Memorial Day Picnic Potato Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette
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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 4: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My family couldn't stop eating this! The recipe is a keeper for every summer picnic.
- ★★★★★
The best potato salad I've ever made. So creamy and flavorful, and the Dijon really tied it all together.
- ★★★★★
This potato salad was a hit at our Memorial Day gathering! The Dijon vinaigrette added the perfect tang.
Equipment for this recipe
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