Hello, friends! Avery here, from my cozy Portland kitchen. Today, I’m so excited to share one of my absolute favorite summer recipes: Bacon and Roasted Corn Potato Salad. This isn’t just any potato salad; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that’ll make you the star of any BBQ or potluck. I remember the first time I made a potato salad like this. My initial attempts with potato salad were less than stellar – think bland, mushy potatoes swimming in mayonnaise. But then I discovered the magic of roasting corn and adding crispy bacon, and everything changed. This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients, when treated with a little love and creativity, can transform into something truly extraordinary. I am such a fan of potato salad, and this one is a game changer.

My journey into healthier eating started with a need to feel better, and this salad perfectly embodies that. It’s about nourishing your body with real, whole foods while indulging in flavors that bring you joy. It’s a celebration of summer’s bounty, a balance of creamy potatoes, smoky bacon, and sweet roasted corn. I have never been offered a potato salad this good. This recipe is one of my proudest creations.

Why You’ll Love This Bacon and Roasted Corn Potato Salad

This potato salad is more than just a side dish; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish that people rave about and ask for the recipe. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

Flavor Explosion: The combination of creamy potatoes, smoky bacon, and sweet roasted corn is simply irresistible. It’s a party in your mouth!
Texture Delight: The soft potatoes, crispy bacon, and slightly charred corn create a delightful contrast of textures that keeps you coming back for more.
Easy to Make: Despite its impressive flavor profile, this salad is surprisingly easy to make. It requires minimal effort and uses simple, readily available ingredients.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, attending a potluck, or simply looking for a delicious side dish for a weeknight dinner, this potato salad is always a hit.
Customizable: Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Add more bacon, use different herbs, or swap out the red onion for shallots – the possibilities are endless!

The salad is so silly good, and it’s not silly in the way some things are in movies. It’s genuinely delicious. It’s a perfect side dish for any summer meal. I love the combination of flavors and textures. This recipe is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

6-8 medium gold potatoes (cleaned and cut into cubes, about 2-3 lbs)
2 tsp. of salt for boiling the water
1 lb. of turkey bacon
1 cup of corn (fresh or frozen)
1/3 cup green onions
1/2 red onion (diced fine)
3 tbsp. olive oil
2 tbsp. red grape juice vinegar
1 tbsp. dijon mustard
1 tsp. sugar
salt (pepper, garlic powder)

How to Make Bacon and Roasted Corn Potato Salad: Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Here’s a detailed guide to making this delicious potato salad:

Cook the Potatoes: Place your cubed potatoes into a large pot and cover with 1 inch of water. Add salt to the pot. Cover the pot and bring potatoes to a boil. Boil until fork tender and then drain well.
Cook the Bacon: While potatoes are cooking, cook your turkey bacon. I prefer to cook mine in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Line a sheet pan with foil and then place a cooling rack on top. Put the turkey bacon on top of the cooling rack and bake until crispy, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from oven and drain all but 1 tbsp. of the turkey bacon grease.
Roast the Corn: Add corn to the sheet pan with the turkey bacon grease and return to the oven. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until corn starts to brown.
Combine Ingredients: While corn is cooking, crumble your turkey bacon. In a large bowl add potatoes, red onions, green onions, turkey bacon, and salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. When corn is done, add corn to the bowl as well.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, and sugar. When well combined, pour over the potato salad.
Serve: Serve either immediately warm, or refrigerate a few hours and then serve.

And that’s it! Your Bacon and Roasted Corn Potato Salad is ready to be enjoyed. I hope you savor every bite!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Potato Salad

Here are a few tips to ensure your potato salad turns out perfectly every time:

Choose the Right Potatoes: Gold potatoes are my go-to for potato salad because they hold their shape well and have a creamy texture. Avoid using russet potatoes, as they can become mushy.
Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender but not falling apart. Overcooked potatoes will result in a mushy salad.
Roast the Corn for Extra Flavor: Roasting the corn brings out its natural sweetness and adds a smoky char that elevates the flavor of the salad.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives add a burst of flavor and freshness to the salad.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or vinegar to suit your taste preferences.

These potato salads are so easy to make. This recipe is just the best potato salad with corn and bacon! The corn to potato ratio is perfect.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the most experienced cooks can make mistakes. Here are a few common pitfalls to avoid when making potato salad:

Using Too Much Mayonnaise: Overdoing the mayonnaise can make the salad heavy and greasy. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
Not Seasoning Properly: Seasoning is key to a flavorful potato salad. Don’t be afraid to use salt, pepper, and other spices to enhance the taste.
Adding Warm Potatoes to the Dressing: Adding warm potatoes to the dressing can cause the mayonnaise to break down and become oily. Allow the potatoes to cool slightly before adding the dressing.
Serving Immediately: Potato salad tastes best when it has had time to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to become more cohesive.

Variations to Try

Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations to inspire you:

Spicy Potato Salad: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
Mediterranean Potato Salad: Add Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
Vegan Potato Salad: Use vegan mayonnaise and substitute the bacon with smoked tofu or tempeh bacon for a plant-based version.
Herby Potato Salad: Add a generous amount of fresh herbs like dill, parsley, and chives for a vibrant and flavorful salad.

I love this potato salad with corn and red onion, but feel free to experiment with other vegetables, such as bell peppers or celery. The possibilities are endless!

How to Store Leftover Potato Salad

Store leftover potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to consume it within this time frame to prevent spoilage. It is full of flavor, and the flavors meld together even more as it sits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen corn? Yes, you can use frozen corn in this recipe. Just thaw it before roasting.
Can I make this salad ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it a few hours ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld together.
Can I freeze potato salad? I do not recommend freezing potato salad, as the texture can change and become watery when thawed.
Is this salad gluten-free? Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

This Bacon and Roasted Corn Potato Salad is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:

Grilled Meats: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or burgers for a classic summer meal.
BBQ Favorites: Pair it with pulled pork, ribs, or brisket for a true BBQ feast.
Sandwiches and Wraps: Enjoy it as a side dish with your favorite sandwiches or wraps.
Vegetarian Dishes: Serve it with veggie burgers, grilled tofu, or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly meal.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! Happy cooking, and happy summer! This red potato salad with corn will be a hit at your next gathering. The creamy corn and bacon salad is simply divine. Enjoy!

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