Crispy Smashed Potato Salad with Tomato Basil Goat Cheese

This crispy smashed potato salad combines perfectly baked baby potatoes with a creamy dressing made from yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic, and apple cider vinegar, all mixed with tomato basil goat cheese for a delightful twist. Garnished with fresh herbs and crispy potato bits, it’s a flavorful and crunchy side dish that’s sure to impress.

Table of Contents

1. How to Make Crispy Smashed Potato Salad
2. Why You’ll Love My Crispy Smashed Potato Salad
3. How to Save and Serve Smashed Potato Salad Leftovers
4. Crispy Smashed Potato Salad with Tomato Basil Goat Cheese

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Hey y’all! It’s Rosie, and today I’ve got something special that’s going to make your taste buds sing and your heart do a little happy dance. We’re transforming the good ol’ potato salad into a crispy, creamy, and downright fancy dish. Say hello to the Crispy Smashed Potato Salad with Tomato Basil Goat Cheese. This isn’t just a salad; it’s a love letter to comfort food with a gourmet twist.

Imagine perfectly baked baby potatoes, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, all mingling with a tangy, creamy dressing. And just when you think it can’t get any better, in comes the tomato basil goat cheese, adding a burst of flavor that’ll have everyone talking. This recipe takes the humble potato salad and turns it into a star.

The heart of this dish is the crispy smashed potatoes. Boiled just until tender, then smashed and baked to golden perfection, these potatoes bring a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dressing. Don’t worry if they break apart a bit—that just means more crispy bits to love!

The dressing is a blend of yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard, with finely chopped red onion and dill pickles adding extra layers of flavor. It’s creamy, tangy, and zesty, and it comes together in a snap while your potatoes are getting all crispy in the oven.

Now, let’s talk about the tomato basil goat cheese. This little gem takes the salad from great to extraordinary. When mixed with the warm potatoes, the goat cheese melts slightly, creating a rich, velvety texture that’s simply irresistible. If you’ve never tried tomato basil goat cheese, this recipe is your perfect introduction.

Don’t forget the fresh herbs! A mix of dill, chives, and parsley adds a burst of freshness that ties all the flavors together. Not only do they enhance the taste, but they also make the dish look beautifully vibrant and inviting.

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need and how to make this delightful salad. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough for your next potluck or family gathering.

How to Make Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

Ingredients

• 2 lbs baby potatoes
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 Tbsp arrowroot powder (or cornstarch, optional)
• 2 oz tomato basil goat cheese
• ⅓ cup of yogurt
• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup diced red onion
• ¼ cup dill pickles, finely chopped
• Mix of fresh herbs: dill, chives, and parsley (about ½ cup chopped)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (218°C). This high temperature is key for achieving the perfect crispy texture on your smashed potatoes. While the oven is heating up, prepare a baking sheet by spraying it lightly with avocado oil to prevent the potatoes from sticking.
2. Boil the Potatoes: Rinse 2 lbs of baby potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt. Place them in a large pot and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium, and let the potatoes cook for about 10 minutes. The potatoes should be tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork. Always check the largest potatoes to ensure even cooking.
3. Drain and Cool: After boiling, drain the potatoes in a colander, and rinse them with cool water. This stops the cooking process and makes them easier to handle. Lay the potatoes out on a clean kitchen towel to dry. Removing excess water is crucial for achieving that coveted crispiness.
4. Smash the Potatoes: Transfer the dried potatoes to the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of arrowroot powder (or cornstarch, if you prefer). Using a large metal measuring cup or a flat-bottomed cup, gently press down on each potato to flatten it. Aim to get them as thin as possible without worrying about some breaking apart; these bits will become extra crispy.
5. Bake Until Crispy: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy. Check them occasionally to ensure they don’t burn, rotating the pan if needed for even baking.
6. Prepare the Dressing: While the potatoes are baking, prepare the dressing. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup of yogurt, ¾ cup of mayonnaise, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard until well combined. Stir in ¼ cup of finely diced red onion and ¼ cup of finely chopped dill pickles. Place the dressing in the refrigerator to chill until you’re ready to assemble the salad.
7. Combine and Garnish: Once the potatoes are crispy and out of the oven, let them cool for about 5 minutes. This makes them easier to handle without falling apart. Chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces, reserving the crispiest bits for garnish. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm potatoes with 2 ounces of tomato basil goat cheese. The heat from the potatoes will slightly melt the cheese, creating a creamy texture. Add the prepared dressing and gently toss everything together until the potatoes are well coated.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with the reserved crispy potato bits and a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs (dill, chives, and parsley). This not only adds a burst of fresh flavor but also makes the dish visually appealing.

