Roasted Potato Salad with Jalapeño Avocado Dressing – An Explosion of Flavors
Roasted potatoes tossed in a creamy jalapeño avocado dressing take this classic potato salad to new heights. The roasted potato salad with jalapeño avocado dressing combines crispy roasted potatoes, spicy jalapeños, rich avocados, and fresh herbs for an unforgettable flavor fusion. This easy salad is perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or just a weeknight side.
Why Make Roasted Potato Salad
Roasted potato salad starts with potatoes that are crisped up in the oven. This extra step makes the potatoes extra flavorful with crispy edges and a fluffy interior. The dressing soaks into these roasted potatoes for maximum flavor in every creamy bite.
The roasted potatoes also hold up well when stored overnight or transported to a party or picnic. You won’t end up with the mushy potatoes found in some old-fashioned potato salads. Even after sitting out for a bit, these potatoes retain their texture.
Choosing the Best Potatoes for Roasting
While any potato can be used for salads, certain varieties are better suited for roasting and holding up to bold flavors.
Yellow Potatoes
Yellow potatoes like Yukon Gold or German Butterball work beautifully. They hold their shape once cooked, have a creamy texture, and a rich potatoes flavor. Their yellow flesh shows off the spices and herbs mixed throughout the salad.
Baby Potatoes
Tiny potatoes like baby reds or creamers roast up with crispy edges surrounding a fluffy center. Their small size means more surface area for getting super crispy and absorbing flavors. Plus, they look so cute!
Russet Potatoes
The classic russet burbank offers the ideal fluffy interior perfect for soaking up creamy dressings. Just be sure to roast the potato chunks in smaller pieces so they cook through.
Avoid Waxy Potatoes
Waxy potatoes like red potatoes don’t roast up quite as nicely. They tend to get mushy rather than fluffy inside once cooked through.
Mix & Match Potato Varieties
Feel free to mix up multiple potato varieties in one salad for fun colors and contrasting textures!
How to Roast Potatoes for Salad
Roasting potatoes to perfection for a potato salad requires just a few simple steps.
1. Chop
Peel and chop potatoes into 1 1/2 inch chunks if using full sized potatoes. Or leave small potatoes whole with just a good scrub.
Having all the potato pieces around the same size ensures even cooking.
✔️ Pro Kitchen Tip: Leave the skins on the potatoes for extra fiber and nutrients! Just give them a good scrub.
2. Toss in Oil
In a large bowl, toss the potato chunks with olive oil, salt, and pepper. The oil helps the spuds get perfectly brown and crisp.
3. Roast
Spread the oiled potatoes in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet.
Roast at 425°F for 15 minutes, then flip and roast 15 minutes more, until fork tender with crispy edges.
4. Cool Before Dressing
Let the just roasted potatoes cool for at least 15 minutes before pouring on the dressing to prevent separating or curdling from the heat.
✔️ Pro Kitchen Tip: Make the potatoes a day ahead to save time! Let cool completely before storing covered in the fridge.
Jalapeño Avocado Dressing Ingredients
This cool and creamy dressing packs a flavor punch with spicy jalapeños, rich avocado, tart lime juice, fresh cilantro, and savory garlic.
While you can use jarred jalapeño slices, we recommend using a fresh jalapeño for the best flavor.
Seed and devein the chili pepper before mincing if you want to reduce some heat. Or leave the seeds in for extra spicy!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 Fresh Jalapeño (or jarred slices)
- 1 Avocado
- 1/2 Cup Sour Cream
- 1/4 Cup Mayonnaise
- Juice from 1 Lime
- Small Garlic Clove
- 2 Tbsp Fresh Cilantro (chopped)
- 1 Tbsp Cider Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- Salt & Pepper
How to Make Jalapeño Avocado Dressing
Making this spicy avocado dressing is just a matter of mincing the ingredients and whisking up until smooth and creamy.
Step 1
Mince the jalapeño, garlic clove, and cilantro. Zest the lime before juicing.
