Ina Garten Herbed Potato Salad Recipe

Ina Garten’s Herbed Potato Salad is a refreshing, mayo-free twist on the classic. Tossed in a light vinaigrette and packed with fresh herbs, this salad is bright, tangy, and ideal for spring and summer meals. It’s the perfect side dish for grilled meats, seafood, or a picnic spread.

Unlike heavier versions, this potato salad lets the natural flavor of the potatoes and herbs shine, making it a favorite for entertaining and everyday meals alike.

What Is Ina Garten’s Herbed Potato Salad?

This herbed potato salad features tender boiled potatoes tossed in a lemon-Dijon vinaigrette with a generous amount of chopped herbs like dill, parsley, and scallions. It’s served slightly warm or at room temperature, allowing the dressing to absorb fully and enhance every bite.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Squash Salad
• Ina Garten Dill Potato Salad
• Ina Garten Avocado Corn Salad
• Ina Garten Lentil Salad

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Herbed Potato Salad

• Light and tangy – No mayo, just bold, fresh flavor
• Loaded with herbs – Bright, garden-fresh taste
• Perfect make-ahead dish – Tastes better as it sits
• Pairs with everything – From grilled meats to seafood
• Gluten-free and vegetarian – Suits most diets
• Great for warm-weather meals – Won’t spoil as fast as mayo-based salads
• Simple ingredients, elegant result – Classic Ina style

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Herbed Potato Salad

• 3 pounds of small white or Yukon Gold potatoes
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt (for boiling water)
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• ½ cup good olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ cup minced fresh dill
• ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
• ½ cup chopped scallions (white and green parts)

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten’s Herbed Potato Salad

Step 1: Boil the potatoes

Place whole, unpeeled potatoes in a large pot with 1 tablespoon of salt. Cover with cold water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are just tender when pierced with a knife.

Step 2: Cool and cut

Drain the potatoes and let them cool just enough to handle. While still warm, cut into halves or quarters, depending on size.

Step 3: Prepare the vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper until emulsified.

Step 4: Toss the warm potatoes

Place warm potatoes in a large bowl and pour the vinaigrette over them. Gently toss to coat so the warm potatoes absorb the flavors.

Step 5: Add herbs and mix

Add the dill, parsley, and scallions. Toss gently again to combine.

Step 6: Let rest and serve

Let the salad sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten’s Herbed Potato Salad

• Grilled chicken or steak – Balanced and refreshing pairing
• Salmon or shrimp skewers – Light and herbaceous combo
• Barbecue ribs or burgers – Cuts through the richness
• Egg salad or tuna salad sandwiches – Classic picnic foods
• Roasted vegetables or green beans – Rounds out a vegetarian meal
• Lemonade, rosé, or crisp white wine – Great summer drinks
• Deviled eggs or coleslaw – Completes a buffet spread

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Herbed Potato Salad

• Boil potatoes whole and unpeeled – Retains flavor and texture
• Dress while warm – Helps absorb vinaigrette better
• Use fresh herbs only – Dried won’t deliver the same brightness
• Don’t overcook the potatoes – Aim for just tender
• Let it rest before serving – Enhances the flavor
• Taste and adjust seasoning before serving – Potatoes soak up salt
• Garnish with extra herbs just before serving – For freshness

Creative Variations of Ina Garten’s Herbed Potato Salad

• Add chopped capers or pickles – For a tangy twist
• Include red onions or shallots – Adds a bit of bite
• Use whole-grain mustard instead of Dijon – For texture and depth
• Toss in arugula or baby spinach – Adds a leafy green touch
• Use red or fingerling potatoes – Adds color and variety
• Top with crumbled goat cheese or feta – Adds creaminess
• Add chopped hard-boiled eggs – Makes it more filling

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten’s Herbed Potato Salad

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge – Best within 2–3 days
• Let come to room temp before serving – Enhances flavor and texture
• Stir before serving leftovers – Redistributes herbs and dressing
• Do not freeze – Potatoes and herbs don’t hold up well when thawed

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten’s Herbed Potato Salad

• Best served at room temperature or slightly warm – Avoid overheating
• If needed, microwave briefly in short bursts – Just until warmed
• Drizzle with a little fresh lemon juice or olive oil to refresh – Brightens leftovers
• Avoid reheating herbs directly – They lose flavor when overcooked

Nutritional Value (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 260
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 420mg

A healthy and delicious side that’s satisfying without being heavy.

FAQs

Can I make Ina Garten’s herbed potato salad ahead of time?

Yes, it’s actually better when made ahead. You can prepare it a few hours in advance and let the flavors meld before serving at room temperature.

What potatoes work best for herbed potato salad?

Small white potatoes or Yukon Golds are best because they’re creamy, hold their shape well, and absorb vinaigrette beautifully.

Does Ina Garten’s herbed potato salad use mayonnaise?

No, this version skips mayonnaise and instead uses a lemon-Dijon vinaigrette for a lighter, fresher flavor.

Can I serve this potato salad cold?

Yes, but it’s best served warm or at room temperature to fully enjoy the herb and vinaigrette flavors.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Herbed Potato Salad is proof that you don’t need mayo to make an unforgettable potato salad. With fresh herbs, a zesty vinaigrette, and tender potatoes, it’s a flavorful side that works for everything from backyard barbecues to elegant brunches. Bright, clean, and so simple—this one’s a keeper.

Print