Ina Garten’s Dill Potato Salad Recipe with a Refreshing Twist

Potato salad represents a beloved summer classic that sparks memories of backyard gatherings and shared meals.

Her signature dill-infused version transforms ordinary ingredients into a creamy, herbaceous delight that elevates the traditional recipe.

Tangy buttermilk and sharp Dijon mustard create a zesty backdrop for tender potatoes, while fresh dill adds a bright, aromatic note.

Small white potatoes become the perfect canvas for this luxurious mixture, absorbing every nuanced flavor.

Creamy and cool, this dish balances richness with a subtle, herbaceous complexity that feels both familiar and sophisticated.

Each forkful promises a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

Recap of Ina’s Dill Potato Salad Journey

Classic Ina Garten potato salad whisks summer memories into delightful culinary comfort.

Herbal dill notes dance through creamy, tangy mayonnaise blend.

Garden-fresh ingredients elevate this beloved side dish beyond predictable picnic fare.

Mediterranean influences shine through whole grain mustard’s subtle complexity.

Gentle seasoning allows potato’s natural earthiness to emerge gracefully.

Key charm lies in letting flavors harmonize during refrigeration – tempting companions will crave seconds, eagerly request recipe details, shower compliments, share social media links, and bookmark this irresistible summer classic.

What’s to Love About Ina’s Dill Potato Salad

• Burst with Tangy Freshness: The combination of Dijon and whole grain mustard with fresh dill creates a zesty, bright flavor profile that makes this potato salad anything but ordinary.
• Creamy Comfort with a Crunch: Silky mayonnaise and buttermilk dressing coats perfectly tender potatoes, while crisp celery and sharp red onion add delightful texture contrasts that keep every bite interesting.
• Effortless Gourmet Preparation: Ina Garten's simple method transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality side dish that looks impressive but requires minimal cooking skills and just one pot.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This potato salad actually gets more delicious as it sits, allowing flavors to meld together, making it a stress-free option for picnics, barbecues, and summer gatherings that can be prepared hours in advance.

All the Essentials for Dill Potato Salad

• Potatoes: Creamy, waxy potatoes perfect for salad with smooth texture and ability to hold shape when cooked.
• Salt: Essential seasoning for enhancing potato flavor during boiling.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that adds richness and smooth texture to potato salad.
• Buttermilk: Tangy liquid that helps create light and slightly acidic dressing.
• Dijon Mustard: Sharp condiment that provides depth and subtle heat.
• Whole Grain Mustard: Adds textural interest with whole mustard seeds and robust flavor.
• Dill: Fresh herb that brings bright, light, and classic potato salad flavor.
• Black Pepper: Warm spice that adds subtle heat and complexity.
• Salt: Balances and enhances overall seasoning of dressing.

• Celery: Crunchy vegetable that provides fresh texture and mild herbal note.
• Red Onion: Sharp allium that adds color and zesty, crisp flavor.

How to Prepare Ina Garten’s Dill Potato Salad

Step 1: Boil Potatoes

• Fill a large pot with water
• Add salt
• Place potatoes in water
• Bring to boil
• Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender (10-15 minutes)
• Drain potatoes in colander
• Cover with towel and let steam for 15-20 minutes

Step 2: Create Dreamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Buttermilk
• Dijon mustard
• Whole grain mustard
• Fresh dill
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Prepare Potato Pieces

• Allow potatoes to cool slightly
• Cut into quarters or halves
• Transfer to large mixing bowl
• Pour dressing over warm potatoes
• Gently coat potatoes with dressing

Step 4: Add Crunchy Companions

• Chopped celery
• Diced red onion
• Additional salt
• Black pepper

Step 5: Chill and Marinate

• Toss ingredients thoroughly
• Cover bowl
• Refrigerate for 2-3 hours
• Allow flavors to meld together

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Remove from refrigerator
• Serve chilled or at room temperature
• Garnish with extra dill if desired

Must-Know Tips for Dill Potato Salad

• Select Perfect Potatoes: Choose small, waxy white potatoes for the creamiest, most uniform salad texture.
• Gentle Cooking Technique: Simmer potatoes carefully to keep them intact, stopping right when they're fork-tender to prevent turning mushy.
• Steam for Superior Results: After boiling, let potatoes rest in the steam to help them firm up and create tiny cracks that absorb dressing beautifully.
• Dress While Warm: Toss potatoes with vinaigrette immediately after cooking so they soak up maximum flavor and seasoning.
• Chill for Best Flavor: Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving, allowing herbs and dressing to meld together deliciously.

