a subtle bite that livens up the dressing.
- Salt (1/2 tsp) and black pepper (1/4 tsp): Season the dressing perfectly to taste.
- Dijon mustard (1 tbsp): Adds complexity and a gentle heat to the French dressing.
- White wine vinegar (2 tbsp): Imparts a bright acidity to balance the richness.
- Extra virgin olive oil (1/4 cup): Smooths and enriches the French dressing.
- Water (1 tbsp): Helps emulsify the French dressing for a lighter texture.
- White sugar (1/2 tsp): Balances the acidity with a touch of sweetness.
- Garlic clove (1/2, minced): Adds subtle aromatic depth to the dressing.
How to Make Healthy Potato Salad Recipe
Step 1: Make the French Dressing
Start by combining the Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, olive oil, water, sugar, garlic, salt, and black pepper in a jar. Shake it well until everything is beautifully emulsified. This dressing may seem simple, but it’s packed with vibrant flavors that will soak into the potatoes, infusing them with a crisp and tangy punch that forms the heart of our salad.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
Place the cubed potatoes and salt into a large pot filled with cold water. Bring it to a simmer and cook the potatoes for about 4 minutes—just until they are tender on the outside but still firm in the center. This careful timing ensures your potatoes hold their shape without becoming mushy, offering the perfect bite.
Step 3: Douse the Potatoes
Drain the potatoes right away and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the freshly made French dressing over the hot potatoes and toss gently. Set the bowl aside for at least 2 hours to let the potatoes cool and soak up all the tangy goodness. This step makes the salad incredibly flavorful as the potatoes fully absorb the dressing.
Step 4: Cook the Bacon
In a cold non-stick pan, lay about half of the bacon slices and cook on medium-high heat until they turn beautifully golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and repeat the process with the remaining bacon. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces. These crispy bacon bits bring irresistible texture and smoky flavor to the salad.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Dressing
Mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, horseradish cream, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth. This creamy dressing adds a velvety layer that balances the acidity from the French dressing and complements the fresh vegetables with a gentle bite.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Add the creamy dressing, celery, cucumber, onion, and most of the chopped bacon to the potatoes. Gently toss everything together so each bite has a perfect combination of creaminess, crunch, and savoriness. The interplay of textures here is what makes this Healthy Potato Salad Recipe so delightfully satisfying.
Step 7: Serve
Garnish the salad with the remaining bacon pieces for extra crunch and visual appeal. For best flavor, let the salad rest for a few hours or even overnight in the fridge before serving. This waiting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve at room temperature to fully enjoy the salad’s vibrant flavors and textures.
How to Serve Healthy Potato Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley, dill, or chives as a garnish can elevate the salad’s flavor and add a lovely pop of green. A sprinkle of black pepper or a few thinly sliced green onions also contributes a subtle zing and visual interest, making the salad even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This Healthy Potato Salad Recipe pairs excellently with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or fresh seafood. It complements barbecue gatherings, casual picnics, or even a simple weekday dinner with baked fish or a crisp green salad. Its balance of creamy and refreshing flavors suits a variety of mains wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in hollowed-out small bell peppers or tomatoes for individual portions bursting with color. You can also layer the salad in clear jars for picnic-friendly, grab-and-go servings. Adding edible flowers or microgreens on top brings elegance if you’re catering to guests or hosting a summer party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover salad in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, during which the flavors continue to deepen. When you’re ready to serve, stir gently and let it come to room temperature for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
Because of the creamy dressing and fresh vegetables, freezing this Healthy Potato Salad Recipe is not recommended. Freezing can alter the texture of the potatoes and cause the dressing to separate, which will affect the overall quality when thawed.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer a warmer dish, you can gently bring the potatoes to room temperature but avoid microwaving the entire salad. The crisp vegetables and bacon are what bring the salad to life, so keeping them fresh and crunchy is key.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato for this salad?
Absolutely! Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best because they hold their shape well after cooking. Avoid starchy potatoes like Russets, as they tend to fall apart and make the salad mushy.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Healthy Potato Salad Recipe?
Yes, you can simply omit the bacon or substitute it with smoked paprika roasted chickpeas or crispy fried mushrooms for that smoky, savory element without meat.
Can I make this salad gluten-free?
Definitely. All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, just make sure your mayonnaise and horseradish cream do not contain any hidden gluten ingredients.
What can I substitute for horseradish cream?
If you don’t have horseradish cream, a small amount of prepared horseradish or a bit of wasabi paste works well. You can also leave it out for a milder flavor, though that slight kick is a lovely addition.
How long does this potato salad keep its freshness?
This salad stays fresh and delicious in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep it sealed tightly to preserve the flavors and prevent the potatoes from drying out.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Potato Salad Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again. It’s simple yet packed with fresh, vibrant flavors, creamy textures, and that irresistible hint of smoky bacon. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a side dish that feels like a treat without the guilt. Give it a try—you might just have a new favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Healthy Potato Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus resting time of 2 hours to overnight)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Healthy Potato Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish featuring tender potatoes tossed in a tangy homemade French dressing, combined with crisp celery, cucumber, and onion, and enriched with a creamy horseradish-infused dressing and crispy streaky bacon. Perfect as a side for picnics or light meals, it offers a balanced texture and bright flavors.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 kg / 2 lb potatoes, peeled and cut into 2cm/3/4″ cubes
- 2 tsp cooking / kosher salt (for cooking potatoes)
- 250g / 8oz streaky bacon
- 1/2 cup French Dressing (homemade or store-bought)
- 3/4 cup cucumber, finely diced
- 1 cup celery, finely sliced diagonally
- 1/4 cup white onion, finely minced
For the Potato Salad Dressing:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise (preferably whole-egg)
- 1/3 cup sour cream (full fat, or substitute with yogurt)
- 1 tbsp horseradish cream (or horseradish relish)
- 1/2 tsp cooking / kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the French Dressing:
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp water
- 1/2 tsp white sugar
- 1/2 garlic clove, finely grated or minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Make the French Dressing: Combine Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, water, white sugar, grated garlic, salt, and black pepper in a jar. Shake vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and emulsified.
- Cook the Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed potatoes along with 2 teaspoons of salt into a large pot of cold water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 4 minutes until the potatoes are just cooked through but still firm. Drain immediately to prevent overcooking.
- Douse the Potatoes: Transfer the hot drained potatoes into a large bowl. Pour the freshly made French dressing over them and toss gently to coat. Allow the potatoes to rest uncovered for 2 hours so they cool and absorb the dressing’s flavors.
- Cook the Bacon: Place half of the bacon strips in a cold non-stick pan and cook over medium-high heat until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. Repeat with the remaining bacon. Once cooked, chop the bacon into small pieces.
- Prepare the Creamy Dressing: In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, horseradish cream, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the creamy dressing, celery, diced cucumber, minced onion, and most of the chopped bacon to the bowl with the dressed potatoes. Toss gently to combine all ingredients without breaking the potatoes.
- Serve: Garnish the salad with the remaining bacon pieces. For the best flavor, let the potato salad sit for a few hours or preferably overnight to meld the flavors. Serve at room temperature for optimal taste and texture.
Notes
- Use whole-egg mayonnaise and full-fat sour cream for richer flavor and creaminess.
- The salad tastes better if prepared a few hours ahead or the day before serving.
- If horseradish cream is unavailable, substitute with horseradish relish or omit according to preference.
- Be careful not to overcook the potatoes; they should remain firm to hold their shape in the salad.
- This potato salad can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
