This Dijon Walnut Potato Salad is a creamy delight that brings together comforting flavors and fresh herbs, perfect for summer picnics or family dinners. Its rich texture and zesty taste can become a favorite side dish in no time.
This Dijon Walnut Potato Salad addresses mushy potatoes, bland dressing, uneven flavor, and lack of texture, delivering tang, crunch, and nutty depth.

I often find myself needing quick and satisfying recipes, especially for busy weekends or unexpected guests. This potato salad solves the age-old problem of how to jazz up a classic dish without too much fuss, ensuring everyone enjoys their meal. Plus, I love that it caters to those wanting a dish that feels homemade yet elegant.
This recipe is easy to put together in just about 35 minutes, making it a reliable choice for any occasion. The combination of tender potatoes, crunchy walnuts, and aromatic herbs creates a flavorful experience that’ll have you coming back for seconds.
If you’re looking for a tasty vegetarian option, check out my Leek and Mushroom Soup.
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich Creaminess , The combination of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard creates a deliciously creamy dressing that beautifully coats the tender potatoes, delivering smooth bites without excess heaviness.
- Herb-Infused Freshness , Fresh dill and parsley not only add vibrant green color but also lend an aromatic quality to this salad, perfectly enhancing the earthiness of the potatoes.
- Crisp Textural Contrast , With crunchy celery and walnuts, this potato salad keeps each mouthful interesting, as you get delightful pops of texture alongside the creamy potatoes.
- Make-Ahead Friendly , This salad holds its flavor well when made in advance, making it a hassle-free option for meal prepping or picnics, ensuring you can focus on enjoying the occasion.
Creamy Potato Salad with Herbs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cool Time:
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling and Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Dijon Walnut Potato Salad: creamy potato salad with Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, pickles and optional walnuts.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds (900 grams) small red or yellow potatoes, washed
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise of choice
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 1/21/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt
- 1/21/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) freshly ground pepper
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) finely chopped celery
- 1/3 cup (50 grams) thinly sliced scallions
- 1/2 cup (30 grams) chopped fresh dill
- 1/2 cup (30 grams) chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup (35 grams) finely chopped pickles
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped walnuts (optional)
- Seasonings/Secondary Ingredients
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Wash Potatoes Thoroughly: Start by giving your red or yellow potatoes a good wash under cold running water, scrubbing away any dirt. This step is essential for removing any residual soil, ensuring your potato salad is clean and enjoyable.

- Step 2: Cook Potatoes Just Right: Place the washed potatoes in a pot, covering them with cold water by about an inch and adding a pinch of salt. Cook them until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Overcooking can lead to mushiness, which you want to avoid.

- Step 3: Prepare the Dressing: While the potatoes are cooking, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a mixing bowl. This mixture is key for a creamy dressing that binds all the flavors together, so take your time to blend it well.

- Step 4: Add Chopped Ingredients: Once the potatoes have cooled a bit, chop them into bite-sized pieces and gently fold them into your dressing. This careful mixing ensures each potato piece gets coated without breaking apart, maintaining that hearty texture.

- Step 5: Mix in Fresh Herbs: Incorporate the chopped dill, parsley, celery, and scallions into the salad. Fresh herbs add vibrancy and flavor, making your potato salad more delicious and aromatic – do not skip this step for that garden-fresh taste.

- Step 6: Adjust Seasoning & Serve: Taste your salad and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground pepper as needed. This final touch enhances the flavors, so be sure it is just right before serving. Serve at room temperature or chilled for the best experience.

Notes
- Storage Tips: Refrigerate in an airtight container at 35-40 degrees F for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving if the flavors need to be revitalized.
- If you find that the potatoes start to break apart during cooking, decrease the heat 10 minutes into boiling to maintain their shape while ensuring they are tender.
- If the salad seems too dry, mix in an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise 5 minutes before serving for a creamier texture without overwhelming the flavor.
- For bland seasoning, an additional pinch of salt and pepper right before serving ensures proper distribution and enhances the overall taste.
- When potatoes cool too quickly, covering the pot for the last 5 minutes of cooking traps steam, helping them maintain warmth and moisture.
- If the salad becomes too tangy, add a1/2 teaspoon of sugar to counteract acidity and adjust for a better flavor profile that suits your taste.
- Reheating Instructions: This potato salad is best served cold or at room temperature and does not require reheating.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with grilled meats such as chicken or steak for a satisfying meal. This potato salad can also be enjoyed as a refreshing snack.
- Recipe Variations: For a lighter variation, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise at a 1:1 ratio.
- Recipe Variations: If you prefer different herbs, swap out dill for tarragon or chives for a unique twist.
- Ingredient Notes: Opt for waxy varieties like red or Yukon Gold potatoes which hold their shape well and combine smoothly, making for a fantastic texture in your salad.
- Ingredient Notes: Choose a good quality mayonnaise for richness, or for a tangy twist, consider Greek yogurt instead.
- Ingredient Notes: Look for fresh dill and parsley without wilting for the best flavor profile; dried herbs can work, but fresh really brightens things up.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg

