Tater Tot Potato Salad
Published Jun 24, 2025
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Crunchy and Fun: Gluten-Free Tater Tot Potato Salad Recipe
Ready to shake up your summer side dishes with a viral twist? The Tater Tot Potato Salad recipe transforms the classic potato salad into a crispy, flavor-packed sensation. We decided to try this viral trend and found it not just fun but absolutely delicious, blending the nostalgic crunch of tater tots with zesty ranch dressing and fresh veggies. And of course, we had to put our own spin on it with the addition of Hatch Diced Green Chiles.
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Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or weeknight dinners, this gluten-free, egg-free, and nut-free dish comes together in about 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First of all, the Tater Tot Potato Salad captivates with its playful twist on a classic. The crispy, smashed tater tots add a fun, crunchy texture that sets it apart from traditional potato salads. Moreover, its gluten-free, egg-free, nut-free, and soy-free ingredients make it a crowd-pleaser for diverse dietary needs. With bold flavors from ranch dressing and Hatch green chiles, every bite is a burst of savory goodness. For this reason, it’s perfect for summer gatherings or family meals.
What’s more, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. You can whip it up in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy cooks. In short, this salad combines fun, dietary inclusivity, and irresistible taste, making it a must-try for anyone looking to impress with a viral dish.
What You Will Need
To create this vibrant Tater Tot Potato Salad, gather these ingredients:
- Frozen tater tots (16 ounces): Forms the crispy, starchy base of the salad.
- Ranch dressing (½ cup): Adds creamy, tangy flavor to tie the dish together.
- Fresh dill (¼ cup, chopped): Infuses a bright, herbaceous note.
- Hatch Chopped Green Chiles (4-ounce can, drained): Brings mild, smoky heat.
- Pickles (½ cup, chopped): Provides tangy, briny crunch.
- Green onions (2, thinly sliced): Adds a sharp, fresh bite.
- Seedless cucumber (½, peeled and chopped): Contributes cool, crisp texture.
- Fresh cilantro (¼ cup, chopped): Infuses vibrant, zesty flavor.
- Kosher or fine sea salt (to taste): Enhances all the flavors.
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Adds a subtle, spicy kick.
Additionally, you’ll need a sheet pan, parchment paper, and a mixing bowl. A sturdy glass or potato masher helps smash the tater tots. With these essentials, you’re ready to create a fun, flavorful salad.
Tips and Variations
To make your Tater Tot Potato Salad truly shine, follow these pro tips. First, bake the tater tots until extra crispy to ensure they hold up when smashed. Also, let the tots cool slightly before mixing to prevent the dressing from becoming watery. When combining ingredients, toss gently to keep the textures intact. Moreover, taste and adjust the salt and pepper to balance the bold flavors of the chiles and pickles.
For creative variations, customize the salad to your taste. For instance, swap ranch dressing for a vegan version to make it dairy-free. If you love spice, add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños to the mix and use the hot Hatch Chiles. Alternatively, replace cilantro with parsley or basil for a different herbaceous note. To make it heartier, toss in crumbled bacon or vegan bacon bits. By experimenting with these tweaks, you can tailor this dish to any gathering or preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Tater Tot Potato Salad gluten-free?
The recipe uses naturally gluten-free ingredients like tater tots, ranch dressing, and Hatch green chiles. But do make sure your tater tots are gluten-free; always check labels to ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Bake and smash the tater tots and prep the veggies up to a day ahead. Combine with dressing just before serving to keep the tots crispy.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Note that the tots will soften but the salad is still delicious.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Use a vegan ranch dressing and ensure the tater tots are free of animal-derived ingredients. Most brands are vegan, but always check the label.
Love your spuds? So do we, for more potato recipes, GO HERE.
Tater Tot Potato Salad
Ingredients
- 16 ounces frozen tater tots
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ¼ cup chopped dill
- 1 (4-ounce) can Hatch Chopped Green Chiles, drained
- ½ cup chopped pickles
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- ½ seedless cucumber, peeled and chopped
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- Kosher or fine sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Remove tater tots from freezer and let sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to defrost slightly.
- Line a sheet tray with parchment paper and preheat the oven per the directions on the tater tots.
- Put the tots in a single layer on the sheet pan and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and smash them down with the bottom of a glass. Bake for the remaining time per the package directions, or until browned and crispy. Pour into a mixing bowl and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Add the pickles, green onions, cucumber, and cilantro to the potatoes. Combine the ranch dressing, dill, and chiles and add to the mixing bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
