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Creamy Classic Potato Salad with Bacon & Chives

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A creamy, smoky, and oniony potato salad featuring crispy bacon and fresh chives, perfect for summer picnics and barbecues. This easy recipe balances textures and flavors for a crowd-pleasing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold or red potatoes, washed and cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 stalk celery, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or dash of hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Place peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 12-15 minutes until potatoes are tender but still firm. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. While potatoes cook, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add bacon slices and cook until crispy and golden, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cool, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Finely dice the celery and red onion, and chop the fresh chives. Set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. Add the warm potatoes to the dressing and gently fold to coat.
  6. Fold in the celery, onion, chopped bacon, and chives. Mix gently but thoroughly.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld. If short on time, 30 minutes works but longer chilling improves flavor.

Notes

Do not overcook potatoes to avoid mushy texture. Toss potatoes warm with dressing for better flavor absorption. Crisp bacon well for texture contrast. Chill at least 1 hour for best flavor. Adjust seasoning gradually as bacon adds saltiness. For lighter version, swap half mayo with Greek yogurt. Store leftovers in airtight container up to 3 days; stir in mayo or milk if dry before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato salad, bacon, chives, creamy potato salad, summer picnic, barbecue side dish, easy potato salad

Find it online: https://evabake.com/creamy-classic-potato-salad-with-bacon-and-chives-easy-recipe-for-summer-picnics/