Smoked Potato Salad

If you’re a fan of crispy bacon and smoky, savory flavors, then this smoked potato salad is the recipe for you. It’s a wonderful side dish that’s simply irresistible.

More tasty sides include Hawaiian macaroni salad, Brussels sprout slaw and smoked Italian pasta salad – any of those will be a hit at your next cookout.

Why You’ll Love It

Wonderfully smoky: This potato salad boasts a unique, smoky flavor that’s incredibly satisfying. The potatoes and hard-boiled eggs are smoked to perfection, adding a whole new dimension of flavor to the classic dish.
So easy to whip up: There’s nothing complicated about this recipe. From the preparation to the smoking, everything is straightforward and the delicious end result is so worth it.
Delicious flavors: Potato salad is always a popular dish but this gourmet version boasts bacon as well as a beautiful smoky flavor which everyone will love.
It’s a versatile choice: Not only is this smoked potato salad with bacon perfect for a gathering, potluck or picnic, but it pairs with just about anything as a side dish and will keep for several days.

Smoky Potato Salad Recipe Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Red potatoes: This variety is waxy and firm, making it the perfect potato for potato salad. You can leave the skin on for a rustic look or peel it off if you prefer. You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes if that’s what you have on hand.
Hard-boiled eggs: These add a protein punch to the salad, as well as a creamy texture. They’re smoked along with the potatoes to absorb that wonderful smoky flavor and then chopped and added to the salad for an extra depth of flavor.
Mayonnaise: This is the base of the creamy dressing, adding a rich, velvety texture and a subtle tangy flavor. You can use a vegan mayo if you prefer, to make the dairy-free.
Garlic paste: A handy ingredient that adds a strong, fresh garlic flavor. You could substitute it with minced fresh garlic.
Bacon: Everything is better with bacon! Chopped, it will add a salty, smoky flavor.
Jalapenos: These are added for a bit of a spicy kick. Be sure to remove the seeds if you prefer a milder flavor, or leave them out altogether if you’re not a fan of spicy food.
Chives: These will be chopped and added as a garnish. They add a mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.

How to Make Smoked Potato Salad

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Smoke the potatoes: Toss them with oil and chili powder. Place in smoker for a couple of hours on a rimmed baking sheet.
Smoke the hard boiled eggs: Add eggs to the smoker with the potatoes for an hour. Potatoes should be fork tender but still stiff.
Peel and dice the potatoes: Cut into bite sized pieces or large chunks if you prefer. Leave some of the skin on for a richer smoky flavor.
Make the dressing:  Mix mayo with mustard, garlic, slaw dressing, hot sauce, paprika, and some salt and black pepper. Add in egg yolks.
Chop the remaining ingredients: Chop the egg whites, celery, onion, bacon, and jalapeños.
Add the potatoes: Add the potatoes and stir everything together. Let the dish sit overnight if you can, else give it at least 3 hours, then serve with chives.

Substitutions and Variations

Less smoke: If you’re not a fan of heavily smoked food, simply reduce the smoking time or omit the step to smoking the hard-boiled eggs altogether.
Spicier kick: If you like your food with a bit more heat, feel free to add more ancho chili powder or hot sauce to the recipe.
Optional Additions: Diced dill pickles or dill pickle relish can add a tangy twist to your smoked potato salad.
Dressing: Instead of the usual mayonnaise and slaw dressing, you can try a different creamy approach by using sour cream or Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise and choosing a different creamy dressing instead of the slaw dressing.
Herbs: Another way to change up the flavor profile is to add a different herb or two. For instance, you could mix in some cilantro or green onions along with the chives.

Serving Suggestions

With a main dish: Smoked potato salad pairs well with a variety of proteins such as grilled flank steak, roasted chicken or smoked turkey breast. These hearty dishes complement the rich and creamy texture of the potato salad, making for a satisfying meal.
With a lighter main: For a lighter but still satisfying option, consider serving your bacon potato salad with dishes like a chopped Italian sandwich or a fried chicken sandwich. These sandwiches add a bit of crunch and a contrasting texture that works well with the potato salad.

How to Store Grill-Smoked Creamy Potato Salad

Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. However, if the potato salad has sat out for more than 2 hours indoors or more than 1 hour outside in the heat, it’s safer to just discard the leftovers.
Freeze: Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge.