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A close-up of a wooden bowl filled with creamy red potato salad topped with fresh dill and chives.

Ina's Classic Dill Potato Salad

A timeless potato salad, Barefoot Contessa style, featuring tender Yukon Gold potatoes, crisp celery and red onion, and a vibrant creamy dressing brightened with fresh dill and Dijon mustard. Perfect for any gathering!
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Potato Salad
  • 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes scrubbed, unpeeled
  • 2 stalks celery finely diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion finely diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh dill chopped, plus extra for garnish
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
For the Creamy Dijon Dressing
  • 1 cup good quality mayonnaise like Hellmann's or Duke's
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar optional, to balance flavors
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper or to taste

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Small Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Sharp Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Rubber Spatula

Method
 

Cook the Potatoes
  1. Place the whole, unpeeled Yukon Gold potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by about an inch. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes depending on their size. Be careful not to overcook them, or they will become mushy.
  2. Drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander and let them cool for about 10-15 minutes until they are cool enough to handle but still warm. While still warm, peel the potatoes (the skins should slip off easily) and cut them into 3/4-inch to 1-inch cubes. Place the cut potatoes in a large mixing bowl.
Prepare the Dressing
  1. While the potatoes are cooking and cooling, prepare the dressing. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, granulated sugar (if using), salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
Assemble the Potato Salad
  1. To the bowl with the warm, cubed potatoes, add the finely diced celery, finely diced red onion, chopped fresh dill, and chopped fresh parsley.
  2. Pour the creamy Dijon dressing over the potato mixture. Gently fold everything together with a rubber spatula until the potatoes and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the potatoes.
  3. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar to your preference.
Chill and Serve
  1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld. The salad will taste even better the next day.
  2. Before serving, give the potato salad a gentle stir. Garnish with additional fresh dill if desired.

Notes

For the best texture, ensure potatoes are just cooked through, not mushy. Cutting the potatoes while still warm allows them to better absorb the dressing, enhancing the flavor. This potato salad can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.