Curly fry potato salad

The crispy, creamy potato salad you didn’t know you needed

Let me introduce you to the curly fry potato salad — a wildly indulgent, nostalgic, crunchy potato salad that brings together air fried curly fries with a creamy, tangy dressing that’ll have you asking, “Is this still considered a salad?” (Technically? Questionable. Emotionally? Absolutely.)

I first spotted a version of this dish by @jujumaoeats, and as self-proclaimed Potato Queen, I simply had to put my own spin on it. And let me tell you — it’s bloomin’ delicious. While I’m usually on team homemade when it comes to spuds, even I can admit that frozen curly fries hit a different kind of nostalgic spot. They’re seasoned, crispy, weirdly fun to eat — and honestly? They deserve their moment in a salad bowl.

This salad layers golden curly fries with a dressing made from tangy dill pickles, mayo, ketchup, Dijon mustard, cajun seasoning, and fresh herbs like chives and parsley. Throw in some spring onions for crunch and a good squeeze of lemon juice to cut through the richness. It’s giving diner vibes, BBQ energy, and “I raided my freezer at 10pm” all in one glorious dish.

You can air fry the curly fries for that extra level of crunch (and speed), or oven-bake if that’s more your thing. Either way, it’s a low-effort, high-reward meal or side that’s perfect for parties, lazy dinners, or honestly, comfort food nights when a sad salad just won’t cut it.

Why you’ll love this curly fry salad:

• ✔️ Crispy potato base that adds serious texture

• ✔️ Quick to prepare with store cupboard ingredients

• ✔️ A fun alternative potato salad recipe for BBQs and buffets

• ✔️ Totally customisable with toppings like cheese, bacon bits, or even pickled jalapeños

FAQs — curly fry potato salad edition

Can I use oven chips or another kind of frozen fry?

Absolutely! While curly fries add a fun shape and built-in seasoning, you can swap them for waffle fries, potato wedges, sweet potato fries or my extra crunchy smashed potatoes if you prefer. Just aim for crispy edges for maximum crunch.

What toppings can I add to this salad?

Go wild. Some tasty extras:

• Grated cheddar or crumbled feta

• Cooked bacon bits

• Pickled jalapeños

• Hard-boiled eggs

• Shredded iceberg or gem lettuce for more crunch

Is this actually a salad?

We’ll call it a “salad-adjacent” situation. There’s dressing, there’s herbs, and there’s some green stuff. That’s close enough, right?

Can I prep it in advance?

You can prep the dressing ahead of time and keep it in the fridge, but for best results, cook the curly fries fresh and mix just before serving to keep everything crunchy. No one wants a soggy curl.

Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?

Yep! It’s vegetarian as written. To make it vegan, simply use:

• Vegan mayo

• Vegan ketchup/mustard (most are naturally vegan)

• A plant-based curly fry brand (if needed)

Is it spicy?

The cajun seasoning adds warmth, but not too much heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with half the amount or omit. Or spice it up with hot sauce if you love a kick.

What brand of curly fries do you use?

I used store-brand frozen curly fries from the supermarket (they’re often cheaper and just as good!). You could also try McCain, Iceland, or Trader Joe’s (US) options if you want something specific.

Browse all my potato content on my spud page here.