½teaspoonsweet paprikaor smoked paprika if you want more depth
Add-ins to the salad
4slicesbaconcooked until crisp and chopped
½cupfeta cheesecrumbled
½cupcucumberfinely diced (English or Persian works great)
¼cupred onionthinly sliced
¼cupdill pickleschopped (or sub pickle relish)
¼cupgreen onionssliced
2tablespoonsfresh dillfinely chopped
For the Creamy Dressing
1cupcottage cheesewhipped until smooth
2tablespoonsmayo
1tablespoonlemon juice
1teaspoonDijon mustard
1garlic clovegrated or mashed to a paste
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbspdill pestoswirled in or drizzled on top
Instructions
Add whole young potatoes to a large pot, cover with cold salted water.
Bring to a boil, then simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until fork-tender but not falling apart.
Drain and let cool slightly (just enough to handle without swearing).
Place the cooked potatoes on a cutting board or tray.
Use the bottom of a glass, mug, or potato masher to gently flatten each one to about ½ inch thick.
Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil, then sprinkle with: salt, pepper, cumin and paprika.
Heat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high and lightly oil the grates.
Carefully place the smashed potatoes on the grill pan or mesh tray.
Grill until crispy and lightly charred. Flip gently!
In a blender or food processor, whip the cottage cheese. Add mayo, lemon juice, dijon, garlic, spices, and pesto. Blend until creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust if needed.
Prepare the rest of the ingredients. Chop the pickles, cucumbers, onion, and green onions. Cook the bacon.
Arrange the grilled smashed potatoes on a serving platter or in a shallow bowl.
Spoon or drizzle the whipped cottage cheese dressing over the warm potatoes.
Scatter all the chopped add-ins on top: cucumber, red onion, pickles, green onions, dill, bacon, and feta.
Garnish with extra dill, a crack of black pepper, maybe a few chili flakes if you're feeling it.
Notes
Use potatoes that are similar in size - this ensures they all cook evenly and smash without falling apart. Boil just until fork-tender, not mushy - overcooked potatoes will fall apart when smashed. Smash gently - press until they crack open and flatten to about ½ inch thick.