Dilly Bean Potato Salad
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 28 Jan 2026
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This vibrant dilly bean potato salad offers a sophisticated twist on a classic vegetarian side dish. By combining creamy baby Yukon Gold potatoes with the sharp, vinegar-led crunch of pickled dilly beans, you create a beautiful balance of textures and flavours. A hint of smoked paprika adds depth to the mayonnaise dressing, while fresh watercress or wild rocket provides a peppery bite that cuts through the richness of the hard-boiled eggs.
Ideal for summer entertaining or as a hearty accompaniment to a weekend lunch, this homemade salad is both comforting and refreshing. The secret lies in dressing the potatoes while they are still hot, allowing them to absorb the tangy shallot infusion. It is a versatile dish that can be prepared a day in advance, making it a stress-free addition to any buffet or garden party spread.
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Ingredients for Dilly Bean Potato Salad
2 shallots, halved lengthwise, very thinly sliced (about 240ml )
6 tablespoons (or more) red wine vinegar
Kosher salt
1.4kg baby Yukon Gold potatoes
Freshly ground black pepper
240ml (or more) mayonnaise
1 large pinch of smoked paprika
3 cups trimmed watercress, purslane, or wild rocket, coarsely chopped
1 cup Dilly Beans , cut crosswise into 2" pieces
2-3 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled, quartered
3/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley or celery leaves
How to make Dilly Bean Potato Salad
Back to contentsPlace shallots in a small bowl. Stir in 6 tablespoons red wine vinegar and a large pinch of salt; set aside.
Cook potatoes in a large saucepan of boiling salted water until just tender, about 30 minutes. Drain potatoes well; transfer to a large bowl. Lightly crush potatoes with the back of a large spoon; transfer to a large bowl. Add shallot-vinegar mixture to hot potatoes and toss to incorporate. Season with salt and pepper.
Whisk 150g mayonnaise and smoked paprika in a small bowl; add to potatoes and toss to combine. Fold in watercress, beans, and eggs and season to taste with salt, pepper, and more vinegar, if desired. Garnish with parsley. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Return to room temperature before serving, if desired, stirring in additional mayonnaise if dry.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
28 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

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