Crispy tater tots, creamy potato salad dressing, sharp cheddar cheese, crunchy bacon bits, and freshly chopped green onions all come together in a glorious indulgent loaded baked potato in salad form. It’s a quick, no-fuss dish that’s sure to impress everyone at the party!
The ultimate loaded baked potato salad with a super fun and crispy twist is here! As we gear up for summer gatherings, barbecues, and picnics, I want to share with you my go-to recipe that never fails to steal the show–Crispy Loaded Baked Potato Salad made with tater tots!
This recipe is seriously good. It’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up. So if you’re like me and appreciate a quick, no-fuss meal that impresses everyone at the party, this loaded baked potato salad made with crispy tater tots is your new summer essential.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve brought this dish to a gathering only to receive endless compliments and requests for this recipe. It’s a real crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters can’t resist. Plus, it’s versatile–serve it as a side dish or load it up in a bowl for a satisfying meal on its own.
why you’ll love crispy loaded baked potato salad made with tater tots
- Irresistible Flavor
- Easy and Quick Preparation
- Classic Flavors
- Crowd-Pleaser
- Summer Essential
As the temperatures rise and the days get longer, having a go-to recipe like this crispy loaded baked potato salad will make your summer gatherings even more enjoyable and delicious. It’s a must-have for any sunny day celebration!
ingredients
To make this easy crispy tater tot salad recipe, you’ll need a few ingredients that you can get at almost any grocery store or even online.
Here’s what we are working with:
- frozen tater tots
- mayonnaise
- sour cream
- dijon mustard
- apple cider vinegar
- garlic powder
- shredded cheddar cheese
- green onion
- fresh dill
- crumbled bacon bits
how to make crispy loaded baked potato salad
You’ll find the exact amounts and printable steps in the recipe card below. Here’s what each step looks like, plus the little things that make it work.
1. Bake the tater tots. Preheat your oven or air fryer and bake the tater tots according to the package instructions until they are extra crispy and golden brown. Don’t pull them early; that extra crunch is what keeps them from going soft once the dressing goes on.
2. Make the dressing. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar and garlic powder. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste. The vinegar and mustard give it that classic potato salad tang, so give it a taste before the tots go in.
3. Fold in the tots. Once the tater tots are cooked and slightly cooled, add them to the dressing and gently fold them in until they are well coated. Letting them cool for a few minutes keeps the dressing from melting and sliding right off.
4. Add the loaded toppings. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, fresh chopped dill and crumbled bacon. Mix gently to distribute everything. A few tots will break apart, and that’s exactly what makes it taste like a loaded baked potato.
5. Serve. Transfer the loaded potato salad to a serving dish and top with any extra toppings you like, such as chopped tomatoes, sliced olives or diced peppers.
tips for the crispiest tater tot potato salad
- Bake them extra crispy. Tots that are just cooked through soften quickly in a creamy dressing. Golden, crunchy edges hold up much better.
- Cool slightly, then fold gently. Warm (not piping hot) tots soak up flavor without melting the dressing.
- Toss right before serving. For the most crunch, keep the baked tots and the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.
how to store leftover tater tot potato salad
Because the dressing is made with mayonnaise and sour cream, refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours (1 hour if it’s sitting out somewhere hot). Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. The tots soften as they sit, so leftovers are creamier than the first day.
can you make it ahead?
Yes, in parts. Whisk the dressing and chop the green onions, dill and bacon up to a day ahead and keep them in the fridge. Bake the tots shortly before the party, let them cool slightly, then fold everything together so the tots stay crispy.
serving it for game day, potlucks and Friendsgiving
This loaded potato salad is a summer cookout favorite, but it’s just as welcome at a fall football party, a potluck or a Friendsgiving spread next to crispy smashed potatoes and creamy cheesy corn. Keep it chilled until serving and set it out for no more than 2 hours.
We sure hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do. It’s definitely one of those recipes worth saving. There’s nothing better than having a family loved dish on the table–and one that saves you time behind the scenes!
Please leave us a star review and comment if you make this family loved recipe.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. I answer every single question as quickly as I can.
Happy cooking! And thanks for being part of our tribe, The Tasteful Tribe!
ENJOY!
tater tot potato salad FAQs
Yes. Cook the frozen tater tots in the air fryer according to the package instructions until they are extra crispy, then let them cool slightly and fold them into the dressing.
It’s best right after mixing, while the tots are still slightly warm and crispy. You can also chill it and serve it cold; the tots will be softer and creamier.
Bake them until they are extra crispy and golden, let them cool slightly, and fold them into the dressing just before serving.
Refrigerate it within 2 hours and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Chopped tomatoes, sliced olives or diced peppers are all great toppings, along with extra cheddar, bacon and green onions.
If you love this recipe, check out…
- Perfectly Crispy Smashed Potatoes (Easy Air Fryer Recipe!)
- The Best Homemade Chicken Nuggets (Chick Fil A Copycat Recipe!)
- Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos (Easy Lunchbox Idea!)
- Easy Big Mac Cheeseburger Pasta (One Pan Meal!)
- One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
- How to Make the Best Creamy Cheesy Corn for the Holidays (Kid Approved!)
- Easy Thanksgiving Recipes: Turkey, Stuffing, Sides and Desserts
- Easy Blueberry Caprese (Red, White, and Blue Salad)
recipe video
📌 Save this for later!
Easy Crispy Loaded Baked Potato Salad (Made with Tater Tots!)
- SFSugar Free
Ingredients
- 1 (28 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- ¼ cup cooked crumbled bacon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven or air fryer and bake the tater tots according to the package instructions until they are extra crispy and golden brown.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the tater tots are cooked and slightly cooled, add them to the dressing mixture and gently fold them in until they are well coated.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, fresh chopped dill, and crumbled bacon to the potato salad mixture. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Transfer the loaded potato salad to a serving dish and top with any additional toppings you desire, such as chopped tomatoes, sliced olives, or diced peppers.
Equipment
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to tag thetastefultribe on instagram @thetastefultribe if you try this crispy loaded tater tot salad recipe. We love seeing your version of the recipe! You can also post your pictures to our facebook page!
Kyle
These are on another level! Love the crunch from the tater tots