Scandinavian Dill Potato Salad

Scandinavian Dill Potato Salad is like a ray of Nordic sunshine on your plate, delivering a creamy, herby, and refreshingly bright experience that’s impossible to resist. With just fifteen minutes of prep, fifteen minutes of cooking, and a short thirty-minute rest in the fridge, this beginner-friendly recipe brings together tender new potatoes, tangy Dijon mustard, and an abundance of fresh dill. Whether you’re planning a laid-back lunch, a cozy dinner for two, or an appetizer spread at your next summer gathering, this versatile dish checks all the boxes. At around 350 calories per serving, it also strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and light, making it an ideal companion for grilled fish, roasted meats, or simply enjoyed on its own.

From the moment you toss warm potatoes in that velvety dressing, you’ll notice how the flavors mingle effortlessly—bright vinegar notes play off the richness of sour cream and mayonnaise, while capers and red onion add pops of savory zing. I still remember the first time I whisked together that garlicky essence of Dijon and tart apple cider vinegar; it felt like unlocking a secret Scandinavian treasure. As the dill releases its aromatic oils into every crevice, each forkful becomes an invitation to savor the simple pleasures of home cooking. Get ready to roll up your sleeves, dive into this creamy potato salad adventure, and bring a touch of northern charm to your table.

KEY INGREDIENTS IN SCANDINAVIAN DILL POTATO SALAD

Before we dive into the step-by-step, let’s explore the stars of our show. Each ingredient lends its own personality, building layers of flavor and texture that make this potato salad uniquely Scandinavian.

• small new potatoes: These tender, waxy potatoes hold their shape beautifully and keep the skins on for added texture and visual appeal. Their subtly sweet, earthy notes form the base of our salad.
• fresh dill: This fragrant herb imparts a bright, citrusy aroma with subtle anise undertones. Chopped finely, it distributes its vibrant flavor evenly throughout every bite.
• sour cream: Creamy and slightly tangy, sour cream brings a luscious silkiness to the dressing. It softens the sharpness of other ingredients and rounds out the taste.
• mayonnaise: Adds a rich, velvety backbone to the dressing, ensuring everything clings together in perfect harmony. It’s the glue that unites the flavors.
• apple cider vinegar: Provides a crisp, fruity acidity that cuts through the richness, lifting the entire salad with its zesty brightness.
• Dijon mustard: Infuses a gentle heat and depth of flavor. Its smooth consistency helps emulsify the dressing while delivering that classic tang.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Fundamental seasonings that enhance every component. Use them to balance and elevate the overall profile.
• red onion: Offers crunchy bites of sharp, slightly sweet flavor. Its vibrant color also adds a beautiful contrast against the pale potatoes.
• capers: These small, briny gems introduce bursts of savory, lemony notes that punctuate the creaminess with delightful pops of flavor.

HOW TO MAKE SCANDINAVIAN DILL POTATO SALAD

Let’s walk through the process of transforming these simple ingredients into a luscious, crowd-pleasing salad. From cleaning your potatoes to letting flavors meld in the fridge, each step brings you closer to that satisfying first bite.

1. Wash your potatoes thoroughly under cold running water to remove any grit. Cut them into bite-size pieces, leaving the skins intact for extra nutrients and a rustic look.

2. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water to season the potatoes from the inside out.

3. Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once bubbling, reduce to a simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender but still hold their shape. Check doneness by piercing a piece with a fork.

4. While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Use a whisk to blend into a smooth, cohesive mixture.

5. Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust until it has your preferred balance of tang and creaminess.

6. When the potatoes are done, drain them well and transfer to a large bowl. Let them cool slightly—they should be warm, not hot, to help the dressing adhere without melting.

7. Add the chopped dill, red onion, and capers to the bowl. Gently fold in the prepared dressing, coating each potato chunk evenly without breaking them apart.

8. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and intensify, giving you that signature depth.

9. Before serving, give the salad a final gentle stir. Taste and tweak with extra salt, pepper, or dill as needed for a perfectly balanced finish.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR SCANDINAVIAN DILL POTATO SALAD

This potato salad shines in a variety of settings, from casual picnics to elegant dinner spreads. Its cool, creamy texture contrasts beautifully with grilled and roasted dishes, and its herbaceous brightness adds a gourmet touch to any plate. Whether you’re hosting a laid-back backyard barbecue or preparing a cozy family meal, these serving ideas will help you present your salad in the most inviting way possible.

