If you’re craving a potato salad that bursts with bright, tangy flavors and a satisfying texture, the Smashed Potato Salad with Pickles, Dill, and Capers Recipe is your next must-try dish. This salad takes traditional potato salad up a notch by smashing tender baby potatoes to create a rustic base, then layering on the sharp crunch of pickles, the fresh brightness of dill, and the briny pop of capers. It’s simple yet delicious, with every ingredient playing a starring role in turning ordinary potatoes into an extraordinary feast that feels like a warm hug from your favorite chef.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Smashed Potato Salad with Pickles, Dill, and Capers Recipe, you’ll want to gather some straightforward ingredients that pack a punch. Each element is carefully chosen to contribute flavor, crunch, or just the right hint of spice to balance the potatoes perfectly.
- Baby gold or red potatoes: These small potatoes are tender and perfect for smashing without falling apart.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a silky richness and helps bind the salad ingredients together.
- Fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the delicate nuance of the other ingredients.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Offers subtle heat and depth to the salad.
- Chopped dill pickles: These bring a vinegary crunch that brightens every bite.
- Red onion: Adds a sharp, slightly sweet crunch that cuts through the creamy dressing.
- Celery: Provides fresh, crisp texture for a delightful contrast.
- Fresh dill: Gives an aromatic herbaceous quality that ties the salad together.
- Capers: These tiny bursts of salty tang enrich the salad with complexity.
- Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy, luscious base without weighing the salad down.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a mild kick and a bit of sharpness that livens up the dressing.
How to Make Smashed Potato Salad with Pickles, Dill, and Capers Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Start by boiling your baby gold or red potatoes in a large pot filled with salted water. You’ll want them fork-tender but still holding their shape, which usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Once done, drain the potatoes and let them cool just enough so you can handle them without burning your fingers.
Step 2: Gently Smash the Potatoes
Here’s where the magic happens! Using the back of a fork or a potato masher, softly press down to break the potatoes apart but keep some texture intact. This rustic smashing creates pockets that will soak up the flavors from the veggies and dressing beautifully.
Step 3: Season with Olive Oil, Salt, and Pepper
Transfer the smashed potatoes to a large bowl and drizzle them with the extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle half the salt and black pepper over the top. Toss everything gently so the potatoes are coated evenly, enhancing their natural creaminess with just the right hint of seasoning.
Step 4: Add the Pickles, Onion, Celery, Dill, and Capers
Next, fold in the chopped dill pickles, finely diced red onion, crisp celery, fresh chopped dill, and briny capers. These ingredients bring incredible texture and bright, savory notes that make this salad feel so vibrant and alive.
Step 5: Mix the Creamy Dijon Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth. Pour this creamy concoction over the potato mixture and stir gently but thoroughly so every smashed chunk gleams with a light, tangy coating.
Step 6: Adjust Seasoning
Give your salad a careful taste test. If it needs a little more salt or pepper, sprinkle it in now and mix again. This step ensures that every bite hits just the right balance of flavors.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, add a final flourish of fresh dill to the top of the salad. This not only looks beautiful but adds an extra fragrant punch that will make your guests’ mouths water.
How to Serve Smashed Potato Salad with Pickles, Dill, and Capers Recipe
Garnishes
To give this Smashed Potato Salad with Pickles, Dill, and Capers Recipe an elegant finishing touch, sprinkle some extra fresh dill or even a few capers on top. A light drizzle of good olive oil or a scatter of chopped chives can also elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs brilliantly with grilled chicken or salmon, adding a refreshing counterpoint to richer proteins. It’s also fantastic alongside summer barbecues, picnics, or as a hearty side at brunch with some crispy bacon and eggs.
Creative Ways to Present
For a unique twist, serve the salad in individual glass jars or small bowls garnished with edible flowers for a pretty party spread. Alternatively, lay it out on a large platter with fresh greens around the edges for a vibrant, family-style serving experience everyone will appreciate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Smashed Potato Salad with Pickles, Dill, and Capers Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This salad actually benefits from a little sit time as the flavors mingle, so leftovers often taste even better the next day.
Freezing
Because of the mayonnaise and fresh herbs, freezing this salad isn’t recommended. The texture and flavor may change significantly once thawed, losing the salad’s signature freshness and creaminess.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it slightly warm, gently allow it to come to room temperature before serving, but avoid reheating in a microwave as this can make it mushy and dull the flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely! While baby gold or red potatoes are ideal for their texture and flavor, Yukon Gold or fingerling potatoes also work well. Just be sure to choose a variety that holds its shape when boiled.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you want a lighter version or need a substitute, Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo alternative works great and adds a tangy creaminess without overpowering the other flavors.
Are capers necessary in this recipe?
Capers add a unique briny note that complements the pickles and dill beautifully, but if you’re not a fan, you can reduce the amount or omit them entirely without losing too much of the salad’s character.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes! This Smashed Potato Salad with Pickles, Dill, and Capers Recipe can be made a few hours ahead or the day before. The flavors tend to deepen beautifully overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead dish.
How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
Make sure to drain your potatoes thoroughly after boiling and add the dressing just before serving, or keep the salad chilled until ready to eat. The smash technique helps with texture, keeping bits of potato tender but firm.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Smashed Potato Salad with Pickles, Dill, and Capers Recipe enough—it’s the kind of dish that brings people together and brightens any table with its lively flavors and comforting textures. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just want a delicious side to elevate your weeknight dinner, this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and prepare for everyone to ask for seconds!
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Smashed Potato Salad with Pickles, Dill, and Capers Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Smashed Potato Salad is a delightful, tangy, and savory side dish featuring tender baby potatoes gently smashed and tossed with crisp vegetables, fresh dill, capers, and a creamy Dijon mustard mayonnaise dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a comforting family meal, this salad combines smooth texture with zesty flavors for a crowd-pleasing addition to your recipe collection.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds baby gold potatoes (or red potatoes), whole and unpeeled
Seasoning & Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
- 1 cup chopped dill pickles
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped (about 2 stalks)
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1 1/2 tablespoons capers, chopped
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes: Place the baby gold or red potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the water and let the potatoes cool slightly to handle safely.
- Smashed the Potatoes: Using the back of a fork or a potato masher, gently press down on each potato to smash it slightly without breaking it apart completely. This creates a rustic texture that will absorb the flavors.
- Season the Potatoes: Transfer the smashed potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Add the extra virgin olive oil, half of the sea salt, and half of the black pepper. Toss gently to coat the potatoes evenly with the seasoning and oil.
- Add Vegetables and Herbs: Incorporate the chopped dill pickles, finely chopped red onion, celery, fresh dill, and chopped capers into the bowl with the potatoes. Mix well to evenly distribute the fresh and tangy ingredients.
- Prepare the Dressing and Combine: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth. Pour this dressing over the potato mixture and toss everything together until the potatoes and vegetables are well coated and combined.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the potato salad and add the remaining sea salt and black pepper as needed to balance the flavors to your preference.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the potato salad with additional fresh dill for a vibrant presentation. Serve immediately or chill for later to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Baby potatoes or small red potatoes work best for smashing due to their size and texture.
- Allow potatoes to cool slightly before smashing to prevent them from breaking apart too much.
- Feel free to substitute mayonnaise with a lighter yogurt-based dressing for a healthier option.
- This salad can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled according to your preference.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
