This Dijon Potato Salad is a light and tangy recipe, which is made with red new potatoes and a simple vinaigrette. It’s a healthy, mayonnaise-free side dish, perfect for a summer picnic or barbecue, ready in about 30 minutes.
Dijon Potato Salad Ingredients
A simple, fresh combination for a vibrant, mayo-free potato salad.
- 1 ½ pounds red new potatoes, scrubbed and halved (quartered if large)
- 1 tablespoon white-wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
How To Make Dijon Potato Salad
A step-by-step guide to this simple and elegant side dish.
- Steam the Potatoes: Place a steamer basket in a saucepan with about 1 inch of water. Bring the water to a gentle boil. Add the potatoes to the basket, cover, and steam for 15 to 20 minutes, until they are just tender when pierced with a fork.
- Make the Dressing and Marinate: In a large serving bowl, whisk together the white-wine vinegar and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper. Add the hot, steamed potatoes directly to the bowl. Toss gently to coat the potatoes in the vinegar mixture.
- Cool and Finish: Let the potatoes cool in the bowl, tossing them occasionally. This allows the warm potatoes to absorb the tangy dressing. Once cooled, drizzle with the olive oil and add the chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve: Toss everything together one last time, season with more salt and pepper to taste, and serve.

Recipe Tips
For the most flavorful, perfectly textured Dijon potato salad.
- How to get the most flavorful potatoes? The most important trick is to toss the potatoes with the vinegar-mustard mixture while they are still hot. The warm, porous potatoes will soak up the tangy dressing much more effectively than cold potatoes, seasoning them from the inside out.
- Why steam instead of boil the potatoes? Steaming the potatoes is a great method for potato salad because it cooks them gently without them becoming waterlogged. This results in potatoes with a better, firmer texture and a more concentrated flavor.
- Can I use a different type of potato? Yes. Waxy potatoes are best for this style of salad as they hold their shape well. Baby Yukon Golds or fingerling potatoes would be excellent substitutes for the red new potatoes.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, this is a perfect make-ahead salad. You can prepare it completely and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to meld and may even be better the next day. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes and give it a fresh toss before serving.
What To Serve With Dijon Potato Salad
Perfect main courses to pair with this light and tangy side.
This versatile, mayo-free potato salad is a wonderful accompaniment to a variety of dishes, especially grilled foods:
- Grilled chicken, fish, or pork chops
- Seared steak or salmon
- Sandwiches and burgers
- It’s also a great addition to a picnic or potluck spread.
How To Store Dijon Potato Salad
Keeping your salad fresh and delicious.
- Refrigerate: Store leftover potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days.
Dijon Potato Salad Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per serving.
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 7 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Absolutely. This is a great base recipe. Finely chopped red onion, capers, or celery would add a lovely crunch and extra flavor. You could also add other fresh herbs like dill or chives along with the parsley.
Yes, feel free to experiment. A whole-grain mustard would add a nice texture. For the vinegar, apple cider vinegar would also work well, providing a slightly fruitier tang.
No, it’s not necessary, especially with thin-skinned red new potatoes. The skins add color, texture, and nutrients to the salad. Just be sure to scrub them well before cooking.
Try More Recipes:
- Deviled Egg Potato Salad Recipe
- All-American Potato Salad Recipe
- Old-Fashioned German Potato Salad Recipe

Dijon Potato Salad Recipe
Description
A light, fresh, and tangy potato salad made with tender red new potatoes and a simple Dijon mustard and white wine vinegar vinaigrette, with no mayonnaise in sight.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Steam the potatoes in a saucepan with a steamer basket for 15-20 minutes, until just tender.
- In a large serving bowl, whisk together the vinegar and Dijon mustard; season with salt and pepper.
- Add the hot, steamed potatoes to the bowl and toss to coat them in the dressing.
- Let the potatoes cool, tossing occasionally.
- Once cooled, drizzle with the olive oil and add the fresh parsley.
- Toss everything to combine, season to taste with more salt and pepper, and serve.
Notes
- Tossing the potatoes with the vinegar dressing while they are still hot is the secret to a deeply flavorful salad.
- Steaming the potatoes prevents them from becoming waterlogged and helps them maintain a firm texture.
- This salad is perfect for making ahead, as the flavors get even better after a few hours in the fridge.
- Feel free to add other ingredients like chopped red onion or capers for extra flavor.