Easy Vegan Potato Salad

The Best Simple Vegan Potato Salad is the perfect dish to whip up for any occasion, from a summer BBQ to potluck dinners. This delightful salad combines creamy, tender Yukon gold potatoes with a zesty dressing, making it not only delicious but also satisfying. Each bite is a balance of flavor and texture that truly elevates the beloved classic. Unlike many store-bought versions loaded with unnecessary additives, our vegan take showcases the natural goodness of the ingredients, ensuring that you know exactly what goes into your food.

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Easy Vegan Potato Salad

When I first made this recipe for a friend’s gathering, I was amazed at how quickly it disappeared! Guests couldn’t believe it was vegan—eating the creamy texture and vibrant herbs prompted many to ask for the recipe. Packed with fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients, this Easy Vegan Potato Salad is sure to become a staple in your home kitchen. It’s simple enough to prepare any day of the week while feeling special enough for gatherings. I can’t wait for you to give it a try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple & Quick: Whip it up in 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute get-togethers.
  • Irresistible Flavor: The combination of tahini, mustard, and herbs creates a tantalizing dressing that elevates the potatoes.
  • Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors from fresh herbs make this salad a feast for the eyes.
  • Flexible Serving: Ideal for cookouts, lunchboxes, or even as a hearty snack.
  • Diet-Friendly Options: Completely vegan and can easily be made gluten-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, cubed: These potatoes are creamy and buttery, perfect for a comforting salad. You can substitute them with red potatoes for a slightly firmer texture.
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled: Lending a flavorful kick without overwhelming the dish, garlic adds depth. Use roasted garlic for a sweeter, milder taste.
  • Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning, kosher salt is recommended for its texture. Feel free to adjust to personal taste.
  • 2 tablespoons cashew butter (or almond butter): This provides creaminess; cashew butter is slightly milder in flavor, while almond butter adds a nutty twist.
  • 2 tablespoons tahini: Adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the dressing. You can use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
  • 1 tablespoon whole grain Dijon mustard: This strikes a perfect balance between tangy and savory.
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard: For an extra zing, this mustard enhances the overall dressing profile.
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness, helping to balance the tanginess of the vinegars. Maple syrup makes it completely vegan.
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil: For a rich texture, this oil perfectly complements the other flavors. Use light olive oil for a milder taste.
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: This vinegar contributes a lovely tartness. White wine vinegar works well too if you prefer.
  • Juice of 1/2 a lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the salad. Lime juice works as a nice substitute in a pinch.
  • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: A touch of heat adds complexity, but feel free to omit if you want a milder salad.
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped: Fresh herbs elevate the dish, with basil bringing aromatic freshness.
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped: Dill has a distinct taste that pairs beautifully with potatoes.
  • 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped (optional): Oregano contributes another layer of flavor; skip it if you prefer a simpler taste.
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives: Chives add a mild onion flavor that’s gentle but refreshing.

How to Make Easy Vegan Potato Salad

  1. Cook the Potatoes: Place the cubed Yukon gold potatoes and peeled garlic cloves in a large pot. Fill with water and add a tablespoon of kosher salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then lower to medium, simmering for 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are just fork-tender. Once cooked, drain and return the potatoes to the hot pot. Remove the garlic cloves, cover the pot, and let the potatoes steam for 20 more minutes to become fluffy.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: While the potatoes are steaming, finely chop the garlic. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cashew butter, 2 tablespoons of tahini, 1 tablespoon whole grain Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, juice of 1/2 a lemon, and the chopped garlic. Add 2 tablespoons of warm water to help blend the ingredients together smoothly. Season with cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper to taste. If the dressing seems to separate, just whisk in a little more water to bring it back together.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Pour the dressing over the warm potatoes, fetching for that delightful mix. Add in the chopped fresh basil, dill, oregano, and chives, tossing well to combine. Taste the delightful mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper as you see fit. Now, you can choose to serve it warm right away or let it cool down gently. Alternatively, cover it and place it in the fridge for later. This salad can also be enjoyed at room temperature or cold, and you can store any leftovers in the fridge for up to three days.

Storing & Reheating

To store your Easy Vegan Potato Salad, keep it covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. Simply transfer it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion, as the potatoes may absorb some dressing. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then give it a gentle stir or reenliven it with a splash of olive oil before serving, as the texture may change slightly during freezing.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

  • Avoid overcooking the potatoes; you want them tender but not mushy for the perfect summer salad.
  • If you prefer tang over sweetness, increase the apple cider vinegar or add a touch more lemon juice.
  • For a creamier consistency, consider blending the dressing in a food processor for a silkier texture.
  • Experiment with different herbs based on your preference! Thyme or parsley could work beautifully, too.
  • This salad is a fantastic make-ahead option; the flavors meld beautifully when left to chill in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.

The creamy, herby goodness of Easy Vegan Potato Salad makes it an irresistible option for any meal. Packed with all the flavors of summer, this dish is not only simple to prepare but also bursting with fresh ingredients that make every bite refreshing. Feel free to get creative with the recipe—add your favorite ingredients or swap in seasonal veggies to make it your own. I hope you enjoy every spoonful and find joy in sharing this salad with your loved ones!

Easy Vegan Potato Salad

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this potato salad in advance?

Absolutely! This Easy Vegan Potato Salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just mix it well before serving.

What can I substitute for the cashew butter in the recipe?

If you don’t have cashew butter on hand, almond butter is a great alternative. For a nut-free option, try using sunflower seed butter. It will slightly change the flavor but will still provide creaminess.

Is this potato salad gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients used in this Easy Vegan Potato Salad, including the mustards and vinegars, are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe choice for those with gluten sensitivities.

How long does leftover potato salad last?

You can store any leftover salad in the fridge for up to three days. Just be sure it’s in an airtight container. The flavors tend to deepen and improve after chilling, so don’t hesitate to save those leftovers!

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Easy-Vegan-Potato-Salad-Recipe

Easy Vegan Potato Salad

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  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Boiling and Mixing
  • Cuisine: Vegan

Description

This Easy Vegan Potato Salad is packed with flavor and made with simple ingredients like Yukon gold potatoes, fresh herbs, and a creamy tahini dressing. It’s perfect for a quick dinner, healthy meal, or a delightful side dish that everyone will love.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, cubed
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled
  • kosher salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons cashew butter
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 1 tablespoon whole grain dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • juice of 1/2 a lemon
  • 1/41/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, combine the cubed potatoes, garlic cloves, and a tablespoon of salt with water. Bring to boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are fork tender. Drain and return potatoes to the hot pot, removing the garlic cloves. Cover and let steam for an additional 20 minutes.
  2. To prepare the dressing, finely chop the garlic and whisk together cashew butter, tahini, both types of mustard, honey, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and chopped garlic. Add 2 tablespoons of warm water and season with cayenne, salt, and pepper. Adjust consistency with more water if needed.
  3. Pour the dressing over the warm potatoes. Add in the chopped basil, dill, oregano, and chives, tossing well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm or refrigerate for later, serving at room temperature or chilled.

Notes

This salad can be made a day ahead, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
For a spicier kick, increase cayenne pepper to taste.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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