❗️ Warning: Wash hands and cutting board after working with hot peppers to avoid accidentally rubbing pepper oils near eyes or mouth.
Step 2
In a medium bowl, mash the avocado flesh with a fork.
Step 3
Whisk in the sour cream, mayo, lime juice, olive oil, vinegar and season with salt and pepper.
Step 4
Add in the minced jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, and lime zest.
Stir well until fully incorporated.
Step 5
Taste the dressing and season again with extra lime juice, salt, or pepper as desired.
You want a good balance of cool creaminess, bright citrus, with spicy heat.
✔️ Pro Kitchen Tip: Make this dressing up to 3 days ahead. Press plastic wrap onto surface before chilling to prevent browning.
Tossing the Salad
Once you have perfectly roasted potatoes and a bold jalapeño avocado dressing, it’s time to bring them together!
Step 1
Pour the dressing over slightly cooled roasted potatoes in a large bowl.
Step 2
Gently toss using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until the potatoes are evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
Step 3
Taste and season again with extra salt, pepper, or lime juice if desired.
The roasted potatoes will soak up a ton of flavor as they chill!
✔️ Pro Kitchen Tip: Let the dressed potato salad chill for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours) before serving for maximum flavor!
Mix-Ins & Garnishes
Take this potato salad to the next level with fun mix-ins and tasty garnishes!
- Diced Bell Pepper
- Sliced Scallions
- Chopped Celery
- Crumbled Bacon
- Shredded Cheese
- Sliced Olives
- Sliced Radishes
- Chopped Peanuts
- Lime Zest
- Cilantro Leaves
- Sliced Avocado
- Sour Cream
- Crushed Tortilla Chips
Get creative with textures and flavors in every bite! Play around with what you have on hand.
How to Serve Roasted Potato Salad
This versatile roasted potato salad makes the perfect addition to any summertime spread!
- Potlucks & Picnics
- Cookouts & BBQs
- Taco Bars
- Side Dish for Grilled Meat
- Potato Salad Bar
- Shared Appetizer Platter
Or just enjoy this flavor-loaded salad all on its own! The textures and mix of flavors in this dish make it incredibly crave-worthy.
Tips for Leftover Potato Salad
Like any hearty potato salad, these zesty roasted potatoes taste even better after a day or two in the fridge! The flavors have time to meld together.
Leftovers will keep covered in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
Reheat gently before serving to take the chill off. Add a splash of milk or water if the salad seems dry.
For longer term storage, portion out leftovers in freezer bags and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Common Questions About Roasted Potato Salad
Still have some questions about making sensational roasted potato salads at home? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Should the potatoes be warm or room temp when adding dressing?
It’s best to let just roasted potatoes cool for about 15 minutes before pouring on dressing. Hot potatoes can cause dairy-based dressings to break or curdle.
Can I prep the salad ahead of time?
Yes! Store dressed potato salad covered in the fridge for up to 8 hours ahead of serving time. Flavors will meld together as it chills.
What kind of avocado is best for the dressing?
Hass avocados are preferred for their rich, nutty flavor. But any ripe avocado variety will work well.
Is there a shortcut version with store-bought dressing?
While you lose some fresh flavor by skipping the homemade dressing, you can use a high-quality bottled ranch or green goddess dressing instead to save time.
What potatoes work best for potato salads?
Yellow potatoes and small creamer potatoes offer great flavor and texture, but russets, red potatoes, or a mix also work beautifully!
Enjoy This Bold New Twist on a Classic
Crispy roasted potatoes smothered in spicy, cool, and creamy jalapeño avocado dressing take potato salad to new heights! It’s truly an explosion of tempting flavors in every bite.
This fresh twist on a backyard classic is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Just be prepared for the recipe requests to come rolling in.
So get roasting, dressing, and tossing for a sensational roasted potato salad that’s perfect for potlucks, parties, or impromptu family dinners alike.
