Dill Potato Salad

This Dill Potato Salad is about to become your new summer picnic favorite. Way better than that store-bought mush, it's creamy and flavorful with plenty of fresh herbs.

I grew up in a small town with not much to do. What we did have was an abundance of rivers, three to be exact. So that meant lots of summer weekends at various parks with speed boats and jet skis. It was sort of an all day thing, so that meant there had to be lots and lots of food.

I love this about humans. Each tribe thinks it's unique to their culture. True, what's on the table will be different, but I can't think of anywhere I've gone or anyone I've known who doesn't love being surrounded by food and friends. This is why I believe food is inherently magical. It's mere presence gives us a sense of safety that allows us to express joy. Everyone's vibration is raised when you gather together around a table laden with too much food.

What makes Dill Potato Salad so awesome?

This Dill Potato Salad is nothing like the plastic tub of gloopy mush you'd buy from your supermarket deli. And it certainly doesn't have stupid celery, though you could add it if it made you truly happy. We're using firm and flavorful Yukon Gold potatoes where we can get them. Cooked properly, they'll hold their shape but still have an almost creamy texture.

And yes, this dressing does contain mayonnaise, so it will need to be kept refrigerated or on ice, but there's also buttermilk for a hit of acidity. Plus a ton of black pepper, crunchy green onions, and plenty of bright, grassy dill. I absolutely love the scent of this delicate herb. Somehow it just makes me think of summer. You can use dried as well, but fresh is extra awesome.

Magical uses for dill

Dill can be used for home protection. Place a few fronds over your door to prevent anyone with hostile intentions from entering. You can also hang some over all doors and windows to repel the Evil Eye. Blend dill with salt, and scatter this around your space to counteract any magic worked against you.

Once you're good and protected, you can turn your focus to love. Steep dill seeds in wine, then strain and serve to someone you want to attract for a simple love potion. (Source: Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells by Judika Illes)

For the details on the magical properties of other ingredients in this recipe, check the Kitchen Magick page.

Tips for making Dill Potato Salad

We're going to start by boiling potatoes. Just leave them whole and cover them in cold water. Add some salt, slap a lid on, and boil them gently until you can pierce them with a sharp knife. The timing will vary depending on the size of your potatoes, but it's usually around 25 minutes. Then drain the potatoes, place your colander back over the pot, and cover them with a tea towel to steam and cool for another 15 minutes or so. You can do this part ahead of time if that's easier.

To make your dressing, all you have to do is whisk together some mayo, buttermilk, a bit of your favorite type of mustard, some chopped dill, and lots of freshly ground black pepper.

Chop your potatoes roughly, discarding any skins that pull away from the potato and leaving any that stick. Add the potatoes to the dressing, and gently fold them in. Fold in your chopped green onions as well, put a cover on the bowl, and stash this in the fridge for a few hours. Give it another good stir before serving.

I hope you're lazing by a riverbed eating lots of food. And if you've been asked to bring a dish, I hope it's this Dill Potato Salad. It's freakin' awesome.

Looking for more awesome picnic side dishes? Try this Za'atar Potato Salad or some Red Bean Salad.

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Recipe adapted from Ina Garten.