Loaded Smashed Tater Tot Salad – If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s equal parts crispy and flavorful, this Loaded Smashed Tater Tot Salad is exactly what you need. With golden smashed tater tots, crispy bacon, and a tangy honey-Dijon dressing, it’s a fun twist on a classic potato salad. Ready to take your side dish game to the next level?
The first time I made this Loaded Smashed Tater Tot Salad, I wasn’t sure how it would go over. I mean, tater tots in a salad? But let me tell you, my husband couldn’t stop eating it! He’s a huge fan of crispy textures, and the combination of smashed, golden tater tots with that tangy dressing really hit the spot. And my child? They were all about the bacon—aren’t they always? Now, this salad has become a go-to side dish for family gatherings and weekend dinners. It’s comfort food at its best!
What makes this Loaded Smashed Tater Tot Salad truly special?
This isn’t your average potato salad. The smashed tater tots bring a crispy, fun texture that’s totally different from traditional boiled potatoes. Then there’s the bacon—who doesn’t love bacon in their salad? The honey-dijon dressing is tangy, sweet, and savory all at once, tying everything together in the most delicious way. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish at a BBQ or bringing it to a potluck, this salad will steal the show. And the best part? It’s super easy to throw together!
What You Need To Make This Loaded Smashed Tater Tot Salad Recipe?
Tater Tots: These little potato nuggets are what make this salad so fun! You smash them to get crispy, golden edges, which gives the salad texture that you don’t usually get from regular potatoes. Just make sure they’re thawed before smashing—frozen tots don’t cooperate as well!
Bacon: Because, let’s be honest, bacon makes everything better. We’re using thick-cut bacon here for that perfect crispy bite. You’ll cook it up until it’s golden and delicious, and it adds the perfect smoky, savory flavor to balance the sweetness of the dressing.
Honey-Dijon Dressing: This dressing is what ties everything together. The honey adds a touch of sweetness, while the Dijon mustard brings in a nice kick of tanginess. Add in some apple cider vinegar for that perfect zing, and you’ve got a dressing that’s sweet, tangy, and just right.
Onion & Garlic: Sautéed in bacon fat (because why not?), these add a rich, savory depth to the salad. The onions soften up nicely, and the garlic gives it that extra flavor punch.
Fresh Parsley & Chives: These herbs give the salad a fresh, bright pop of flavor. Parsley is a must, but chives? Totally optional—though I’d say they add a nice little touch if you have them on hand!
Steps To Make Loaded Smashed Tater Tot Salad:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will help keep those tots from sticking!
Spread the thawed tater tots out evenly on the trays. Now for the fun part—take a glass and gently press down on each tot to smash them flat. Give them a spray of cooking oil so they get nice and crispy in the oven. Pop them in and bake for 40-45 minutes until they’re golden and crispy on the edges.
While the tots are baking, heat up a skillet over medium heat and cook your chopped bacon until it’s perfectly crispy. Use a slotted spoon to move the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
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In the same skillet (because who wants extra dishes?), toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Let them cook in the leftover bacon fat until the onions are soft and translucent—this will add so much flavor.
Once the onions are cooked, stir in the honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil. Turn off the heat and give the dressing a good stir. Don’t forget to season it with a little salt and pepper.
When your tater tots are perfectly crispy, toss them in a large bowl with the dressing. Add the crispy bacon, fresh parsley, and chives (if you’re using them). Gently fold everything together so the tots stay crispy but get coated in that delicious dressing.
Serve it up warm and dig in! Trust me, you won’t want to wait long to enjoy this.
Tip:
If you really want to take this Loaded Smashed Tater Tot Salad to the next level, here’s the trick: don’t skip smashing the tater tots! Smashing them gives you more surface area, which means more crispy, golden edges—and let’s be honest, that’s the best part. Also, make sure your tater tots are fully thawed before smashing. If they’re still frozen, they won’t crisp up as well, and smashing them will be a struggle. Another tip? Serve this salad right after tossing it with the dressing, while the tots are still warm and crispy. This way, you get that perfect combo of crispy tots, savory bacon, and the tangy-sweet honey-Dijon dressing in every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It’s best to serve it fresh! You can prep the components separately—the bacon, dressing, and tater tots—but wait to toss everything together until right before serving. This way, the tater tots stay crispy and don’t get soggy.
What if I want to make this vegetarian?
You can easily swap the bacon for a vegetarian alternative, like crispy fried mushrooms or veggie bacon. They’ll still give you that savory bite without the meat, and the salad will still be loaded with flavor.
Can I use a different type of mustard?
Absolutely! Dijon mustard adds a nice tang, but if you prefer something a little milder, you can use whole-grain mustard or even yellow mustard. The flavor will change slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Loaded Smashed Tater Tot Salad
Ingredients
- 1 28-ounce package frozen bite-sized potato nuggets, thawed
- Cooking spray
- 8 ounces thick-cut bacon chopped
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 c apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh chives chopped (optional)
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Set your oven to 400°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to keep things from sticking.
- Spread the thawed tater tots evenly on the trays, and here’s the fun part—use the bottom of a glass to gently smash them. Give the smashed tots a good spray with cooking oil to help them crisp up, then pop them in the oven for 40-45 minutes until they’re golden and crispy.
- While the tots are baking, cook the chopped bacon in a sauté pan over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off the excess grease.
- In the same pan with the bacon fat (because flavor!), add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat until the onions turn soft and translucent. Then, stir in the honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil. Turn off the heat, and season with a bit of salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the tater tots are perfectly crispy, toss them in a large bowl with the Dijon dressing. Fold in the crispy bacon, fresh parsley, and those optional chives if you're using them. Serve it up and enjoy!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
