This Tater Tot Potato Salad is a fun twist on classic potato salad! Crispy tater tots take center stage in this very simple recipe that comes together quickly with the help of your air fryer. It’s the perfect side dish for a summer BBQ, weeknight dinners, or anytime you’re craving something nostalgic yet unexpected. Creamy cottage cheese, fresh dill, and tangy dill pickles give it a fresh, herby punch that keeps you coming back for more.
If you love traditional potato salad but want to shake things up, this crispy Tater Tot Potato Salad is a real crowd-pleaser. Instead of using traditional boiled potatoes, we’re crisping up tater tots in the air fryer for a golden, crunchy base that pairs perfectly with creamy cottage cheese, tangy dill pickles, and fresh herbs. It’s unexpected, delicious, and hearty enough to be a stand-alone dish at your next summer cookout or weeknight dinner.
This recipe is part of my growing collection of fresh, higher protein sides and salads that are perfect for warm weather. If you’re into flavor-packed, better-for-you options, don’t miss my High Protein Pasta Salad, Cottage Cheese Mac & Cheese, Watermelon Panzanella Salad, or Peach & Prosciutto Tortellini Salad. Or try this easy Peaches & Cottage Cheese for a refreshing snack!
For more crispy, air fryer favorites, check out my Crispy Smashed Potatoes and go-to Crispy Hash Browns. They’re simple, satisfying, and always a hit.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- A crispy potato salad twist. This isn’t your average side dish! Air-fried tater tots give it that golden, crunchy texture that makes every bite more fun than traditional versions.
- Pairs perfectly with any meaty main course. Whether you’re grilling burgers, roasting chicken, or serving up steak, this salad holds its own alongside bold flavors.
- A complete success at any gathering. With its unique spin, nostalgic flavors, and satisfying texture, this dish is guaranteed to steal the show at BBQs, picnics, or weeknight dinners.
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Crispy Tater Tot Potato Salad Ingredients & Tested Substitutions
Frozen Tater Tots. Any brand of frozen tater tots works. If you're looking for a brand without seed oils, you can try using Roots Farm Fresh.
Cottage Cheese. I'm always sneaking extra protein into my snacks and I love the flavor the cottage cheese brings to the tater tot salad. If you're not a fan of cottage cheese, I would suggest swapping it for part sour cream part greek yogurt to keep a little of the extra protein in the recipe.
Dill Pickles. I love the flavor and extra crunch dill pickles give this recipe! If you don't like pickles but would like some crunch, add some chopped celery instead or in addition to for even more crunchy texture.
Dijon Mustard. I typically like to use whole-grain mustard, but if you can't find whole grain dijon mustard that is okay. Stone ground mustard will work as well if you aren't a fan of dijon. I don't recommend using yellow mustard.
Paprika. There's something about the combo of paprika and potatoes that really does it for me! It adds just a touch of smoky flavor and really rounds out the dish.
Fresh Dill. Enhance the flavor of the pickles by adding fresh dill. It really brightens up the dish!
Fresh Chives. If you can't find fresh chives in your grocery store, green onions are a perfect substitute.
Salt & Pepper. For seasoning.
Tater Tot Potato Salad Step by Step Instructions
1.Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange tater tots in a single layer and air fry in batches for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
2. Whip the cottage cheese. While the tots cook, blend the cottage cheese in a food processor until smooth and creamy.
3. Dice the dill pickles to your preferred thickness. I like to keep them chunky for extra crunch.
4. Mix the potato salad. Once all the tater tots are cooked, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add the blended cottage cheese, Dijon mustard, diced pickles, fresh dill, and spices. Gently toss to coat. It’s totally fine if some of the tots get a little smooshed in the process!
5. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
6. Serve immediately while the tater tots are still warm and crispy for the best texture and flavor.
Make Ahead & Storage Instructions
Tater tot potato salad is best served immediately after making, however you can prepare ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the fridge. Just note that the texture will not be as crispy and will be more similar to that of traditional potato salad if you do it this way.
What to Serve with Tater Tot Potato Salad
Did you have a chance to make this recipe? If so, please leave me a 5 star rating and review below. I always love and appreciate hearing from you!
Crispy Dill Pickle Tater Tot Potato Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Food Processor or blender
Ingredients
- 1 bag tater tots
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 4-5 dill pickle spears add more or less depending on your preference; can sub with celery
- 1.5 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives or scallions
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange tater tots in a single layer and air fry in batches for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Whip the cottage cheese. While the tots cook, blend the cottage cheese in a food processor until smooth and creamy.
- Dice the dill pickles to your preferred thickness. I like to keep them chunky for extra crunch.
- Mix the potato salad. Once all the tater tots are cooked, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add the blended cottage cheese, Dijon mustard, diced pickles, fresh dill, and spices. Gently toss to coat. It’s totally fine if some of the tots get a little smooshed in the process!
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve immediately while the tater tots are still warm and crispy for the best texture and flavor.
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