This Bacon and Blue Cheese Potato Salad is a fresh, flavorful twist on the traditional potato salad. Perfect as a side dish for picnics, barbecues, or family dinners, this version is packed with crispy bacon, tangy blue cheese, and a light, creamy dressing that balances richness with freshness. If you love bold flavors and creamy textures, this recipe will become a new favorite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 3 pounds red potatoes, quartered

• 1 tablespoon salt

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

• 1/2 cup chopped green onions

• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

• 1 cup crumbled blue cheese

Directions

1. Place quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are fork-tender (about 10–15 minutes). Drain and let cool slightly.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, add the slightly cooled potatoes. Gently toss with the dressing until well-coated.

4. Add parsley, green onions, bacon, and blue cheese. Fold gently to combine.

5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor.

Nutrients (estimated per serving)

• Calories: ~370

• Fat: ~27g

• Saturated Fat: ~9g

• Carbohydrates: ~24g

• Protein: ~8g

• Fiber: ~2g

• Sodium: ~600mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This potato salad is not just another side dish—it’s a conversation starter. The sharp, savory blue cheese paired with the smoky, crispy bacon creates a flavor profile that stands out from more conventional versions. The use of red potatoes provides a naturally creamy texture and a pop of color, while the combination of sour cream, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard brings a smooth, tangy dressing that complements every bite. The fresh parsley and green onions lift the richness, adding bursts of freshness and a touch of crunch.

It’s the kind of dish that appeals to both lovers of gourmet flavors and fans of comfort food. And while it feels indulgent, it’s easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time—perfect for entertaining or meal planning.

Perfect For Every Occasion

This salad fits seamlessly into a variety of meals and occasions. Hosting a summer barbecue? Serve it alongside burgers, grilled chicken, or ribs. Need something impressive for a potluck? This salad travels well and stands up to being chilled or kept at room temperature for a bit. Planning a holiday dinner? The bold flavors and creamy texture make it an ideal side to contrast with roasted meats and vegetables.

Because it’s so hearty, it can even be enjoyed as a light main dish, especially for lunch. Just pair it with a simple green salad or a cup of soup and you’ve got a satisfying meal.

Taste and Texture Highlights

The first thing you’ll notice when you taste this dish is the richness of the dressing, which perfectly coats the red potatoes. The apple cider vinegar adds just enough acidity to cut through the richness, balancing the mayo and sour cream base. The Dijon mustard and garlic powder infuse the dish with savory depth.

Crispy crumbled bacon brings a satisfying crunch and a smoky note, while the blue cheese delivers a bold tang that lingers pleasantly after each bite. Green onions and fresh parsley not only brighten the dish visually but also add herbaceous layers and a little bite.

What really makes this salad stand out is how the components play off one another. The contrast between creamy and crunchy, tangy and savory, light and bold, turns each forkful into a new experience.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Notes

While this salad is undoubtedly rich, it’s also surprisingly balanced. Potatoes are an excellent source of potassium and vitamin C, while also providing fiber and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. The use of red potatoes means the skins are tender and nutrient-dense, so there’s no need to peel them, preserving even more of their goodness.

Bacon and blue cheese are both flavorful and satisfying in small amounts, allowing you to enjoy big taste without overloading your plate. Blue cheese is a source of calcium and protein, and bacon—when used in moderation—adds depth without dominating the dish. Using a blend of mayonnaise and sour cream keeps the dressing creamy without becoming overly heavy, and incorporating fresh herbs adds antioxidants and flavor without added calories.

If you’re looking to lighten the recipe further, you can swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt, or use a light mayonnaise alternative.

Tips for Making the Perfect Bacon and Blue Cheese Potato Salad

To get the best results, choose firm red potatoes and cut them into even-sized chunks so they cook uniformly. Be sure to salt the water when boiling the potatoes—this step is essential for building flavor right from the start. Don’t overcook them, or they may fall apart when you mix the salad.

Let the potatoes cool slightly before mixing in the dressing to avoid a runny consistency. Warm potatoes absorb flavors well, but if they’re too hot, they’ll break down the creaminess of the mayo and sour cream.

When cooking bacon, aim for crispy—not chewy—so it retains its texture after mixing. You can cook it in a skillet or bake it in the oven for a hands-free method. Drain it thoroughly on paper towels to prevent extra grease from seeping into your salad.

Blue cheese can be strong, so start with a smaller amount if you’re unsure, then taste and adjust. Use a good-quality cheese for the best flavor payoff.

Don’t skip the refrigeration step—chilling the salad for at least an hour helps meld the flavors and gives the salad its best texture.

Recipe Variations You Can Try

One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. While the base ingredients offer a delicious balance, there’s room to make it your own.

If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, you can substitute crumbled feta or goat cheese for a different tangy twist. For an extra kick, try adding chopped pickles, capers, or even a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.

To make it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and consider adding toasted walnuts or roasted chickpeas for crunch and protein.

Love a bit more sweetness? Stir in some chopped apples or dried cranberries. You can even add chopped hard-boiled eggs to bring in a traditional potato salad element while keeping the unique flair.

Serving Suggestions

This salad shines next to grilled steak, barbecue chicken, pulled pork, or ribs. It also complements sandwiches, sliders, or wraps. For a spring or summer lunch, serve it with iced tea or sparkling lemonade and a crisp green salad.

On holiday tables, it makes a standout alternative to mashed potatoes or traditional stuffing. You can even serve it in individual cups or jars for a cute and portable party option.

Serve it cold or at room temperature, and be sure to store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to three days, and the flavor only improves as it sits.

Conclusion

Bacon and Blue Cheese Potato Salad is a mouthwatering upgrade to a classic dish that never goes out of style. With its creamy texture, bold flavors, and satisfying crunch, this salad brings excitement to any meal. It’s easy enough for everyday dinners yet impressive enough for special occasions. Whether you’re preparing a feast for family and friends or simply treating yourself to something delicious, this recipe delivers comfort and sophistication in every bite.

With a smart balance of creamy, tangy, and smoky ingredients, this salad proves that potato salad doesn’t have to be boring. It can be the star of the table—one spoonful at a time.