The Martian Potato Salad
A simple, refreshing potato salad inspired by Matt Damon's space survival film, featuring dill, mustard, and a creamy tang. This american-inspired salads ready in about 35 minutes pairs Yukon Gold, peeled and cubed potatoes, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard 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 220 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, peeled and cubed potatoes
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 cup, finely diced red onion
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1 tsp salt, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-18 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and cool completely at room temperature.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, dill, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Step 3: Gently fold cooled potatoes, red onion, and 1/4 cup dill into the dressing until evenly coated. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does The Martian Potato Salad take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 The Martian Potato Salad?
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 mayonnaise from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in The Martian Potato Salad?
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 The Martian Potato Salad 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 The Martian Potato Salad?
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
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order american delivery again.
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order american delivery again.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
