Have you checked out that TikTok potato salad that's been going viral? It's all over my feed, and for a good reason. Today, I'm sharing my own delicious twist on this TikTok sensation. Forget about the old-school potato salad we grew up with—this one uses crispy smashed tater tots instead of boiled potatoes. Trust me, it's a game-changer!

close up shot of tater tot potato salad on a blue & white plate

What Do You Need to Make This Potato Salad?

Alright, let’s get down to business. Here’s what you need to make this killer potato salad: grab a bag of frozen tater tots, olive oil, salt, and pepper. For the dressing, you’ll need mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sour cream, garlic, and some fresh parsley and cilantro. And for my favorite part, add in some jalapeño, cucumbers, and pickled red onions for a delicious bite.

What Makes the Dressing So Special?

Let’s talk dressing—this is where the magic happens. Start with good-quality mayonnaise for that creamy base we all love in a potato salad. I prefer Duke's Mayo. Then will come the Dijon mustard for a nice tangy kick. Next, throw in some sour cream to add acidity and brighten everything up. The cherry on top of this dressing is the freshly grated garlic, which adds the best little pungent bite to this sauce. Fresh parsley and cilantro bring in those bright, herby notes which really lift the dressing. They also add a nice pop of color.

close up shot of whole cooked tater tots on a blue & white plate

Mix everything together in a large bowl, and season with salt and pepper. Give it a taste and tweak as needed. Maybe you like it a bit more tangy or a tad sweeter—adjust to your heart’s content. The dressing should be thick enough to cling to the tots, cumbers, & jalapeños but light enough to seep into all those nooks and crannies.

crispy tater tots on a bed of potato salad dressing

How Do You Cook the Tater Tots to Perfection?

First, preheat your oven according to the instructions on the tater tot package. Spread the tots evenly on a baking sheet, lightly spray them with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Bake them for the time specified on the bag, until they’re golden and crispy. Once they're done, take them out and use the bottom of a glass to gently smash each tot until they are flattened but still intact. Pop the smashed tots back in the oven and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they are super crispy and golden brown. This double-bake method ensures the tots are crunchy and perfect for soaking up the delicious dressing.

hand smashing tater tot with glass on sheet pan

How Do You Assemble and Present the potato Salad?

Now for the fun part—putting it all together. If you want to mix the salad all together, gently toss your crispy, smashed tots with the dressing in a big mixing bowl. Be careful not to break them up too much; you want them to stay nice and crunchy. Use a big spoon or spatula to fold the dressing into the tots, making sure every piece gets a good coating.

I prefer to lay the dressing on the bottom of the plate, then layer the crispy tater tots on the top of the dressing. This keeps the tots from getting soggy. I also think it just looks prettier!

close up shot of tater tots on dressing bed, topped with jalapenos & pickled onions

If you’ve given my potato salad a try, I would be so grateful if you would rate the recipe with a star rating and let me know what you think in the comments below!

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