Memorial Day Picnic Potato Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bright and creamy potato salad featuring tender potatoes tossed in a zesty Dijon vinaigrette, ideal for summer cookouts and remembrance gatherings. This american-inspired salads ready in about 30 minutes pairs red onion, finely chopped, stalks celery stalks, finely chopped, fresh parsley, chopped into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 American cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 lbs diced Yukon gold potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Add 1 tsp salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 12-15 minutes until potatoes are tender but not falling apart. Drain and let cool.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and an additional pinch of salt until emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Add the cooled potatoes, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 finely chopped celery stalks, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley to the bowl. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly with the vinaigrette.
  4. Step 4: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Memorial Day Picnic Potato Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Memorial Day Picnic Potato Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep red onion, finely chopped from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Memorial Day Picnic Potato Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Memorial Day Picnic Potato Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Memorial Day Picnic Potato Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette?

American salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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