Go Back

Ina Garten's Potato Salad

Ina Garten's potato salad is a refined, French-style side dish with warm Yukon gold potatoes tossed in a light vinaigrette-mayo dressing. Fresh dill and parsley keep it bright, while chilling for 2 hours helps everything meld into a creamy, herb-forward texture.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
chilling 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

Potatoes
  • 3 lb small Yukon gold potatoes
Dressing
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 0.25 cup white wine vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
Mix-ins
  • 0.5 cup celery, small dice
  • 0.5 cup red onion, small dice
  • 0.25 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Equipment

  • 1 Dutch oven

Method
 

Boil and prep the potatoes
  1. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the small Yukon gold potatoes whole until tender, about 20 minutes. The potatoes are ready when a knife meets little resistance.
  2. Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly, then cut them into quarters. You want them warm enough to absorb dressing but not steaming.
Make the vinaigrette-mayo dressing
  1. Whisk together mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth. The dressing should look glossy and evenly combined.
Toss and chill
  1. Combine the warm potatoes with celery and red onion in a bowl. Toss gently so the potatoes coat lightly and stay intact in quarters.
  2. Pour the dressing over the potatoes and toss gently until coated. Stop when everything looks evenly dressed, not mashed.
  3. Add dill and parsley and toss again. Fold just until the herbs are evenly distributed.
  4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Chill until the salad feels cold and flavors taste well blended.

Notes

For best texture, cut the potatoes into quarters while they’re warm enough to absorb the dressing, then chill 2 hours so the vinaigrette-mayo clings without becoming watery. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; freezer is not recommended. For a lighter option, use light mayonnaise to reduce calories while keeping the same herb-and-vinegar balance.