• Side for Grilled Fish: Pair the salad with lemony, char-grilled salmon or white fish. The herbs and capers echo the seafood’s natural flavors, creating a harmonious seaside-inspired plate.
• Light Lunch Bowl: Build a nourishing lunch bowl by nestling a portion of the salad atop mixed greens. Add sliced cherry tomatoes, cucumber ribbons, and a drizzle of extra vinaigrette for color and crunch.
• Elegant Appetizer: Spoon the potato salad onto small serving spoons or endive leaves for bite-sized hors d’oeuvres. Garnish each with a sprig of dill or a thin smoked salmon ribbon.
• Sandwich Filler: Use the salad as a creamy layer in a crusty baguette or soft roll. Add crisp lettuce and thinly sliced cucumber for a satisfying midday treat.

HOW TO STORE SCANDINAVIAN DILL POTATO SALAD

Storing your potato salad properly ensures it stays fresh, bright, and safe to enjoy later. The cool environment of your fridge helps maintain the creaminess of the dressing while keeping those delicate herbs vibrant. Follow these tips to preserve texture and flavor for up to two days.

• Airtight Container: Transfer the salad into a sealed container to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge. This also stops excess moisture from drying it out.
• Separate Dressing Method: If you anticipate leftovers, consider storing extra dressing in a small jar. Add it just before serving to keep the potatoes from becoming overly soft.
• Gentle Stir Before Serving: After refrigeration, give the salad a light stir to redistribute any settled dressing and herbs evenly.
• Optimal Temperature: Keep the salad at around 38–40°F. Avoid storing it near the freezer compartment to prevent frost or icy flavors from developing.

CONCLUSION

Scandinavian Dill Potato Salad stands out as a simple yet sophisticated side that effortlessly combines creamy textures with bright, herb-infused notes. In just under an hour—from the moment you scrub those new potatoes to the time you take that first chilled bite—you’ll have a dish that feels both comforting and refreshingly modern. The interplay of tangy Dijon mustard, zingy apple cider vinegar, and fragrant dill creates a flavor profile that elevates any meal, whether it’s a casual lunch with friends or an elegant dinner party. With only a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks at any level. Don’t forget to jot down the prep time (15 minutes), cooking time (15 minutes), and chill time (30 minutes) so you can plan your meal perfectly. At roughly 350 calories per serving, it’s also a guilt-free addition to your menu.

Feel free to print this article and keep it in your recipe collection for easy reference. You can prep most of it in advance and let it rest in the fridge, freeing you up to focus on the main course or other appetizers. Below the article, you’ll find a helpful FAQ section to address any questions you might have. I’d love to hear how your version turns out—share your experiences, tweaks, or favorite serving ideas in the comments! If you have any questions or need further guidance, just let me know. Happy cooking and skål to good food and great company!

Print Recipe

Scandinavian Dill Potato Salad

Author: Annie Delgado Courses: Lunch

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 15 mins Rest Time 30 mins Total Time 1 hr

Calories: 350

Description

Experience the vibrant flavors of fresh dill and tangy dressing in this creamy potato salad, perfect for summer gatherings or a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 pounds small new potatoes

• ¹⁄₄ cup finely chopped fresh dill

• ¹⁄₂ cup sour cream

• ¹⁄₄ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• ¹⁄₄ cup finely chopped red onion

• 2 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed

Instructions

1. Begin by washing the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Cut them into bite-size pieces, leaving the skin on for added texture and nutrients.
2. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water to enhance flavor during cooking.
3. Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the potatoes for 10-15 minutes, or until they are tender but still firm. Check doneness with a fork.
4. While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
5. Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning according to your preference.
6. Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them well and set aside to cool slightly. The potatoes should be warm, not hot, when assembling the salad, as this will help absorb the flavors better.
7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm potatoes, chopped dill, red onion, and capers. Gently fold in the prepared dressing until all ingredients are well coated.
8. Allow the salad to sit for a minimum of 30 minutes in the refrigerator before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
9. Prior to serving, give the salad a gentle stir and taste for seasoning. Adjust with extra salt, pepper, or dill if necessary.

Note

• This salad is best enjoyed chilled and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• For a twist, add some smoked salmon or pickled herring to the salad for an authentic Scandinavian touch.
• Try mixing in some chopped hard-boiled eggs for added texture and protein.
• Use leftover salad as a sandwich filler alongside lettuce and sliced cucumber for a refreshing lunch option.
• For a vegan version, substitute sour cream and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives.

Keywords: potato salad, dill, Scandinavian recipes, summer salad, easy side dish, creamy dressing