The first day of Summer is right around the corner (June 21st!) and what better way to celebrate than having a BBQ…  with potato salad!!

I adapted this recipe from Emeril Lagasse, and it’s a little unconventional because instead of mayonnaise it calls for ranch dressing, but once you go ranch you never go back!  I’m telling you, this is so true! 🙂  Just make sure to use good quality ranch dressing and none of the yucky stuff.  I like Ken’s Steak House Buttermilk Ranch, but homemade would be even better.

The ingredients are very simple, and look, there’s bacon! 😎

Note:  It’s important that you plan ahead when making this since the best flavor comes from refrigerating it overnight.

 

After boiling the potatoes, chop them into bite sized pieces, and toss everything together!  Then cover and refrigerate overnight, or for at least a few hours to let the flavors meld together.

“It is always wise to make too much potato salad.  Even if you are cooking for two, make enough for five.  Potato salad improves with age – that is, if you are lucky enough to have any left over.”

-Laurie Colwin

 

Sprinkle seasoning salt and fresh parsley on top and it’s perfection on a hot summer day!

 

Loaded Potato Salad

• 18 small Red or Russet Potatoes, about 3 lbs.
• 8 hard-boiled Eggs, rough chopped
• 8 strips Bacon, rough chopped
• 1/2 cup Celery, finely diced
• 1/2 cup Red Onion, finely diced
• 1-1/2 cups Ranch Dressing (good quality a must!)
• 1-1/2 teaspoons Sea Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
• Parsley (optional garnish)

Scrub the potatoes very well and then boil them in generously salted water until tender.  (If I’m using red potatoes I leave the skin on… if I’m using russet potatoes I prefer to peel them prior to boiling).  Once cooled, cut the potatoes into bite size pieces.  Rough chop the eggs and bacon.  Finely dice the celery and onion.  Put everything except the ranch into a large bowl and toss together.  Then mix in the ranch dressing, using more if preferred.  Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Serves a large crowd.  Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from:  https://www.emerils.com/126540/emerils-favorite-potato-salad