Best Way to Keep Dill Potato Salad Fresh

• Vacuum Seal Method: Create an airtight seal by using a vacuum sealer to remove excess air, preserving the potato salad's texture and flavor for up to 5 days. Perfect for maintaining freshness and preventing bacterial growth.
• Glass Container Technique: Transfer the salad to a clean glass container with a tight-fitting lid, placing a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface to minimize air exposure. This method helps prevent oxidation and keeps the potatoes from drying out.
• Portion Control Storage: Divide the salad into smaller individual portions before refrigerating, allowing you to take out only what you need while keeping the remaining salad pristine and fresh.

Flavorful Variations of Dill Potato Salad

• Herb Garden Potato Salad: Replace dill with a mix of fresh chopped parsley, chives, and tarragon for a vibrant herbal flavor profile that brightens the classic recipe.
• Spicy Southern Kick: Add diced jalapeños, smoked paprika, and a splash of hot sauce to give the potato salad a zesty, warming heat that transforms the traditional side dish.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, sliced kalamata olives, and chopped roasted red peppers to create a Mediterranean-inspired version with tangy and rich notes.
• Bacon Lover's Dream: Crisp up some bacon pieces and fold them into the salad, using some of the rendered bacon fat in the dressing for an extra layer of smoky, savory goodness.

Ina Garten Dill Potato Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

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

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Description

Ina Garten’s dill potato salad showcases creamy red potatoes mixed with fresh dill, tangy mayo, and zesty Dijon mustard. Garden-fresh ingredients and classic Barefoot Contessa techniques create a perfect summer side dish you’ll crave at every picnic and barbecue.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) small white potatoes
• ½ cup (75 grams) chopped fresh dill
• ½ cup (75 grams) chopped celery
• ½ cup (75 grams) chopped red onion

Binding Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) mayonnaise
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) whole-grain mustard

Seasoning Ingredients:

• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Submerge whole potatoes and of salt in a spacious pot filled with cold water, ensuring potatoes are fully covered.
2. Heat water to a rolling boil, then reduce temperature to a gentle simmer, cooking potatoes for 10-15 minutes until a fork can effortlessly pierce their center.
3. Carefully drain potatoes using a colander, then drape a clean kitchen towel over the potatoes, allowing residual steam to escape and potatoes to dry for 15-20 minutes.
4. Craft a creamy dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, buttermilk, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, fresh dill, salt, and black pepper in a small mixing bowl.
5. Once potatoes have cooled enough to handle safely, slice them into uniform quarters or halves depending on their individual size.
6. Transfer warm potato pieces into a generously sized mixing bowl, drizzling enough prepared dressing to coat each piece evenly while maintaining a light, glossy texture.
7. Incorporate finely chopped celery, diced red onion, additional salt, and black pepper into the potato mixture.
8. Gently fold all ingredients together, ensuring even distribution of dressing and seasonings.
9. Cover the potato salad and refrigerate for 2-3 hours, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
10. Remove from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving, presenting the salad either chilled or at a mild room temperature.

Notes

• Select petite spuds with thin, delicate skins for the most delightful texture.
• Drain immediately after boiling to prevent waterlogged potatoes from becoming soggy and bland.
• Let potatoes rest in the colander, allowing excess moisture to evaporate naturally.
• Gently shake the colander to create small cracks on potato surfaces, which helps seasonings stick better.
• Opt for fresh, firm potatoes without blemishes or soft spots to ensure the best flavor and consistency.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg