Crispy Tater Tot Dill Pickle Salad

Name: Crispy Tater Tot Dill Pickle Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 32 oz frozen tater tots; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1 cup fresh dill, chopped; 2 tbsp whole grain mustard; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; salt, to taste; 1 cup cucumber, diced; 1/2 cup dill pickles, diced; 1/4 cup green onions, sliced

This Crispy Tater Tot Dill Pickle Salad reinvents potato salad by swapping boiled potatoes for crispy fried tater tots, then tossing them in a tangy dill pickle mayonnaise dressing with fresh cucumber and green onions. The result is a crunchy, savory side dish with bold pickle flavor.

🌍American 🏷️Potato salad 🏷️Tater tot 🏷️Dill pickle 🏷️Crispy Creamy

🏷️

🏷️Side dish

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TikTok

Total

45 min

Servings

6

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$20–$33

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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TikTok

Ingredients

32 oz frozen tater tots
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup fresh dill, chopped
2 tbsp whole grain mustard
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
salt, to taste
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup dill pickles, diced
1/4 cup green onions, sliced

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Instructions

1
Bake tater tots on a parchment-lined baking sheet according to package directions.
2
Once baked, use the bottom of a glass or cup to gently smash each tater tot.
3
Return the smashed tots to the oven and bake again until golden brown and extra crispy.
4
While the tots bake, prepare the dressing. In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, chopped fresh dill, whole grain mustard, fresh lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and salt.
5
Whisk the dressing ingredients together until well combined.
6
Once the tater tots are crispy, let them cool slightly, then add them to the bowl with the dressing.
7
Add the diced cucumber, diced dill pickles, and sliced green onions to the bowl.
8
Gently fold everything together until the tater tots and vegetables are evenly coated in the dressing. Serve immediately for the best crispy texture.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Cook tater tots until deeply golden and crispy—not just cooked through. This ensures they stay crunchy when tossed with the creamy dressing.
Let the tater tots cool to room temperature before mixing with dressing to prevent them from breaking apart or becoming too soft.
Reserve a handful of fresh dill as garnish after tossing; the color and aroma heighten just before serving.
Dice the pickles and cucumber into roughly the same size as tater tot pieces for even texture in each bite.

Substitutions

Mayonnaise → Greek yogurt or sour cream (lighter option; use 3/4 cup mayo + 1/4 cup yogurt for best balance)
Dill pickles → bread-and-butter pickles (sweeter flavor; use same amount)
Whole grain mustard → Dijon or yellow mustard (adjust to 1–2 tbsp for milder flavor)
Green onions → fresh chives or red onion, thinly sliced (onion will be sharper)

Storage & make-ahead

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Tater tots soften over time; reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes to restore crispness.

Common Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but assemble it no more than 2–3 hours before serving. Add the dressing and toss just before eating to keep the tater tots as crispy as possible.

Should I thaw the tater tots before cooking?

No. Cook frozen tater tots directly according to package instructions (usually baked or fried) until golden and crispy, then cool slightly before mixing with dressing.

Can I use fresh dill instead of dried?

The recipe already calls for fresh dill. If substituting dried dill, use 1 tablespoon (about one-third the fresh amount) since dried is more concentrated.

What can I serve this with?

Pair it with grilled burgers, barbecued chicken, hot dogs, or pulled pork sandwiches as a unique alternative to traditional potato salad.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The tater tots will soften over time; reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes to restore some crispness.