Ranch Potato Salad
Cuisine: American Type: Salad

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Potatoes
4 cups (960)
Mayonnaise
1 cup (240)
Sour Cream
1 cup (240)
Ranch Dressing
1 packet (28)
Green Onions
4 stalks (60)
Bacon
8 slices (226)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (5)
Totals
62 oz
(1,764 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Potatoes
200
Mayonnaise
100
Sour Cream
150
Ranch Dressing
50
Green Onions
10
Celery
15
Salt
5
Pepper
5
Paprika
5
Parsley
2
Total Calories
542
Totals
1,084 kcal
Steps
1. Boil the potatoes: Start by washing and scrubbing the potatoes thoroughly. Then, place them in a large pot and cover them with water. Add a pinch of salt to the water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook the potatoes until they are tender when pierced with a fork, usually around 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain and cool the potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander and let them cool completely. You can speed up the cooling process by running them under cold water.
3. Chop the vegetables: While the potatoes are cooling, prepare the vegetables. Finely chop celery, red onion, and fresh parsley. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or pickles if desired.
4. Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined and smooth.
5. Assemble the salad: Once the potatoes have cooled, cut them into bite-sized cubes and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped vegetables and the dressing to the potatoes.
6. Mix everything together: Gently toss the ingredients until the potatoes and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as it may break down the potatoes.
7. Adjust the seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You can add more salt, pepper, or any other herbs and spices to enhance the flavor.
8. Chill and serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to a container with a lid. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. Before serving, give it a final toss and garnish with additional parsley if desired.
9. Enjoy: Serve the ranch potato salad chilled as a side dish or as a refreshing summer salad. It pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or can be enjoyed on its own.
Substitutions
Substitutions for Ranch Potato Salad:
1. Ranch Dressing:
- Substitute with a mixture of mayonnaise and buttermilk in equal parts. Adjust the quantity to match the amount of ranch dressing required in the recipe.
2. Potatoes:
- If you don't have potatoes, you can substitute with cauliflower florets or cooked pasta. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
3. Green Onions:
- Substitute with regular onions or chives. Use the same amount as indicated in the recipe.
4. Celery:
- If you don't have celery, you can substitute with diced bell peppers or cucumbers. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.
5. Dill:
- Substitute with dried or fresh parsley or chives. Adjust the quantity to match the amount of dill required.
6. Garlic Powder:
- If you don't have garlic powder, you can use minced fresh garlic. Use 1 clove of minced garlic for every 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
7. Salt and Pepper:
- Adjust the quantities of salt and pepper to taste if you don't have these exact measurements.
8. Sour Cream:
- If you don't have sour cream, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or plain yogurt. Use the same amount as indicated in the recipe.
9. Lemon Juice:
- If you don't have lemon juice, you can substitute with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.
10. Dijon Mustard:
- Substitute with yellow mustard or whole grain mustard. Use the same amount as indicated in the recipe.
Remember to adjust the seasonings and flavors according to your taste preferences when using substitutions.
Pairings
- Grilled burgers
- BBQ ribs
- Fried chicken
- Buffalo wings
- Pulled pork sandwiches
- Corn on the cob
- Coleslaw
- Baked beans
- Macaroni and cheese
- Grilled vegetables
- Pickles and relish
- Cornbread
- Fried green tomatoes
- Onion rings
- Sweet tea
- Lemonade
- Craft beer
- Iced tea
Upgrades
Enhancements for Ranch Potato Salad:
1. Presentation:
- Use a melon baller to create small potato spheres for a visually appealing presentation.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like dill or chives for a pop of color.
- Serve in individual mini mason jars or small glass bowls for an elegant touch.
2. Texture/Flavor:
- Incorporate crispy bacon bits for added texture and a smoky flavor.
- Add a crunch by mixing in diced celery or pickles.
- Include a handful of toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts for a nutty flavor and extra crunch.
3. Premium Ingredients:
- Upgrade the mayonnaise to a high-quality, homemade version or use a gourmet brand.
- Substitute regular potatoes with fingerling or Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture.
- Enhance the flavor by using truffle-infused oil or truffle salt for a luxurious twist.
Remember, these enhancements are meant to elevate the dish and make it more visually appealing, flavorful, and luxurious. Enjoy your next-level Ranch Potato Salad!
Diet Restrictions
- Use low-fat or Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to reduce the amount of saturated fat.
- Replace regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a lower glycemic index and higher fiber content.
- Add more vegetables like diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes to increase the nutrient density and fiber.
- Use fresh herbs like dill or parsley instead of relying solely on packaged ranch seasoning mix to reduce sodium intake.
- Opt for a reduced-sodium or homemade ranch dressing to lower sodium content.
- Consider adding a lean protein source like grilled chicken or tofu to make it a complete meal.
- For gluten-free diets, ensure all ingredients, including ranch seasoning and dressing, are gluten-free or make your own gluten-free versions.
- For dairy-free diets, use a dairy-free yogurt or a plant-based mayonnaise substitute.
- To reduce the calorie content, use a smaller amount of dressing or choose a light or low-calorie ranch dressing option.
- For a vegan version, use a plant-based yogurt or mayonnaise substitute and skip the animal-based ingredients like bacon or eggs.
Healthy Choices
- Replace regular mayonnaise with light or low-fat mayonnaise to reduce the overall fat content.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to add protein and reduce calories.
- Opt for red potatoes instead of white potatoes for a higher fiber and nutrient content.
- Increase the amount of vegetables, such as adding diced bell peppers, carrots, or celery, for added vitamins and minerals.
- Swap regular bacon for turkey bacon or omit it altogether to lower saturated fat and sodium.
- Add fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives for added flavor without extra calories.
- Use a mixture of olive oil and vinegar instead of bottled dressings to reduce added sugars and unhealthy fats.
- Consider adding a handful of leafy greens like spinach or arugula for an extra nutrient boost.
- Reduce the amount of salt by using herbs, spices, and lemon juice to enhance the flavor.
- Finally, consider adding a small amount of whole grain mustard for tanginess and a boost of antioxidants.
Shortcuts
- Use pre-cooked or leftover potatoes instead of boiling them from scratch to save time.
- Substitute sour cream or Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to reduce cost without sacrificing flavor.
- Opt for dried herbs instead of fresh ones to save money while still adding a burst of flavor.
- Use store-bought ranch dressing instead of making it from scratch to save time and effort.
- Add chopped green onions or chives instead of fresh dill to cut costs while maintaining a fresh taste.
- Consider using bacon bits or cooked ham instead of bacon slices to save time on frying and reduce expenses.
- Use frozen peas instead of fresh ones to save time on shelling and cooking.
- Make a larger batch and store leftovers in the refrigerator for a few days to save time on future meal preparations.