Ina Garten’s Dreamy Tarragon Potato Salad Recipe For Summer Joy
Summer cookouts demand a potato salad that sparkles with herbal zest, and this Ina Garten tarragon potato salad recipe delivers pure culinary magic.
Fresh tarragon weaves its delicate flavor through tender, creamy potatoes like a subtle whisper of elegance.
Potatoes absorb the bright, anise-like notes of the herb, creating a side dish that’s simultaneously classic and sophisticated.
The recipe balances richness with brightness, making each bite a delightful experience.
Red potatoes provide a perfect canvas for the tangy dressing and aromatic herbs.
Chopped green onions add a gentle crunch that complements the soft potato texture.
You’ll find this salad becomes the unexpected star of any summer gathering, drawing compliments with its refined yet approachable charm.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories: 300 kcal
Servings: 6
Ingredients in Ina Garten Tarragon Potato Salad
For The Potato Base:
Yukon Gold Potatoes: Creamy texture that holds shape perfectly, select firm potatoes without bruises or sprouts.
Salt: Enhances potato flavor during boiling, use kosher salt for balanced seasoning.
For The Flavor Boosters:
Fresh Tarragon, Fresh Dill: Vibrant herbs that add bright, aromatic notes, choose perky green leaves without wilting.
Scallions, Red Onion: Provide crisp texture and zesty undertones, select firm vegetables with no soft spots.
For The Creamy Dressing:
Mayonnaise: Creates smooth, rich base that binds ingredients, choose full-fat version for best flavor.
Lemon Juice, White Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness and balances richness, use freshly squeezed lemon for maximum zest.
Black Pepper, Kosher Salt: Fundamental seasonings that elevate overall taste, freshly ground pepper recommended.
Tools to Prep Ina Garten Tarragon Potato Salad
Large Pot: Essential for boiling potatoes evenly and thoroughly.
Colander: Perfect for draining potatoes quickly and efficiently.
Kitchen Towel: Helps steam potatoes and keep them fluffy.
Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for tossing and combining ingredients.
Small Bowl: Ideal for whisking together the creamy dressing.
Whisk: Crucial for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
Cutting Board: Necessary for slicing potatoes and chopping herbs.
Sharp Knife: Helps peel and slice potatoes with precision.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
Step-by-Step for Ina Garten Tarragon Potato Salad
Potato Party Delight
Potato Preparation Calm waters of a pot welcome whole potatoes. Salt joins the bath, creating a flavor foundation. Gentle bubbling transforms potatoes into tender morsels ready for transformation.
Steamy Rest Freshly drained potatoes nestle under a soft kitchen towel. Quiet steaming allows potatoes to relax and develop fluffy interiors, preparing for their flavor journey.
Slicing Celebration Cooled potatoes transform into elegant rounds. A large bowl awaits their arrival, ready to become a canvas for deliciousness.
Creamy Whisper A small bowl becomes a mixing sanctuary. Tangy mayonnaise meets bright lemon juice and zippy vinegar. Seasonings dance together, creating a harmonious dressing that promises excitement.
Warm Embrace Dressing cascades over warm potato rounds. Gentle tossing ensures every potato glistens with flavor potential.
Herbal Symphony Vibrant scallions, sharp red onions, and delicate herbs join the potato celebration. Each ingredient adds a unique voice to the culinary chorus.
Flavor Meditation Potato salad rests, allowing ingredients to whisper secrets and develop deep connections. Room temperature becomes the perfect backdrop for taste exploration.
Final Flourish A sprinkle of salt provides the last magical touch. Potato salad stands ready to delight taste buds at a moment's notice.
Creative Tweaks for Ina Garten Tarragon Potato Salad
Swap out fresh herbs like tarragon and dill with chives, parsley, or basil for a unique flavor profile.
Replace half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
Fold in diced grilled chicken, crispy bacon bits, or hard-boiled eggs to transform this side dish into a complete meal.
Toss in toasted pine nuts, sliced almonds, or chopped celery for added texture and nutty undertones.
Incorporate capers, chopped cornichons, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to give the potato salad a sophisticated twist.
Serve Ina Garten Tarragon Potato Salad with Style
Pair with Picnic Proteins: Grill some juicy chicken breasts or slice up cold roasted turkey to accompany this creamy potato salad, creating a perfect outdoor meal that feels fresh and satisfying.
Complement with Crisp Sides: Serve alongside crunchy cucumber salad or tangy coleslaw to add textural contrast and brighten up the rich, herbal potato dish.
Create a Summer Spread: Arrange the potato salad on a colorful platter with grilled vegetables, charcuterie meats, and crusty bread for a relaxed, elegant gathering that celebrates seasonal flavors.
Elevate Barbecue Experience: Use this herby potato salad as a sophisticated side for grilled meats, transforming a classic cookout into a gourmet dining moment that impresses friends and family.
Storage Notes for Ina Garten Tarragon Potato Salad
Maximize Flavor Storage: Keep the potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, allowing the herbs and dressing to continue infusing the potatoes with delicious flavors.
Chill and Revive: Before serving leftovers, let the salad sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften the dressing and restore its creamy texture.
Prevent Soggy Situation: Store the salad separately from any crunchy garnishes to maintain the ideal texture and prevent unnecessary moisture.
Freeze with Caution: While technically possible, freezing is not recommended as the mayonnaise-based dressing can separate and potatoes may become grainy when thawed.
Ina Garten’s tarragon potato salad blends classic French culinary techniques with fresh, zesty ingredients. Creamy potatoes mingle with chopped herbs, creating a sophisticated side dish perfect for summer gatherings you’ll savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
2 lb (907 g) Yukon Gold potatoes (medium)
1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise (good)
2 tbsps fresh tarragon leaves (minced)
2 tbsps fresh dill (minced)
3 tbsps scallions (chopped, white and green parts)
2 tbsps lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
2 tbsps tarragon or white wine vinegar
3 tbsps red onion (minced)
Kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
Potato Preparation: Submerge whole potatoes in a large pot of cold, salted water. Bring to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer until potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife, approximately 15-30 minutes.
Steaming and Cooling: Drain potatoes and cover with a kitchen towel, allowing them to steam and release excess moisture for 10 minutes. Once manageable, carefully peel and slice into uniform half-inch rounds in a spacious mixing bowl.
Dressing Creation: Whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, vinegar, kosher salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl until smooth and well-combined.
Flavor Infusion: While potatoes remain warm, gently cascade the dressing over the slices, folding delicately to coat without fragmenting the potato pieces. Incorporate scallions, red onion, fresh tarragon, and dill, tossing with a light touch to distribute herbs evenly.
Resting and Seasoning: Let the potato salad rest at room temperature for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and intensify. Conduct a final seasoning assessment, adjusting salt if needed. Serve at ambient temperature to maximize flavor profile and textural appeal.
Notes
Potato Perfection: Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for creamy, smooth texture that holds shape when mixed.
Herb Freshness: Use freshly chopped herbs right before adding to maximize vibrant flavor and aromatic impact.
Temperature Magic: Let salad rest at room temperature to allow dressing to penetrate potatoes and herbs to release full flavor profile.
Seasoning Technique: Taste and adjust salt while potatoes are still warm to ensure deep, even flavor absorption.
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.
Sophia Rivera
Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist
Expertise
Education
Austin Community College
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.