Name: Smashed Tater Tot Salad with Dill Pickle Yogurt Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 28 to 32 oz tater tots; 2 Persian cucumbers, chopped; 4 green onions, sliced; 3 dill pickles, chopped; 1/3 cup red onion, diced; 4 slices cooked bacon (optional); 1 1/2 cups Greek yogurt; 1 lemon, zest and juice; 3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped; 1/4 cup dill pickle juice; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 0.5 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper

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Alright, if you’re looking for a recipe that brings together crispy, comforting tater tots and a tangy, creamy dressing that’s anything but ordinary, this Smashed Tater Tot Salad with Dill Pickle Yogurt Dressing Recipe is where it’s at. I stumbled upon this combo during a casual weekend cook-up, and honestly, it’s become one of those dishes I pull out when I want something fun, easy, and bursting with flavor. The best part? It’s like your favorite potato side got an upgrade and a fresh twist that makes it a standout salad.

This salad works wonderfully as a crowd-pleaser at gatherings or when you crave something a little different for dinner that still feels familiar and comforting. The crispy, smashed tater tots provide that perfect crunchy base, while the dill pickle yogurt dressing adds just the right amount of tang and creaminess without being too heavy. Trust me, once you try this Smashed Tater Tot Salad with Dill Pickle Yogurt Dressing Recipe, you’ll find yourself making it over and over.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully – the cool crunch of cucumbers and onions, the savory hit from bacon, and the bright, herbaceous notes from dill all play perfectly with the crispy tots and tangy dressing. When shopping, look for fresh, firm cucumbers and quality Greek yogurt to get that creamy base just right.

Tater tots: I recommend using a good quality frozen variety; they crisp up nicely and hold together well when smashed.
Persian cucumbers: Their thin skin and refreshing crunch add a crisp, light texture without overpowering the salad.
Green onions: These bring a subtle oniony flavor without being too sharp.
Dill pickles: Opt for crunchy pickles with good bite – they’re key to that tangy punch.
Red onion: Adds a little zing and color contrast; you’ll want to dice it finely for balance.
Cooked bacon (optional): If you want a smoky, savory boost, crispy bacon is the way to go. I add it pretty much every time!
Greek yogurt: This is the creamy base of the dressing – thick and tangy, perfect for balancing the pickle juice.
Lemon: Both zest and juice brighten up the dressing with fresh acidity.
Fresh dill: Dill is a star here, bringing vibrant herbal notes that complement the pickles beautifully.
Dill pickle juice: Don’t skip this! It’s the secret to that signature pickle flavor in the dressing.
Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle depth and slight heat to the dressing.
Paprika: Just a touch for warmth and a pop of color.
Garlic powder and onion powder: These pantry staples round out the dressing’s flavor nicely.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything together.

Variations

One thing I love about this Smashed Tater Tot Salad with Dill Pickle Yogurt Dressing Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your liking. Whether you want to lighten it up, go vegetarian, or just mix up the flavors, there’s plenty of room to personalize.

Swap bacon for turkey bacon or omit: I’ve made this fully vegetarian before, and it’s still delicious. Just boost the flavor with extra smoked paprika or a touch of smoked salt.
Try different pickles: Bread and butter pickles add sweetness, while spicy dill pickles bring heat – both shift the profile in a fun way.
Add some heat: Toss in sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne if you like your salad with a kick. I did this once for a game day and it was a hit!
Use sour cream instead of Greek yogurt: For a richer dressing, swap in sour cream or do a half and half blend.
Seasonal veggies: In summer, diced tomatoes or radishes add freshness and color.

How to Make Smashed Tater Tot Salad with Dill Pickle Yogurt Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Get those tots golden and crispy

Preheat your oven following the instructions on your tater tot package—this is key to getting that perfect crispy base. Spread the tots out on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake until they’re golden brown and crispy, usually around 25-30 minutes depending on your oven. I like to turn them halfway through baking for even crispiness. Once baked, remove them and gently smash each tot with the bottom of a glass or the back of a spatula. Don’t crush them flat—just a little smashed to increase crispy surface area. Then pop them back in the oven for another 5-7 minutes to crisp up again. This step is the magic that sets this salad apart!

Step 2: Prep your fresh ingredients

While the tots are baking, chop up your Persian cucumbers, slice the green onions, dice the red onion finely, and dice the dill pickles. If you’re using bacon, cook it until crispy and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Having all your fresh toppings ready means you can assemble quickly and keep the tots nice and hot.