Why You’ll Love My Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

This Crispy Smashed Potato Salad with Tomato Basil Goat Cheese is a game-changer for your taste buds and your dinner table. Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for this delightful dish:

1. Crispy Potatoes: Who doesn’t love a good crunch? These smashed baby potatoes are baked to golden perfection, offering that irresistible crispy texture on the outside while remaining tender on the inside. It’s the best of both worlds in every bite.
2. Flavor Explosion: The combination of tangy tomato basil goat cheese and a zesty, creamy dressing makes this salad a flavor powerhouse. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to complement and enhance the others, creating a harmonious and delicious balance.
3. Easy to Make: Despite its gourmet appearance and complex flavors, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. You don’t need to be a master chef to whip up this impressive dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a standout side for special occasions.
4. Healthy Twist: Using yogurt in the dressing adds a healthy twist without sacrificing any of the creaminess or flavor. Plus, the fresh herbs not only add a burst of color but also pack in some great nutritional benefits.
5. Versatile and Customizable: This salad is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm or chilled, as a side dish or a light main course. You can also tweak the herbs and other ingredients to suit your personal taste. It’s a flexible recipe that you can make your own.
6. Eye-Catching Presentation: With its vibrant colors and inviting textures, this salad is as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s sure to impress your family and friends, making it a fantastic choice for gatherings and potlucks.

How to Save and Serve Smashed Potato Salad Leftovers

If you find yourself with some leftover Crispy Smashed Potato Salad with Tomato Basil Goat Cheese (which, let’s be honest, might be a rare occurrence because it’s just that good), don’t worry—I’ve got you covered on how to store and serve those delicious leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

1. Cool Completely: Before storing, make sure the salad has cooled to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the potatoes soggy.
2. Use an Airtight Container: Transfer the leftover salad into an airtight container. This will keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing any other flavors from the fridge.
3. Refrigerate: Store the container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
4. Separate Dressing (Optional): If you anticipate having leftovers, you might want to keep some of the dressing separate and mix it in right before serving. This keeps the potatoes crispier for a longer period.

Serving Leftovers

1. Reheat (Optional): If you prefer your potato salad warm, reheat the leftovers in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread the salad on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help regain some of that delightful crispiness.
2. Add Fresh Herbs: Refresh the salad by adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill, chives, and parsley right before serving. This will revive the flavors and add a pop of color.
3. Serve Chilled: If you enjoy your potato salad cold, simply take it out of the fridge, give it a good stir, and it’s ready to go. You can even add a little extra dressing or a drizzle of olive oil if it looks like it needs a bit more creaminess.
4. Mix and Match: Leftover potato salad makes a fantastic base for other dishes. Try mixing it with some fresh greens for a hearty salad, or use it as a filling for a wrap. Get creative!

There you have it, my friends—Crispy Smashed Potato Salad with Tomato Basil Goat Cheese, a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, bringing it to a potluck, or just treating yourself to something special, this salad is a true showstopper. Its perfect blend of crispy, creamy, and tangy flavors will leave everyone asking for the recipe. So go ahead, give it a try, and don’t forget to share your delicious creations with me! Your kitchen adventures and personal twists on these recipes always bring a smile to my face. Until next time, happy cooking and enjoy every bite!

If you enjoyed this Crispy Smashed Potato Salad, try some of my other salads!

Italian Spaghetti Pasta Salad

Easy Shrimp Salad Recipe

Doritos Taco Salad

Simple Pea, Bacon and Cheddar Salad

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