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Creamy smashed potato salad with crispy potatoes, herbs, red onion, and dressing in a beige bowl on a white timber background.

Smashed Potato Salad with Creamy Mustard Dressing

Golden roasted smashed potatoes tossed with a creamy yoghurt mustard dressing, fresh herbs, red onion, capers, and cornichons. A fresh twist on classic potato salad with plenty of flavour and texture.
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:50 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Keyword: potato salad with yoghurt dressing, roasted potato salad, smashed potato recipe, smashed potato salad
Servings: 4
Author: Kate Brodhurst

Ingredients

for the potatoes

  • 1kg baby potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

for the dressing

  • ½ cup whole egg mayonnaise
  • cup Greek style natural yoghurt
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, grated
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

for the salad

  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 spring onions, sliced
  • 4-5 baby cucumbers (cornichons), finely diced (optional)
  • 1 ½ tablespoons baby capers, rinsed and drained (optional)
  • cup chopped herbs, such as dill, chives, parsley or a mixture

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 220°C (200°C fan forced). Line a large baking tray with baking paper.
  • Place the baby potatoes in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well.
  • Place the potatoes on the tray and gently press each one with the base of a glass until slightly flattened. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  • Roast for 40-45 minutes until the potatoes turn golden with crisp edges.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yoghurt, Dijon mustard, vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  • Place the roasted potatoes in a large bowl (reserving one for garnish). Add red onion, spring onions, cucumber, capers and fresh herbs. Spoon over the dressing and gently fold to coat. Garnish with reserved crispy potato.
  • Serve warm, cold or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Measurements:
    We use Australian measurements. 1 teaspoon = 5ml, 1 tablespoon = 20ml and 1 cup = 250ml.
  • Choose the Right Potatoes
    Baby potatoes or small waxy potatoes work best. They hold their shape well and roast with fluffy centres and crisp edges.
  • Salt the Cooking Water
    Add a good pinch of salt to the boiling water. This seasons the potatoes from the inside and improves the final flavour.
  • Let the Potatoes Steam Dry
    After draining, let the potatoes sit for a minute so excess moisture evaporates. Drier potatoes roast and crisp better.
  • Smash Gently
    Press the potatoes just enough to flatten them slightly. If smashed too hard they will break apart on the tray.
  • Use a Large Tray
    Spread the potatoes out so they roast evenly. Overcrowding causes them to steam instead of turning golden.
  • Roast Until Deeply Golden
    Do not rush this step. The best flavour comes from well roasted edges.
  • Dress the Potatoes While Warm
    Warm potatoes absorb the dressing better and carry more flavour through the salad.
  • Optional Extras
    Capers and cornichons add a salty tang and extra flavour. If you prefer a simpler salad, leave them out and the recipe will still taste great.
  • Add Herbs at the End
    Mix fresh herbs through just before serving so they stay bright and fresh.
  • Taste Before Serving
    Give the salad a quick taste before serving. A small squeeze of lemon or pinch of salt can lift the whole dish.