This creamy dill potato salad offers a delightful twist on a timeless classic, blending fresh herbs and zesty flavors to elevate simple potatoes into a vibrant side dish.
The use of fresh dill adds a fragrant, bright note, perfectly balancing the rich creaminess of mayonnaise and the sharpness of Dijon mustard.
Not only is it satisfying and delicious, but it also packs nutritional benefits: potatoes provide a good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates for lasting energy, while olive oil delivers heart-healthy fats.
This salad is a fantastic option for everyday meals due to its quick preparation and versatility — ideal for family dinners, picnics, or BBQs.
The recipe’s simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it beginner-friendly, yet the flavors impress any palate, making it a go-to for easy meal prep and crowd-pleasing occasions.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Large Pot
Essential for boiling potatoes evenly and efficiently. A sturdy pot ensures consistent cooking and can be used for soups, pasta, or blanching vegetables.
Mixing Bowl
A spacious bowl allows for thorough mixing of the creamy dressing and potatoes, ensuring every bite is perfectly coated. Versatile for tossing salads or combining ingredients in any recipe.
Sharp Chef’s Knife
Precision slicing of potatoes and finely dicing onions require a sharp knife, improving prep speed and safety. An indispensable tool for all kitchen chopping tasks.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurement of ingredients like mayonnaise, mustard, and herbs guarantees consistent flavor and texture. Perfect for baking and cooking alike, ensuring recipe success.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
Ideal for gently folding potatoes with the dressing without mashing them, preserving texture. Durable and heat-resistant, these tools serve countless kitchen mixing needs.
30 Minutes Creamy Dill Potato Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare and Boil Potatoes: Begin by thoroughly washing the small potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Place the cleaned potatoes in a large pot and cover them with enough water to submerge them completely. Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle boil. Cook the potatoes for about 20 minutes, or until they become tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork but still hold their shape.
- Make the Creamy Dill Dressing: While the potatoes cook, take a large mixing bowl and combine the mayonnaise, finely diced onion, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and freshly chopped dill. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Use a whisk or spoon to blend these ingredients thoroughly until the dressing is smooth, creamy, and well balanced in flavor.
- Slice the Cooked Potatoes: Once the potatoes are tender, drain them carefully using a colander and allow them to cool just enough to handle safely. Using a sharp chef’s knife, slice the potatoes into halves or quarters, depending on their size. The goal is to keep the potato pieces intact without mashing, so they maintain a pleasant texture in the salad.
- Combine Potatoes and Dressing: Gently transfer the sliced potatoes into the bowl with the creamy dill dressing. Using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, fold the potatoes into the dressing carefully, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Take care not to break the potatoes apart; a light hand will keep the salad’s texture intact.
- Chill and Serve: Allow the potato salad to cool to room temperature, giving the flavors time to meld together. Once cooled, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the salad into an airtight container and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour before serving. This chilling step enhances the freshness and makes the salad more refreshing and satisfying when served.
Notes
- For best results, use small, waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes that hold their shape well after boiling.
- Fresh dill is key to the vibrant flavor; avoid dried dill for this recipe.
- If you prefer a tangier dressing, add a bit more lemon juice or Dijon mustard according to taste.
- This salad can be made a day ahead, making it ideal for meal prep or entertaining.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Salad
Achieving the perfect creamy dill potato salad is all about balancing texture and flavor.
Start with small, waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes—they hold their shape well after boiling and provide a smooth, tender bite without turning mushy.
Be sure to rinse the potatoes thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt and ensure even cooking by boiling them gently, not vigorously.
When mixing the dressing, fresh dill is a must; its bright, herbal notes elevate the salad from ordinary to extraordinary.
For an extra layer of flavor, lightly sauté the minced garlic in olive oil before adding it to the dressing to mellow the raw sharpness.
Finally, fold the potatoes gently into the dressing with a spatula rather than stirring vigorously—this keeps the potato pieces intact, preserving a satisfying texture.
Serving Suggestions to Impress Guests
This creamy dill potato salad shines as a versatile side dish at picnics, BBQs, or casual family dinners.
Serve it chilled alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or fresh seafood for a refreshing complement that balances rich, smoky flavors.
It also pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
For an elegant touch, garnish with additional fresh dill sprigs or thinly sliced radishes. Looking to boost the meal’s protein content?
Add hard-boiled eggs or crumbled feta cheese on top.
The salad’s creamy texture and zesty herb flavor make it an ideal accompaniment to almost any main dish, making it a crowd-pleaser year-round.
Storage Tips to Keep Fresh
To maximize the freshness of your creamy dill potato salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3 days to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
Avoid leaving the salad out at room temperature for extended periods, especially during warm weather, to prevent spoilage.
Before serving leftovers, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing, as some separation is natural during refrigeration.
If the salad seems a little dry after chilling, you can refresh it with a small drizzle of olive oil or an extra spoonful of mayonnaise.
For meal prep, preparing the potatoes and dressing separately and combining them just before serving can help keep the salad’s texture at its best.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Answered
1. Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes! While small, waxy potatoes are preferred for their texture, Yukon Gold or fingerling potatoes also work well. Avoid starchy varieties like Russets, which tend to crumble and become mushy.
2. Is there a substitute for mayonnaise?
If you prefer a lighter or vegan option, Greek yogurt or vegan mayo are great substitutes that maintain creaminess while adding a slight tang.
3. Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! It actually tastes better after chilling for at least an hour as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated.
4. How long does the salad keep in the fridge?
Store the salad in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh for about 3 days. Beyond that, the texture and flavor may begin to degrade.
5. Can I add other herbs or ingredients?
Definitely! Fresh parsley, chives, or tarragon can add complexity. Some people like to toss in diced celery or pickles for extra crunch and tang.
This recipe has been adapted and simplified from the original version by tastingtable. We’ve refined the steps for a smoother cooking experience and added helpful notes, nutrition insights, and essential kitchen tools to make it even easier for home cooks.
Jessica T. Brown is the founder of KitchenHush.com, a platform born out of her deep love for cooking and the quiet joy found in the kitchen. From a young age, Jessica discovered that the kitchen wasn’t just a place to prepare meals—it was a space for connection, creativity, and comfort. Inspired by those early memories, she created Kitchen Hush to share that experience with home cooks everywhere.