Dill Potato Salad Recipe

Creamy Dill Potato Salad Recipe: Summer’s Zesty Sidekick

Summer gatherings buzz with excitement when a creamy dill potato salad arrives at the table.

Fresh herbs dance through smooth, tender potatoes creating unexpected flavor combinations.

Crisp green onions add delightful crunch to each delectable bite.

Picnics and backyard barbecues practically demand this classic side dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Every forkful promises a delightful blend of tangy and rich notes.

Cool and refreshing, this recipe works magic with simple ingredients you already love.

You’ll want seconds – maybe even thirds – of this irresistible crowd-pleaser.

Why Dill Potato Salad Is So Flavorful

  • Tackle Quickly: Minimal prep work and straightforward steps make this potato salad a breeze to create, perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Classic ingredients blend seamlessly, delivering a familiar and delicious side dish that appeals to both kids and adults.
  • Flexible Flavor Booster: Customize the recipe by adjusting seasonings or adding extra ingredients like bacon bits or fresh herbs to match personal taste preferences.
  • Meal Versatility: Ideal for potlucks, picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings, this potato salad complements multiple main courses and works great as a standalone dish.

Ingredients for Dill Potato Salad

For the Base:
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that provide the hearty foundation of the salad.
For the Dressing:
  • Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy ingredients that create a rich and smooth base for the salad.
  • Mustard: Adds a tangy and sharp flavor to the dressing.
  • White Vinegar: Brings a subtle acidic brightness to balance the creamy elements.
For the Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Fresh Dill: Provides a distinctive, fresh herb flavor that complements the potatoes.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the salad.
For the Vegetables:
  • Red Onion, Celery: Crisp vegetables that add texture and a mild, fresh crunch to the potato salad.

How to Make Dill Potato Salad Easily

Step 1: Boil Potato Chunks

Cut potatoes into bite-sized chunks and place them in a large pot of salted water. Cook the potatoes over high heat until they become fork-tender, which typically takes about 12-15 minutes.

Once cooked, carefully drain the potatoes in a colander and let them cool completely at room temperature.

Step 2: Craft Creamy Dressing

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and whisk together these tangy ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Sour cream
  • Dijon mustard
  • White wine vinegar
  • Fresh chopped dill
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Blend the ingredients until smooth and well combined, creating a zesty base for the potato salad.

Step 3: Combine Salad Components

Introduce the cooled potato chunks into the creamy dressing. Gently fold in these crisp mix-ins:
  • Finely diced red onion
  • Chopped celery

Carefully stir the ingredients to ensure every potato chunk gets evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.

Step 4: Chill and Develop Flavors

Transfer the potato salad to a sealed container and refrigerate for at least one hour. This resting time allows the herbs and seasonings to mingle and intensify, creating a more delicious side dish.

Serve chilled and enjoy the fresh, tangy flavors.

Helpful Notes for Dill Potato Salad

  • Chill potatoes completely before mixing to prevent them from becoming mushy and breaking apart during tossing.
  • Use waxy potato varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for the best texture and hold their shape better.
  • Adjust the amount of dill based on personal preference, using fresh dill for a more vibrant and aromatic flavor profile.
  • Allow the potato salad to marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or ideally overnight, to enhance the taste and let ingredients blend.
  • Consider adding crispy bacon bits or chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein and a delightful crunch if desired.

Flavor Twists for Dill Potato Salad Fans

  • Herb Garden Remix: Swap dill for a blend of fresh parsley, chives, and basil for a vibrant, multi-herb potato salad with complex flavor profiles.
  • Greek-Inspired Edition: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, add crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and oregano for a Mediterranean-style potato salad.
  • Spicy Southwest Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños, cilantro, and replace vinegar with lime juice, then add cumin and chili powder for a zesty, southwestern-inspired version.
  • Bacon Lover's Dream: Crisp up bacon pieces and fold them into the salad, using some bacon drippings in the dressing for an extra rich and smoky potato salad experience.

Best Ways to Serve Dill Potato Salad

  • Summer Picnic Delight: Pack this zesty potato salad in a mason jar for a portable, mess-free outdoor meal. Layer ingredients carefully to keep everything fresh and crisp.
  • Brunch Companion: Serve alongside smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, and fresh croissants for a delightful weekend breakfast spread. The tangy dill adds a bright, elegant touch.
  • Barbecue Side Dish: Pair with grilled meats like juicy burgers, smoky chicken, or tender steak. The creamy texture and herb-infused flavor complement charred proteins perfectly.
  • Gourmet Lunch Bowl: Transform the potato salad into a hearty lunch by adding grilled chicken, chopped bacon bits, or crumbled feta cheese. Sprinkle extra fresh dill on top for a restaurant-quality presentation.

How to Store Dill Potato Salad Well

  • Store the dill potato salad in a sealed container with a tight-fitting lid to keep it fresh and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
  • Maintain the potato salad at a consistent temperature between 35-40°F to preserve its quality and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Enjoy the salad within 3-4 days for the best taste and texture, as mayonnaise-based dishes can lose their freshness over time.
  • Do not freeze this potato salad, as the mayonnaise and sour cream will separate and create an unappetizing texture when thawed.

FAQs

  • Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute that adds tanginess and reduces calories while maintaining a creamy texture.

  • How finely should I chop the dill?

Chop dill into small, fine pieces to distribute the herb evenly and maximize its fresh flavor throughout the potato salad.

  • Is this potato salad good for a picnic?

Absolutely! This potato salad is perfect for outdoor events because it’s served cold and holds up well in moderate temperatures.

  • Can I make this potato salad ahead of time?

You can prepare this potato salad up to 24 hours in advance, which actually helps the flavors develop and become more pronounced.

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Dill Potato Salad Recipe

Dill Potato Salad Recipe


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4.8 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

German-style dill potato salad combines tangy vinegar and fresh herbs for a classic side dish. Crisp potatoes and zesty dressing make you crave more with each refreshing bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (907 g) potatoes, baby, halved
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons dill, fresh, chopped
  • 1/4 cup (40 g) onion, red, finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup (50 g) celery, diced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Submerge whole potatoes in generously salted water, simmering at medium heat for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender without breaking apart.
  2. Carefully drain potatoes and allow to cool completely at room temperature, approximately 20-25 minutes.
  3. Create a creamy dressing by whisking mayonnaise, sour cream, tangy mustard, white vinegar, chopped fresh dill, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper in a spacious mixing vessel.
  4. Dice cooled potatoes into uniform bite-sized cubes, ensuring consistent texture throughout the salad.
  5. Finely chop red onion and crisp celery into delicate, thin pieces to distribute flavor evenly.
  6. Gently fold potato chunks, red onion, and celery into the prepared dressing, ensuring each piece is lightly coated without mashing the ingredients.
  7. Cover the potato salad and refrigerate for minimum 60 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and develop a rich, cohesive taste profile.
  8. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing and garnish with additional fresh dill if desired.

Notes

  • Opt for waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for the best texture and ability to hold their shape after boiling.
  • Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure consistent flavor and texture in every bite of the salad.
  • Cool potatoes completely before mixing to prevent the mayonnaise from breaking and becoming oily, which can make the salad look unappealing.
  • Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo for a lighter, dietary-friendly version that still maintains creamy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 35 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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