Ingredient Notes
- Potatoes: Opt for waxy varieties like red or Yukon Gold for creaminess. They hold their shape well and combine smoothly, making for a fantastic texture in your salad.
- Mayonnaise: Use a good quality mayonnaise for richness. It makes the salad creamy. If you prefer a lighter version, try Greek yogurt instead for a tangy twist!
- Dijon mustard: A bit of Dijon adds a nice kick and depth of flavor. It ties everything together and enhances the overall taste. Feel free to use yellow mustard if you like a milder flavor.
- Fresh herbs: Fresh dill and parsley elevate the salad’s flavor profile. Look for vibrant greens without wilting. Dried herbs can work, but fresh really brightens things up!
- Red onion: Diced red onion provides a crunch and sharpness you want in a potato salad. Choose firm onions for the best bite. Green onions are a great substitute for a milder taste.
- Celery: Chopped celery adds crunch and freshness. Make sure it’s crisp and firm when you buy it. Bell peppers can work too if you want a sweeter flavor!
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper enhances flavor without overpowering it. It’s a simple way to elevate the salad’s taste. White pepper could be a subtler alternative if you prefer.
- Potatoes: Opt for waxy varieties like red or Yukon Gold for creaminess. They hold their shape well and combine smoothly, making for a fantastic texture in your salad.
- Mayonnaise: Use a good quality mayonnaise for richness. It makes the salad creamy. If you prefer a lighter version, try Greek yogurt instead for a tangy twist!
- Dijon mustard: A bit of Dijon adds a nice kick and depth of flavor. It ties everything together and enhances the overall taste. Feel free to use yellow mustard if you like a milder flavor.
- Fresh herbs: Fresh dill and parsley elevate the salad’s flavor profile. Look for vibrant greens without wilting. Dried herbs can work, but fresh really brightens things up!
- Red onion: Diced red onion provides a crunch and sharpness you want in a potato salad. Choose firm onions for the best bite. Green onions are a great substitute for a milder taste.
- Celery: Chopped celery adds crunch and freshness. Make sure it’s crisp and firm when you buy it. Bell peppers can work too if you want a sweeter flavor!
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper enhances flavor without overpowering it. It’s a simple way to elevate the salad’s taste. White pepper could be a subtler alternative if you prefer.
Recipe Tips
- If potatoes start to break apart during cooking, decrease heat 10 minutes into boiling to maintain their shape while ensuring they are tender.
- If the salad seems too dry, mix in an extra tablespoon of mayo 5 minutes before serving for a creamier texture without overwhelming the flavor.
- For bland seasoning, add an additional pinch of salt and pepper right before serving to ensure proper distribution and enhance the overall taste.
- When potatoes cool too quickly, covering the pot for the last 5 minutes of cooking traps steam, helping them maintain warmth and moisture.
- If the salad becomes too tangy, add a teaspoon of sugar to counteract acidity and find a better flavor profile that suits your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your creamy potato salad alongside grilled chicken or salmon for a satisfying meal. Pair it with a crisp garden salad or steamed green beans for added freshness.
Add to a picnic spread or a barbecue platter with burgers and hot dogs. Use to make a potato salad sandwich or to top off a green salad for extra creaminess.
Top with a drizzle of olive oil or apple cider vinegar for enhanced flavor. Sprinkle with additional fresh herbs like dill or parsley just before serving for vibrancy.
Recipe variations
- You can use Yukon Gold potatoes or fingerling potatoes to bring a creamy texture and unique taste to your potato salad.
- Add 1 tablespoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for depth of flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
- Either use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a tangy twist or substitute sour cream for a creamier texture.
- If preparing for a picnic, double this recipe for a total of 12 servings, keeping it chilled until serving time.
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How to Store?
To keep your creamy potato salad fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Avoid leaving it out longer to maintain safety.
Refrigeration: Place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving to redistribute flavors.
Freezing: Wrap portions in plastic wrap, place in a freezer container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
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