This refreshing potato salad is packed with zesty lemon, fresh herbs, and a punch of flavor from dill and capers. It’s the perfect side dish for any meal!
I love how bright and tangy this salad is! It’s a great way to use up those potatoes and impress your friends at a barbecue. Plus, it can be made ahead of time—win-win!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: I love using small new potatoes for their creamy texture. Yukon Gold works great too! If you want to change things up, red potatoes will add a nice color and flavor.
Capers: These little gems add a salty, briny kick. If you can’t find capers, try using chopped green olives for a similar taste.
Dill: Fresh dill is key here! It brings a lightness to the salad. If you don’t have fresh dill, try substituting with dried (use less, about 1 tablespoon) or use tarragon for a different flavor.
Olive Oil: I use extra-virgin olive oil for its rich flavor. If you need a substitute for a lighter option, avocado oil works well!
How Do I Cook the Potatoes Perfectly?
Cooking the potatoes just right is essential for a tasty salad. Follow these steps for perfectly tender potatoes:
- Start with cold water to ensure even cooking.
- Add a pinch of salt to flavor the potatoes as they cook.
- Boil until the potatoes are fork-tender (15-20 minutes); check them frequently.
- Let them cool slightly before cutting, so they hold their shape in the salad.
Cooking this way helps keep the potatoes creamy without being mushy! Enjoy your cooking!
Lemon Herb Potato Salad with Dill & Capers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 pounds small new potatoes or baby Yukon Gold potatoes
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained and roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts)
For the Dressing:
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish should take about 15 minutes to prep and an additional 20 minutes to cook the potatoes. Plus, letting the salad rest for 30 minutes allows the flavors to blend beautifully. So all in all, you’re looking at around 1 hour to get this delightful potato salad ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Potatoes:
Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly. Then, place them in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance the flavor. Bring the pot to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, which will take about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes.
2. Preparing the Potatoes:
Once cooked, drain the potatoes carefully and let them cool slightly. When they are cool enough to handle, cut the larger potatoes into halves or quarters, making sure that all the pieces are roughly bite-sized for easy eating.
3. Making the Dressing:
In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This will create a zesty dressing that brings the salad to life!
4. Tossing the Salad:
Add the warm potatoes to the dressing in the bowl and gently toss them until they are well-coated. Be careful not to mash the potatoes; you want them to stay intact.
5. Adding the Fresh Ingredients:
Now, fold in the chopped dill, parsley, capers, and sliced green onions. Stir everything together until it’s evenly combined and makes a beautiful, colorful salad!
6. Final Taste Check:
Give the salad a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed to suit your preference.
7. Resting and Serving:
Let the salad rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. This resting time allows all the wonderful flavors to meld together. You can serve it either chilled or at room temperature—whichever you prefer!
Enjoy your zesty Lemon Herb Potato Salad with Dill & Capers as a delightful side dish! It’s fresh, vibrant, and guaranteed to be a hit at your table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While small new potatoes or baby Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture, you can also use red potatoes or even fingerling potatoes for variety. Just make sure to cut them to a similar size for even cooking!
How Do I Store Leftover Potato Salad?
Store any leftover potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day!
Can I Make this Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make this potato salad up to a day in advance! Just prepare it through step 6, then refrigerate. Allow it to rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving so the flavors can brighten up again.
Is There a Substitute for Capers?
If you don’t have capers on hand, you can substitute them with chopped green olives or even dill pickles. They will add a similar salty, tangy flavor to the salad!
