Loaded Ranch Potato Salad is a creamy potato salad full of bacon, cheddar cheese, and Ranch seasoning. You can’t go wrong with that flavor combination. It’s the perfect side for you next cookout or potluck.
Warm weather isn’t too far away and that means it’s time to start thinking about picnics and potato salads. Every picnic and cookout needs a good potato salad and this one is one of the best potato salads.
And some Corn on the Cob. See my recipe for The Best Way To Cook Corn on the Cob.
Ranch Potato Salad Recipe
I’m a huge fan of potato salad but often find it to be bland and boring. I’ve experimented with making potato salad loads of different ways and along with Jalapeno Popper Potato Salad, this is one of my favorites. Loaded Ranch Potato Salad is super creamy and rich and has tons of flavor thanks to a packet of Ranch seasoning mix. I’m obsessed with anything ranch so this is my favorite potato salad.
Reader Comment
Anna wrote- “Ok this was bomb! I will add a half packet more of ranch seasoning and some green onions but SO good how it is too! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”
A mixture of sour cream and mayonnaise makes this the creamiest potato salad ever.
In addition, there’s also chopped green onion, cheddar cheese, and lots of crumbled bacon.
Who can resist anything with cheddar cheese and bacon? Not me.
Ingredient Notes
- Potatoes– I use red potatoes and I like to leave the skin on. Yukon Gold would be my second choice. Depending on how large they are, halve them or quarter them before boiling.
- Sour Cream– I use full-fat, but you could use light sour cream or you can substitute with Greek yogurt.
- Mayonnaise– use a good quality mayonnaise like Hellmann’s or Duke’s.
- Ranch Seasoning– I use a packet of Hidden Valley Ranch. You can use a homemade seasoning mix if you prefer. You will need approximately 3 tablespoons.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese– I use sharp cheddar. It will taste better if you buy a block of cheese and shred it yourself on a box grater rather then using pre-shredded.
- Bacon– I use 6 slices. You can use a few more if you want a lot of bacon flavor.
How To Make
Plan on making potato salad at least a few hours before you want to serve it.
(More detailed instructions in recipe card below.)
- Cook the potatoes. Boil in salted water until a knife easily pierces them.
- Make dressing. In a bowl stir together sour cream, mayonnaise, and Ranch seasoning.
- Add remaining ingredients. Mix in potatoes, cheese, and green onions. Then sprinkle bacon on top.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
How To Boil Potatoes For Potato Salad
- Salt the water well. You want the potatoes to soak up the salt and get seasoned while they cook. I think to little salt in the water is the number one cause of bland potato salad.
- Start with cold water and cover the potatoes with at least an inch of water. This will help the potatoes cook evenly.
- Bring water to a boil but then reduce to a simmer. You don’t want to cook them at a rolling boil.
- Cook them until a knife or fork slides easily in. Don’t cook them so long that they start to bread apart or crumble when you pierce them.
Recipe Tips
I like to use red potatoes for this recipe. They have a texture that is perfect for potato salads and I love the fact that there’s no need to peel them. Huge timesaver! I think the skin actually makes the potato salad more visually appealing.
Make it spicy. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to make this recipe a little spicy.
Try These Other Potato Salad Recipes
- Jalapeno Popper Potato Salad
- Southern Mustard Potato Salad
- Creamy Dill Potato Salad
- Southern Potato Salad
- Cajun Potato Salad
- Curry Potato Salad
- Dill Pickle Potato Salad
Never miss a recipe. Follow Spicy Southern Kitchen on Pinterest and Instagram.
Loaded Ranch Potato Salad
Ingredients
- 3 pounds red potatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 (8-ounce) container sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 (1-ounce) package Ranch seasoning mix
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until tender. Drain well and let cool.
- In a large bowl, stir together sour cream, mayonnaise, and Ranch seasoning mix.
- Add potatoes, cheddar cheese, and green onions and stir well.
- Sprinkle bacon on top. Refrigerate until chilled.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Originally published March 17, 2016.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
This is my favorite potato salad.
Sounds really good. I have to try this.
What can be substituted for the mayo?
You could try using Greek yogurt.
What an awesome recipe! I might just be able to get my husband to eat potato salad with a recipe like this. YUM!! Can’t wait to try this one out. Our favorite pasta salad is made with ranch so I know this will be a hit!
Ranch potatoes are one of my fave sides! This looks so fluffy and delicious !
Your pictures are gorgeous and so is the potato salad! I can look at it all night…but I’d rather be eating it!!
I am so ready for warm weather and bbqs! This potato salad looks gorgeous,, Christin! I love the ranch flavor and zesty ingredients!
Bacon makes everything splendid! Great looking salad!
Why this potato salad looks mighty delicious! Ranch and bacon are my two favorite things on this planet, so i’m all about this recipe.
Yay to picnics and potato salads! I’m super excited for all the things having to do with outside coming up! And this potato salad would be a delicious addition! Loving how loaded with goodies this is, plus you used one of my favs – ranch! Gahhh sooooo good! I could legit eat this potato salad as a meal! Cheers, dear!