For the Creamy Bacon Potato Salad

Crafting Your Delicious Bacon Potato Salad:

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  In a spacious medium saucepan, carefully place the whole potatoes, eggs, and carrot. Fill the pot with cold water until the ingredients are fully submerged. Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, allow them to cook for precisely 7 minutes. At this point, carefully remove *only* the eggs from the pot and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice-cold water to stop the cooking process, ensuring perfectly firm yet tender yolks. Continue boiling the carrot and potatoes in the same pot until they are fork-tender and easily pierced, typically another 15-20 minutes depending on their size.
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  While the potatoes and carrot are finishing cooking and cooling, prepare the other components. In a very large mixing bowl, combine the crispy chopped bacon, diced red bell pepper, drained corn, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic (if using). Once the boiled carrot, eggs (peeled and chopped), and potatoes (peeled and cubed into bite-sized pieces) are completely cooled to room temperature, add them to the large bowl with the other ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then add the fresh dill and mayonnaise. Gently fold everything together until all ingredients are well combined and coated in the creamy dressing. For the best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or ideally overnight, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled and garnished with extra fresh dill.

Nutrition per serving

Absolutely! If you’re looking for a taste profile closer to the traditional Ukrainian Olivye Salad, using finely diced bologna or a similar deli meat (like cooked ham) instead of bacon is a great option. However, keep in mind that the sweetness of corn pairs exceptionally well with the smoky, salty notes of bacon. If you opt for bologna, you might want to consider omitting the corn or swapping it for another traditional Olivye ingredient like green peas or diced pickles, depending on your preference, to achieve a more authentic Olivye flavor without bacon.

This creamy and flavorful potato salad is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a wide array of main courses and other side dishes. Its rich profile makes it a fantastic accompaniment to grilled meats, hearty stews, or lighter fare. Here is a list of recipes that perfectly complement this creamy potato salad:

• Savory Mushroom Rice Recipe
• Traditional Plov (Pilaf)
• The Best Creamy Mashed Potatoes (for potato lovers, a textural contrast!)
• Easy Grilled Chicken Kabobs
• Hearty Potato Stew (Instant Pot Friendly)
• Classic BBQ Ribs or Pulled Pork Sandwiches
• Grilled Fish or Shrimp
• Simple Green Salad with Vinaigrette

Yes, absolutely! This salad is actually even better when made ahead, as it allows all the delicious flavors to fully meld and deepen. To prepare it in advance, simply combine all the chopped ingredients as instructed, but hold off on adding the mayonnaise and fresh dill. Store the mixed ingredients in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. About an hour before serving, stir in the mayonnaise and fresh dill. This method helps maintain the best texture and freshness of the ingredients, preventing the potatoes from becoming too soft or the salad from becoming watery. Once fully assembled with the dressing, the Bacon Potato Salad can be kept refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Always use your best judgment regarding freshness.

While this recipe is rich in flavor, you can make a few adjustments:

• Dairy-Free: Ensure your mayonnaise is dairy-free, or make your own with dairy-free ingredients.
• Gluten-Free: All ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your bacon and mayonnaise labels for hidden gluten.
• Vegetarian: To make it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon. You could add smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to the dressing for a similar savory depth, or increase the amount of bell peppers and corn for added texture and sweetness.