I created my 2nd new favorite potato salad for summer BBQs! Besides Tyler Florence’s delicious dilly lemony potato salad I posted previously, I am now in love with the flavor of chipotle in salads, especially a creamy potato salad. I was inspired by a yummy chipotle pasta salad that I just fell in love with during an air show a few weeks ago. Mixing ranch in with the chipotle softens the spice for a larger crowd and adds a tangy creaminess to it. Hope you enjoy!

 -Mel

Health tips: Cheat meal

Ingredients (10-12 servings)

• 3 lbs. Yukon gold potatoes, peeled or unpeeled (If large, just chop into consistent smaller 2″ chunks.)
• 1/2 medium red onion, diced
• 10 slices bacon, cooked, crisp and crumbled (Reserve 2 crumbled slices for garnish)
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 1 bunch green onions, green parts only, thinly sliced (Reserve a large pinch for garnish)
• 2 cups chipotle mayo (Tip: I use the ready-made Kraft brand for convenience!)
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 2 cups cheddar cheese or mixed Mexican style cheeses
• Additional salt, optional
• 2 eggs
• Smoked paprika or chipotle chili powder, optional

Steps

1. Put the potatoes and eggs into a big pot of cold salted water about 1″ above potatoes and eggs. Bring to a simmer. After 12 minutes, remove the eggs with a slotted spoon and let cool. Continue cooking the potatoes until a paring knife poked into them goes in without resistance, about 15-20 minutes longer. Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them cool.
2. Meanwhile, soak onions in water for about 15 minutes. This will soften the flavor of the raw onions. Drain.
3. Mix the chipotle mayo and ranch in a  large bowl until well blended. Then, mix in the red onions, green onions, bacon, celery and cheese.
4. Cut potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Gently fold potatoes into dressing mixture until well mixed and all is coated. Season with salt as needed.
5. Garnish with sliced hard-boiled eggs.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let flavors meld and cool.
7. Right before serving, garnish with smoked paprika or chipotle chili powder, bacon and green onions. Enjoy!