There's something about the fresh, tangy aroma of Dill Potato Salad that instantly transports me to backyard barbecues and sunny picnic days. With its creamy texture, tender potatoes, and bright herbaceous flavor, this dish is a true warm-weather staple.
I first started making this salad after a spontaneous trip to the farmer's market where I found a bunch of vibrant, fragrant dill. Paired with waxy potatoes and a zippy dressing, it turned into a side dish so good, my family now insists I bring it to every gathering.
This potato salad isn’t just tasty—it’s ridiculously easy to make, perfect for prepping ahead, and it pairs beautifully with everything from grilled chicken to veggie burgers. Let’s dive into why you’ll fall in love with this refreshingly simple side.
Why You’ll Love This Dill Potato Salad
It’s hard not to love a recipe that’s equal parts creamy, zesty, and satisfying. This Dill Potato Salad hits all the right notes—and here’s why it’s about to become a go-to favorite.
First off, this recipe is wonderfully easy to throw together. With minimal chopping and a simple stovetop boil, the bulk of the effort is just letting the flavors meld. It’s a great low-stress option for last-minute plans.
It’s also incredibly budget-friendly. Using just a few pantry staples and some fresh dill, you can make a big batch that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.
One of my favorite things about this recipe? It’s make-ahead friendly. In fact, it gets even better after a few hours in the fridge. The potatoes soak up all that lemony, creamy dressing, and the dill becomes more fragrant with time.
And let’s not forget how versatile it is. You can add chopped pickles, swap the mayo for Greek yogurt, or even toss in a handful of chopped celery for crunch. This salad welcomes your personal touch.
Whether you're hosting a cookout or meal-prepping for the week, this potato salad has your back. Ready to get cooking?
Ingredients Notes
This dish keeps it simple with fresh, flavorful ingredients that work together beautifully. Here’s a deeper look at what makes this Dill Potato Salad so special.
The potatoes are, of course, the star. I highly recommend using waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Their firm texture holds up beautifully after boiling, so they don’t turn to mush when tossed with dressing. Leave the skins on for color and added nutrients, or peel them if you prefer a smoother texture.
Fresh dill is what gives this salad its signature flavor. There’s truly no substitute here—dried dill just won’t deliver the same brightness. Chop it finely to help it distribute evenly throughout the salad. If you're lucky enough to have homegrown dill, this is a perfect way to showcase it.
Mayonnaise is the base of the creamy dressing, providing richness and body. I like to use a good-quality mayo for the best flavor. For a lighter version, feel free to swap some of it out for sour cream or Greek yogurt, which adds a nice tang.
Dijon mustard and lemon juice bring the zing. These two ingredients cut through the creaminess and balance everything out with just the right amount of acidity. Don't skip them—they’re the secret to making this salad taste light, not heavy.
You won’t need much special equipment—just a large pot to boil the potatoes, a knife and cutting board, and a mixing bowl. If you’ve got a zester, it’s a great tool to add a little lemon zest for extra brightness.
How To Make This Dill Potato Salad
Making this Dill Potato Salad is a simple, satisfying process that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. While you wait, scrub your potatoes and cut them into bite-sized chunks. I like to keep the pieces uniform so they cook evenly. Once the water’s boiling, gently add the potatoes and cook until they’re fork-tender—about 10 to 12 minutes.
While the potatoes cook, prepare the dressing. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayo, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Stir in your chopped fresh dill and set aside to let the flavors mingle.
Once the potatoes are done, drain them and let them cool slightly—about 10 minutes. You want them warm enough to absorb the dressing, but not so hot that they turn the sauce oily. Gently toss the potatoes with the dressing while they’re still a bit warm.
At this point, taste and adjust the seasoning. You might want a bit more lemon juice for tang, or an extra pinch of salt. If you’re adding any mix-ins like chopped red onion or celery, now’s the time to fold them in.
Cover the bowl and chill the salad for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight. This gives the flavors time to meld and develop. When ready to serve, give it a final toss and garnish with extra dill for a fresh pop of green.
Altogether, the process takes around 25–30 minutes, plus chilling time. It’s a fast, easy, and flavor-packed dish that only gets better with time.
Storage Options
This Dill Potato Salad stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or gatherings.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, though the texture is best within the first two.
If you're making it ahead for a party or cookout, prepare it up to 24 hours in advance to allow the flavors to fully develop. Just give it a stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Avoid freezing this salad—the creamy dressing doesn’t hold up well to thawing, and the potatoes can become grainy or watery.
To reheat (if you prefer it warm, though it’s traditionally served cold), gently warm in a microwave-safe bowl for about 30 seconds. You may need to stir in a small spoonful of mayo or lemon juice to freshen it up.
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of this Dill Potato Salad lies in its flexibility. You can make it your own in so many ways.
If you're looking to lighten things up, swap some of the mayo for Greek yogurt or sour cream. This gives the dressing a tangier flavor and cuts down on the richness without sacrificing creaminess.
Love a little crunch? Add in finely chopped celery, red onion, or even pickles for texture and an extra burst of flavor. Just be sure to dice them small so they don’t overpower the delicate potatoes.
You can also give this a protein boost by folding in chopped hard-boiled eggs or crumbled bacon. These additions make it hearty enough to stand as a main dish on a hot day.
For a flavor twist, try using white wine vinegar instead of lemon juice, or add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chopped chives. These small changes can give the salad a totally new personality.
Don’t be afraid to experiment—this recipe is incredibly forgiving. Whether you’re sticking with the classic or adding your own spin, it’s bound to be delicious.
PrintDill Potato Salad Recipe
This Dill Potato Salad Recipe is a creamy, herb-packed side dish made with tender potatoes, fresh dill, and a tangy mustard-mayo dressing. Ideal for potlucks, BBQs, or summer gatherings, this classic salad brings vibrant flavor and satisfying texture to any table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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2 lbs baby potatoes, halved
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½ cup mayonnaise
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2 tbsp Dijon mustard
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2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
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¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
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¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
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2 celery stalks, diced
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Boil potatoes in salted water for 12-15 minutes until tender. Drain and cool.
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In a bowl, mix mayo, mustard, vinegar, dill, salt, and pepper.
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Add cooled potatoes, onion, and celery to the dressing. Mix gently.
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Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
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You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayo for a lighter version.
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Tastes even better when made a day in advance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 290mg
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