Name: Ranch Potato Salad
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Ingredients: 3 pounds red potatoes , peeled and cut into 3/4-inch chunks; Salt; 3/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1/4 cup white wine vinegar; 1/4 cup drained jarred roasted red peppers , chopped fine; 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves; 3 scallions , chopped fine; 1 garlic clove , minced; 1/8 teaspoon dried dill; 2 teaspoons pepper; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Why This Recipe Works

Bottled ranch dressing sounds like a quick way to dress up potato salad, but many ranch potato salad recipes are surprisingly dull and bland. We found that red-skinned potatoes were key to our Ranch Potato Salad recipe—they hold their shape better than other types. Peeling the potatoes allowed them to absorb more dressing. For a flavorful dressing, we doubled the amount of cilantro used in most ranch potato salad recipes and added fresh garlic and scallions for a welcome bite. Dijon mustard and vinegar provide acidity and bite, while chopped roasted red peppers are a sweet counterpoint. Just a dash of dried dill lends the perfect amount of dill flavor. To better season the potatoes, we tossed the hot spuds first with just the Dijon mustard and vinegar.

Before You Begin

We prefer white wine vinegar here, but white and cider vinegars are acceptable substitutes.

Instructions

Bring potatoes, 1 tablespoon salt, and enough water to cover by 1 inch to boil in large pot over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until potatoes are just tender, about 10 minutes. While potatoes simmer, whisk mayonnaise, buttermilk, 2 tablespoons vinegar, red peppers, cilantro, scallions, garlic, dill, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper in large bowl.

Drain potatoes, then spread in even layer on rimmed baking sheet. Whisk mustard and remaining vinegar in small bowl. Drizzle mustard mixture over hot potatoes and toss until evenly coated. Refrigerate until cooled, about 30 minutes.

Transfer cooled potatoes to bowl with mayonnaise mixture and toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled, about 30 minutes. Serve. (Salad can be refrigerated in airtight container for 2 days.)