Fingerling Potato Salad for Cookouts & Picnics

Fingerling potato salad is one of my favorite salads. This side dish offers the perfect balance of textures with fresh veggies and a zesty dressing. You will love its comforting flavors.

Fingerling Potato Salad Recipe

Fingerling potato salad is a vibrant, versatile side dish with fingerling potatoes as the main ingredient. Fingerling potatoes are small, elongated, and waxy potatoes known for their buttery flavor and creamy texture.

Easy fingerling potato salad with red onion, celery, and dill pickles
Unlike the softer, milder classic potato salads, fingerling potato salad stands out for its firm texture, rich flavor, and vibrant colors.

Unlike larger, starchy potatoes, fingerlings hold their shape well after cooking. This makes them ideal for salads with distinct pieces rather than a mashed consistency. This salad can be dressed with creamy mayonnaise-based sauces, tangy vinaigrettes with olive oil and lemon, or mustard-based emulsions. For this recipe, I’ll use Dijon vinaigrette.

Fingerling salad pairs well with BBQ dishes like ribs, pulled pork, honey chipotle chicken sandwiches, and roast meats. It also complements grilled meats and seafood, including steak, salmon, and chicken Milanese.

You can pair it with burgers, sandwiches, and brunch dishes like Quiche Lorraine or frittatas. It also pairs well with savory pies, such as puff pastry tomato tart, and vegetarian meals featuring beluga lentils or dill. For lighter options, try it with spring vegetables like peas and radishes for a fresh, tangy side.

Here’s how to make fingerling potato salad:

Simple fingerling potato salad recipe

Fingerling Potato Salad

Creamy fingerling potato salad with tender potatoes, fresh herbs, and a tangy dressing—perfect for picnics or BBQs!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1.5gSodium: 260mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2g

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs fingerling potatoes, halved lengthwise
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup celery finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup dill pickles finely chopped (optional)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill chopped
  • 1/4 cup Dijon vinaigrette

Instructions
 

  • Place halved fingerling potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
  • In a large bowl, combine cooked potatoes, red onion, celery, and pickles (if using). Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
  • Sprinkle with fresh herbs. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled for best flavor.
Keyword Classic salad recipes, homemade side dish, summer recipes
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Variations

Here are some notable ways to elevate fingerling potato salad beyond the classic version:

  1. Dressing Variations
    • Creamy Dill Dressing uses a mix of sour cream and mayonnaise, with plenty of fresh dill and onions. This version is often finished with a splash of vinegar and can include other crunchy vegetables like celery or cucumber.
    • Whole-Grain Mustard & Honey blends mayonnaise with whole-grain mustard and honey, then add chopped tarragon and thyme for a salad with both tang and sweetness.
  2. Add-Ins Versions
    • Red Onion & Cucumber add extra crunch and color. Shredded carrots or a mix of red, white, and purple fingerlings can also enhance visual appeal and flavor.
    • Pickles & Shallots offer a briny, zesty note and a bit of crunch. These work especially well in mayonnaise-based salads.
  3. Roasted or Grilled Potatoes roast or grill the fingerling potatoes to bring out their natural sweetness and add a caramelized flavor. Roasted shallots, marinated mushrooms, and grilled lemons can be incorporated for depth and complexity.
  4. Pecorino & Fried Shallots Toppings create a rich, savory finish. Basil pesto can also be swirled in for added freshness.
  5. International and Fusion Twists
    • Pesto Potato Salad tosses fingerlings with a tarragon or parsley pesto and quick-pickled red onions for a lighter, Mediterranean-inspired salad.
    • Tex-Mex Version adds char-grilled jalapeños, green onions, cilantro, and a sour cream-cider vinegar-cumin dressing for a spicy, Southwestern take.

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