Step 3: Whisk up that dill pickle yogurt dressing

In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, fresh lemon zest and juice, chopped fresh dill, dill pickle juice, Dijon mustard, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust – sometimes I add a little extra pickle juice if I want more tang. This dressing is the heart of the recipe and brings all those bold flavors together.

Step 4: Toss everything gently

Transfer the crispy smashed tots to a large mixing bowl and add your prepared veggies and bacon. Drizzle the dressing over the top gradually, tossing gently to combine. You want to keep some tots crispy, so start with half the dressing and add more as needed. Serve this immediately to enjoy that lovely contrast in textures.

How to Serve Smashed Tater Tot Salad with Dill Pickle Yogurt Dressing Recipe

A round light beige bowl sits near the top left, filled with golden-brown crispy tater tots stacked in two layers, showing a crunchy texture. Surrounding it are several smaller bowls: a white bowl at the bottom left with thick cucumber slices green on the outside and pale inside, a light brown bowl to the bottom right holding bright pink pickled onions sliced thinly, and another light brown bowl above it filled with pale purple sliced red onions. Next to these is a clear small bowl with finely chopped light green jalapeño peppers, and a light brown bowl with whole green pickles that have a bumpy texture near the bottom center. In the center there is a light brown bowl filled with white creamy sauce speckled lightly with herbs, with another small light brown bowl nearby containing yellow mayonnaise. Close to the pickles is a tiny light brown bowl with red chili powder, and a tiny dark beige bowl with dark green chopped pickles and a small silver spoon. A small glass of golden honey is visible near the pickles. On the right side of the image lies a bunch of fresh bright green dill, and above it is a halved lemon showing its light yellow inside. The whole setup is arranged neatly on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for extra fresh dill on top, sprinkled just before serving—it brightens every bite. Sometimes I add little crispy bacon crumbles for texture and a handful of finely chopped chives or more green onion tops for a fresh pop of color and flavor. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before eating also amps up the zing.

Side Dishes

Since this salad is already hearty, I often serve it alongside a simple grilled chicken breast or baked salmon for a balanced meal. It’s also fantastic paired with a smoky barbecue spread or as a unique side at potlucks—people love how it stands out from typical potato salads.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at parties, I’ve served this salad in individual mason jars layered with the dressing at the bottom and salad on top, so guests can shake and enjoy. It also makes a vibrant centerpiece when presented on a large platter with garnishes artfully arranged around the edges. The smashed tots give a rustic, playful vibe that’s instantly inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, I suggest storing the salad and dressing separately to keep the tots from getting soggy. I place the smashed tots and veggies in an airtight container and the dressing in a small jar in the fridge. When ready to eat, I briefly reheat the tots in the oven or toaster oven and toss with the chilled dressing.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing the salad because the yogurt-based dressing can separate and the tots lose their crispness. If you want to prep ahead, freeze just the tater tots as per package instructions and make the dressing fresh on the day you serve it.

Reheating

To reheat leftover smashed tots, spread them on a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes until crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to make them rubbery. Once hot and crispy, toss with the fresh or chilled dressing just before serving.

FAQs

Can I make the Smashed Tater Tot Salad with Dill Pickle Yogurt Dressing Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt alternative, such as coconut or almond yogurt. Leave out the bacon or use a vegan bacon substitute. Just check that your tater tots don’t contain animal products to keep it fully vegan.
How do I keep the tater tots crispy when mixing the salad?

Avoid adding all the dressing at once. Toss the tots gently with half the dressing first and add more gradually. Also, serve immediately to enjoy that perfect crunch before the yogurt dressing softens them.
Can I use regular pickles instead of dill pickles in the recipe?

Yes, you can! Bread and butter pickles or other sweet pickles will change the flavor profile, adding sweetness instead of tang. It’s a nice variation if you prefer a milder, sweeter pickle taste.
Is this salad good served cold or warm?

I like to serve it warm or at room temperature so the tots stay crispy and the flavors meld just right. If you refrigerate it, the tots can get soggy, so reheat them for best texture before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Smashed Tater Tot Salad with Dill Pickle Yogurt Dressing Recipe is one of those dishes where every element shines on its own yet works beautifully together. I love how the crispy tots and zesty dressing make a plate feel fresh and fun without a ton of fuss. It’s become my go-to when I want something that feels both familiar and exciting—and I know you’ll love it just as much when you try it. So grab those tots, whisk up that dressing, and give it a whirl. You might just discover your new favorite twist on salad.

Smashed Tater Tot Salad with Dill Pickle Yogurt Dressing Recipe