Memorial Day Potato Salad (Printer-friendly)

Crisp bacon and fresh dill with creamy Dijon-mayo and Yukon Gold potatoes for a tangy Memorial Day side.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 pounds Yukon Gold or red potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
02 - 3 stalks celery, diced
03 - 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

→ Meats

05 - 6 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled

→ Dressing

06 - 3/4 cup mayonnaise
07 - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
08 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
09 - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

11 - Extra dill sprigs for garnish (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Place cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Season the water with a generous pinch of salt, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook 12–15 minutes until just tender when pierced with a fork. Drain and allow to steam-dry briefly in the colander, then transfer to a bowl and let cool slightly.
02 - While the potatoes cook, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until browned and crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain, then crumble when cool enough to handle.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and emulsified.
04 - Add the warm potatoes to the dressing along with the diced celery, chopped red onion, chopped dill, and half of the crumbled bacon. Gently fold with a rubber spatula or spoon until the potatoes are evenly coated, taking care not to break the cubes.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a splash more vinegar if more acidity is desired.
06 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to marry; chilling for longer improves depth of flavor.
07 - Before serving, sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon and extra dill sprigs over the salad. Serve cold or at room temperature alongside grilled fare.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • There’s a magic to making people ask for seconds at a picnic, and this is that recipe.
  • The brightness of dill with the crunch of bacon makes it impossible not to sneak a forkful before serving.
02 -
  • Rushing the potatoes under cold water makes them watery, so let them steam off excess moisture instead.
  • Mixing the potatoes in while still warm lets them truly absorb the dressing’s flavor—it’s worth the patience.
03 -
  • I learned to dice potatoes evenly for perfect cooking—no more mystery mush or hard centers.
  • The secret to standout flavor: mixing the dressing with still-warm potatoes makes every bite memorable.
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