This Easy Lemon Dill Potato Salad is a fresh and tasty side perfect for picnics or barbecues. It’s made with tender potatoes, zesty lemon, and fragrant dill that gives it a bright flavor.
Honestly, who can resist a potato salad that’s both creamy and refreshing? I love serving it chilled—you know, the perfect companion for grilled burgers or just a spoonful straight from the bowl!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Baby red and yellow potatoes give a lovely color and creaminess. If you can’t find these, try using Yukon Gold potatoes or any waxy variety. They hold their shape well after cooking.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds a tangy zest. If you’re short on lemons, bottled lemon juice works too, but fresh is always best for flavor.
Olive Oil: I love using good-quality olive oil for its rich taste. If you need a lighter option, you can substitute with vegetable oil or avocado oil.
Dill: Fresh dill is key for that bright flavor. If you can’t find it, dried dill can work in a pinch; just use about 1 tablespoon less. Chives can also be a nice swap.
Parsley: Including parsley is optional but adds freshness. If you don’t have it, simply skip it or use arugula for a different twist.
How Do I Cook Potatoes Perfectly?
Cooking potatoes so they’re tender but not mushy can take practice. Here’s what I recommend:
- Start with cold water in the pot when adding your potatoes. This helps them cook evenly.
- Add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance their flavor.
- Once boiling, keep an eye on them. Test with a fork after 12 minutes. If it goes through easily, they’re done!
- Drain immediately and give them time to cool. This helps avoid them getting too soggy from residual heat.
Easy Lemon Dill Potato Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salad:
- 2 pounds baby red and yellow potatoes, halved or quartered depending on size
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This potato salad takes about 25 minutes to prepare and cook, plus an additional 15 minutes for the flavors to meld. If you let it chill in the refrigerator, you can prepare it up to 2 hours ahead of time, making it perfect for gatherings or meal prep!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Potatoes:
Start by placing the halved potatoes in a large pot and covering them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly to maintain a gentle boil.
2. Cooking the Potatoes:
Cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, which should take about 12-15 minutes depending on their size. It’s important not to overcook them, or they’ll become mushy! Once they’re done, drain them and let them cool slightly.
3. Making the Dressing:
While the potatoes are cooling, grab a large mixing bowl. Whisk together the fresh lemon juice and olive oil until combined. This will create a simple but flavorful dressing.
4. Combining All Ingredients:
Add the warm potatoes into the bowl with the lemon dressing. Toss gently to ensure all the potatoes are coated evenly. Next, fold in the sliced green onions and freshly chopped dill (and parsley if you’re using it). Finally, season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
5. Letting it Rest:
Allow the potato salad to sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature. This resting time helps the flavors meld together beautifully. If you have time, you can also refrigerate it for up to 2 hours for a cooler dish.
6. Serving:
Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and taste to adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with lemon wedges on the side for a bright burst of flavor. Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy your refreshing Lemon Dill Potato Salad!
FAQs for Easy Lemon Dill Potato Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby red and yellow potatoes are great for their texture, you can also use Yukon Gold or any waxy potatoes. Just make sure they’re similar in size to cook evenly.
Can I Prepare This Salad the Day Before?
Yes, you can make this salad a day in advance! Just prepare it as directed, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll be even more flavorful the next day!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in your favorite ingredients like chopped cucumber, bell peppers, or even crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor and texture!
