This potato salad with bacon is a creamy, savory delight that’s quick and easy to prepare. Perfect for picnics or family gatherings, this dish is sure to impress with its indulgent flavors and fresh ingredients.
Table of Contents

The Best Potato Salad with Bacon Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Potato Salad with Bacon
This potato salad with bacon is not just any side dish; it’s a flavor-packed experience. The crispy bacon adds a smoky richness that balances beautifully with tender potatoes, sweet corn, and fresh greens. Plus, it’s family-friendly and makes for a great meal prep option. You can serve it warm or chilled, making it versatile for any occasion!

Key Ingredients for Bacon Potato Salad
Gather these simple ingredients for the best potato salad:
- 2 pounds baby gold potatoes (Yukon Gold)
- 1 pound bacon
- 1 small to medium red onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 1 medium to large ear fresh sweet corn, kernels removed (or ¾ cup frozen corn)
- 1 to 2 cups fresh baby spinach, loosely measured
- ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- Granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt (for boiling water)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (for dressing)
- Black pepper
How to Make Potato Salad with Bacon
Step 1: Boil and Cool the Potatoes
Start by placing the baby gold potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with water, add 2 teaspoons of salt, and bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and rinse them immediately with cold water to halt the cooking process.
Step 2: Cook and Crumble the Bacon
While the potatoes are boiling, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Flip the strips occasionally, cooking for about 10 minutes until crispy. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble it once it’s cool enough to handle.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet with the leftover bacon fat, add the diced red onion. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until tender. Add the minced garlic in the last minute of cooking, stirring until fragrant, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a very large bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Whisk the dressing until well blended and smooth.
Step 5: Combine All Ingredients
Add the halved or quartered potatoes to the bowl with the dressing. Then, mix in the crumbled bacon, sautéed onion and garlic (using a slotted spoon to remove excess fat), sweet corn, baby spinach, and parsley. Toss everything gently to combine.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Give your potato salad a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed with more salt, pepper, sugar, or vinegar. Serve immediately for a warm dish or cover and refrigerate for later. This salad can be made up to 4 days in advance, making it perfect for meal prep!
Tips for Perfect Potato Salad with Bacon
Best Potatoes for Potato Salad
For the best texture and flavor, use baby gold potatoes or Yukon Gold. Their thin skin is delicious and adds a nice bite to your salad.
Making Ahead and Storage Instructions
This potato salad can be prepared up to 4 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just toss well before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this potato salad with bacon alongside grilled meats or as part of a hearty picnic spread. It pairs wonderfully with dishes like Steak And Potatoes or even as a side for Irish Boxty.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you’re short on fresh corn, frozen corn is a great substitute. You can also switch out spinach for arugula, or use cilantro in place of parsley for a different flavor. Green onions can replace red onions for a milder taste.
FAQs
What kind of potatoes should I use?
For the best results, use baby gold potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes. They have a thin skin and creamy texture that works perfectly in salads.
How do I cook the bacon?
Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, flipping occasionally for even cooking. This usually takes about 10 minutes.
Can I use a different dressing?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different dressings! A creamy dressing or a vinegar-based dressing can also work well with this salad.
How long can I keep this potato salad?
You can store this potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
What vegetables can I add to this salad?
You can add any vegetables you like! Some great options are bell peppers, cucumbers, or even celery for a nice crunch.
Related Recipes to try
Conclusion
This potato salad with bacon is sure to become a favorite in your household. It’s simple to make and packed with flavors that everyone will love. For more inspiration, check out our recipes on Pinterest where you can find a variety of delicious dishes to complement your meals.

Delicious Potato Salad with Bacon: A Must-Try
Equipment
- large pot
- large skillet
- paper towel-lined plate
- very large bowl
Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby gold potatoes Yukon Gold, fork-tender
- 1 pound bacon crisp and crumbled
- 1 small to medium red onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ear fresh sweet corn kernels removed (or 3/4 cup frozen)
- 1 to 2 cups fresh baby spinach loosely measured
- ½ cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- olive oil
- red wine vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt for boiling water
- ¼ teaspoon salt for dressing
- black pepper
Dressing
- olive oil
- red wine vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- black pepper
Instructions
- Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Cook bacon until crisp, then drain and crumble once cool. Reserve bacon fat.
- Sauté diced red onion in bacon fat until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic for the last minute until fragrant.
- Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl for the dressing.
- Add halved or quartered potatoes to the dressing. Toss in crumbled bacon, sautéed onion and garlic, corn, spinach, and parsley.
- Gently toss to combine, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm or chilled.
Notes
- Baby gold or Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended for their thin, edible skin. This salad can be prepared up to 4 days in advance; toss well before serving.