Creamy, herby, and bursting with fresh flavors, Ina Garten’s Tarragon Potato Salad is a modern twist on the classic potato salad. With tender potatoes, a tangy dressing, and the unique touch of fresh tarragon, this salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or family dinners.
What is Ina Garten Tarragon Potato Salad?
Ina Garten’s Tarragon Potato Salad elevates traditional potato salad by incorporating fresh tarragon, a distinctive herb with a subtle anise-like flavor. The creamy dressing, made with mayonnaise and Dijon mustard, perfectly complements the tender potatoes and adds a gourmet flair to this beloved comfort food.

Other Salad Recipes
Reasons to Try Ina Garten Tarragon Potato Salad
- Unique Flavor: Tarragon adds a sophisticated twist to a classic dish.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh herbs.
- Great for Gatherings: A crowd-pleaser that pairs well with many dishes.
- Versatile: Can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Tarragon Potato Salad
- Baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes – 2 pounds, halved or quartered if large
- Fresh tarragon – 2 tbsp, finely chopped
- Chopped fresh parsley – 2 tbsp
- Mayonnaise – ½ cup
- Dijon mustard – 2 tbsp
- White wine vinegar – 1 tbsp
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste
- Optional: Thinly sliced scallions or chives for garnish
Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Tarragon Potato Salad
- Cook the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain and let them cool slightly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Toss the Potatoes: Place the cooked potatoes in a large mixing bowl. While they are still warm, pour the dressing over them and toss gently to coat.
- Add Herbs: Sprinkle the chopped tarragon and parsley over the potatoes and gently toss again to combine.
- Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish with scallions or chives. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Tarragon Potato Salad
- Grilled Meats: Complements grilled chicken, steak, or ribs.
- Seafood: Pairs beautifully with grilled salmon or shrimp.
- Roasted Vegetables: Balances hearty roasted veggies like asparagus or zucchini.
- Sandwiches: Serves as a classic side to deli sandwiches or burgers.
Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Tarragon Potato Salad
- Use Waxy Potatoes: Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape better after cooking.
- Season While Warm: Potatoes absorb dressing better when they’re still warm.
- Don’t Overcook: Ensure the potatoes remain firm yet tender.
- Adjust to Taste: Taste and tweak the dressing for your preferred balance of flavors.
- Chill for Flavor Development: Let the salad sit for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Creative Variations of Ina Garten Tarragon Potato Salad
- Add Crunch: Include chopped celery or diced cucumbers for added texture.
- Make It Tangier: Use Greek yogurt or sour cream in place of mayonnaise.
- Incorporate Proteins: Add boiled eggs or crispy bacon for a heartier dish.
- Try Different Herbs: Substitute tarragon with dill, basil, or chervil for a new flavor.
- Add Capers: Toss in capers for a briny twist.
Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Tarragon Potato Salad
- Refrigerate in an Airtight Container: Keeps fresh for up to 3 days.
- Best Served Fresh: The salad tastes best on the day it’s made but can be prepared a few hours ahead.
- Avoid Freezing: The dressing may separate, and the texture of the potatoes can change when frozen.
Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Tarragon Potato Salad
- Serve Cold or at Room Temperature: No reheating required for this salad.
- If Served Warm: Gently warm in a skillet or microwave, but avoid overheating to preserve the texture of the dressing.
Nutrition Value
- Calories: ~200 per serving
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fats: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Vitamin C: ~15% of the daily value
- Iron: ~8% of the daily value
Wrapping Up
Ina Garten’s Tarragon Potato Salad is a fresh, flavorful take on a classic dish. The addition of tarragon adds a unique touch, making it a standout side for any meal.
PrintIna Garten Tarragon Potato Salad Recipe
Ina Garten’s Tarragon Potato Salad elevates traditional potato salad by incorporating fresh tarragon, a distinctive herb with a subtle anise-like flavor. The creamy dressing, made with mayonnaise and Dijon mustard, perfectly complements the tender potatoes and adds a gourmet flair to this beloved comfort food.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling and Mixing
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
- Baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes – 2 pounds, halved or quartered if large
- Fresh tarragon – 2 tbsp, finely chopped
- Chopped fresh parsley – 2 tbsp
- Mayonnaise – ½ cup
- Dijon mustard – 2 tbsp
- White wine vinegar – 1 tbsp
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste
- Optional: Thinly sliced scallions or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain and let them cool slightly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Toss the Potatoes: Place the cooked potatoes in a large mixing bowl. While they are still warm, pour the dressing over them and toss gently to coat.
- Add Herbs: Sprinkle the chopped tarragon and parsley over the potatoes and gently toss again to combine.
- Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish with scallions or chives. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Try it out, and let the magic of Ina’s cooking style inspire your table!
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