Tangy Dill Potato Salad Recipe: Ina Garten’s Fresh Take

Summer gatherings buzz with excitement when a classic dill potato salad enters the scene.

Ina Garten’s rendition brings a delightful twist to this beloved side dish.

Fresh herbs and creamy potatoes dance together in a harmonious blend of flavors.

Her recipe strikes the perfect balance between tangy and rich, making every bite memorable.

Light, refreshing, and packed with zesty undertones, this potato salad becomes an instant crowd-pleaser.

Each forkful promises a delectable journey through simple yet sophisticated ingredients.

You won’t be able to resist seconds of this mouthwatering creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 6

Every Ingredient in Ina Garten’s Dill Potato Salad

• Potatoes: Creamy, waxy varieties like Yukon Gold provide the perfect tender base for this classic salad, choosing medium-sized potatoes ensures even cooking.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps season potatoes during boiling, use kosher salt for better texture and taste.

• Mayonnaise, Buttermilk: Creamy base that creates a tangy, smooth texture, choose high-quality, full-fat versions for richer flavor.
• Dijon Mustard, Whole Grain Mustard: Adds sharp, complex flavor and depth to the dressing, select artisan or premium brands for best results.
• Dill: Fresh herb that brings bright, aromatic notes, look for vibrant green sprigs with no wilting.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and complexity, freshly ground offers more intense flavor.

• Celery: Adds crisp texture and fresh crunch, select firm stalks with no browning.
• Red Onion: Introduces sharp, slightly sweet flavor and beautiful color contrast, choose firm bulbs with tight skin.

The Tools That Make Prep Smooth

• Large pot: Essential for boiling potatoes evenly and efficiently.
• Colander: Perfect for draining potatoes and letting them steam.
• Small bowl: Ideal for whisking together the creamy dressing ingredients.
• Large bowl: Necessary for mixing potatoes with dressing and vegetables.
• Whisk: Great tool for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting board: Helps chop potatoes and vegetables with ease.
• Sharp knife: Required for cutting potatoes into quarters or halves.

How to Bring Together Potatoes & Dill Perfectly

• Potato Preparation

Boil whole potatoes in salted water until they’re soft and tender. Allow them to rest and steam after draining, which helps create a perfect texture.

• Tangy Dressing Creation

Blend creamy mayonnaise with buttermilk, zesty mustards, fresh dill, and seasonings to create a vibrant and flavorful coating for the potatoes.

• Potato Cutting

Once potatoes have cooled slightly, slice them into bite-sized chunks that will easily absorb the delicious dressing.

• Mixing and Seasoning

Combine warm potato pieces with the creamy dressing, then gently fold in crisp celery and sharp red onion. Season generously with salt and pepper for a balanced flavor profile.

• Flavor Development

Cover the potato salad and let it chill in the refrigerator. This resting period allows the ingredients to mingle and develop a harmonious taste. Serve either chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing side dish that’s perfect for gatherings.

Add Mustard or Crunchy Pickles for a Kick

• Replace buttermilk with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangier profile, or experiment with different herbs like chives or parsley to transform the traditional dill flavor.
• Choose waxy potato varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for firmer salad consistency, ensuring they hold shape after cooking and don't turn mushy during mixing.
• Add crispy bacon bits, pickled red onions, or capers for unexpected crunch and depth, elevating the standard potato salad with gourmet-style enhancements.
• Prepare the salad a day in advance to allow flavors to intensify, storing in an airtight container and stirring gently before serving to redistribute the dressing evenly.

Serve at Cookouts, Picnics, or Holidays

• Elevate Picnic Presentation: Serve this dill potato salad in a rustic wooden bowl to enhance its homemade charm and create a welcoming summer feel.
• Pair with Protein Perfection: Complement the salad alongside grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, or fresh fish for a complete and satisfying meal that balances flavors.
• Garnish with Green Goodness: Sprinkle extra fresh dill or chopped chives on top just before serving to add a bright color pop and boost the herbal notes of the dish.
• Create Meal Prep Magic: Store the potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, allowing the flavors to develop and making it a convenient make-ahead side dish.

Chill Properly for the Next-Day Flavor Boost

• Maximize Freshness: Store the potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring peak flavor and texture.
• Prep-Ahead Magic: Mix the salad a day before your event to allow flavors to intensify and develop a more complex taste profile.
• Quick Chill Technique: Cool potatoes completely before mixing to prevent watery consistency and maintain the salad's creamy texture.
• Smart Serving Strategy: Keep the salad chilled during outdoor events by nestling the serving bowl in a larger bowl filled with ice to maintain food safety and optimal temperature.

Effortless Ina Garten Dill Potato Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s classic dill potato salad blends creamy potatoes with tangy herbs and smooth mayonnaise. Home cooks will appreciate its simple elegance and delicious flavor profile perfect for summer gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 lbs (1.36 kg) small white potatoes
• ½ cup (75 g) chopped fresh dill
• ½ cup (75 g) chopped red onion
• ½ cup (75 g) chopped celery
• 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise
• ¼ cup (60 ml) buttermilk
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) whole-grain mustard
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Potato Preparation: Immerse whole potatoes and salt in a large pot of cold water, completely submerging them. Bring water to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, cooking until potatoes are fork-tender, approximately 10-15 minutes.
2. Cooling and Drying: Drain potatoes in a colander, then cover with a clean kitchen towel, allowing steam to dissipate and potatoes to cool for 15-20 minutes. Once manageable, slice potatoes into uniform quarters or halves.
3. Dressing Creation: Whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, fresh dill, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl, creating a creamy, herb-infused sauce.
4. Mixing and Seasoning: Transfer warm potato pieces into a large bowl, drizzling dressing to coat evenly. Fold in finely chopped celery, diced red onion, additional salt, and black pepper, ensuring thorough and gentle integration of ingredients.
5. Flavor Development: Cover potato salad and refrigerate for 2-3 hours, allowing flavors to meld and intensify. Before serving, let the salad rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to take the chill off and enhance taste.

Notes

• Potato Perfection: Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for the best texture and even cooking.
• Dressing Dynamics: Whisk dressing ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, well-blended sauce that coats potatoes evenly.
• Temperature Tactics: Let potatoes absorb dressing while still warm to maximize flavor absorption and create a more cohesive dish.
• Chill for Flavor: Refrigerating allows herbs and seasonings to develop a deeper, more complex taste profile, making the salad even more delicious.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg