Vegan Potato Salad – Creamy, Flavorful and Easy to Make

Have you ever found yourself scrambling to prepare a crowd-pleasing dish for an impromptu summer gathering? That’s exactly where this Vegan Potato Salad recipe comes to the rescue. After a long day at work, the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen, yet you still want to impress your guests with something delicious and satisfying. This Vegan Potato Salad is the perfect solution – it’s creamy, tangy, and packed with fresh herbs that will transport your taste buds to picnic paradise.

The beauty of this Vegan Potato Salad lies in its delightful contrast of textures – tender potatoes with crisp red onions and sweet corn kernels, all enveloped in a silky, herb-flecked dressing that clings lovingly to each bite. The aroma of fresh dill and parsley mingles with the subtle tang of apple cider vinegar, creating an irresistible dish that disappears quickly at any gathering. Whether you’re looking for an easy Vegan Potato Salad for weeknight dinners or the best Vegan Potato Salad for your next backyard barbecue, this recipe has you covered.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Potato Salad

• ✅ This creamy vegan potato salad without mayo uses plant-based ingredients for that classic texture
• ✅ Perfect easy vegan potato salad for picnics – stays fresh for hours and travels well
• ✅ Naturally gluten-free vegan potato salad options with simple, wholesome ingredients
• ✅ Versatile recipe allows for creating a spicy vegan potato salad with jalapeños by adding a simple ingredient
• ✅ Makes an ideal cold vegan potato salad for summer barbecues thanks to its refreshing flavor profile
• ✅ Can be prepared as a no-oil vegan potato salad for healthy eating with simple substitutions

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Ingredients

This traditional vegan potato salad with herbs comes together with simple, accessible ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry:

• 2 pounds Yukon Gold Potatoes, cubed (or red potatoes for a firmer texture)
• 1 cup Vegan Mayonnaise (use avocado for a vegan potato salad with avocado dressing)
• 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard (critical for that vegan potato salad with dill and mustard flavor)
• 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1/2 cup Relish (sweet or dill, depending on preference)
• 1/3 cup Red Onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Corn Kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
• 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
• 1/4 tsp Ground Black pepper
• 2 tbsp Fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or chives, finely chopped)

Ingredient Swaps & Additions:

• For a vegan potato salad with roasted vegetables, add 1 cup of roasted bell peppers and zucchini
• To create a spicy vegan potato salad with jalapeños, add 1-2 finely diced jalapeños to taste
• For an oil-free version, substitute vegan mayo with silken tofu or cashew cream
• Yellow mustard works well in place of Dijon for a more classic flavor

How to Make  – Step by Step

Preparing the Potatoes

Step 1: Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water.

Step 2: Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook potatoes for 12-15 minutes or until fork-tender but not mushy.

Step 3: Drain potatoes thoroughly in a colander, then transfer to a large bowl. For the best texture in your Vegan Potato Salad, let potatoes cool for about 10 minutes.

Making the Dressing

Step 4: While potatoes are cooling, whisk together vegan mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder in a medium bowl until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. For a tangier Vegan Potato Salad, add an extra splash of apple cider vinegar.

Assembling the Salad

Step 6: Add sliced red onion, corn kernels, and relish to the cooled potatoes.

Step 7: Pour the dressing over the potato mixture and gently fold everything together, being careful not to mash the potatoes.

Step 8: Fold in fresh herbs, saving some for garnish.

Step 9: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) to allow flavors to meld, creating the perfect cold vegan potato salad for summer barbecues.

Pro Tips

• The potato secret: Cook potatoes with their skins on for better flavor and texture, then peel (if desired) when slightly cooled
• Temperature matters: For the creamiest Vegan Potato Salad, dress the potatoes while they’re still slightly warm so they absorb the flavors better
• Make ahead magic: This Vegan Potato Salad actually improves overnight as flavors meld together
• Texture variation: For a rustic touch, leave some potato skins on or use a mix of waxy potato varieties
• Fresh herb boost: Add fresh herbs at the last minute to preserve their vibrant color and flavor
• Customization: For a vegan potato salad with dill and mustard emphasis, double the dill and add a tablespoon of whole grain mustard for texture

Best Ways to Serve 

This versatile Vegan Potato Salad pairs beautifully with so many dishes:

• Alongside veggie burgers or grilled portobello mushrooms at a summer cookout
• As part of a plant-based picnic spread with sandwiches and fresh fruit
• With roasted vegetables and a protein source for a complete meal
• In a buffet line for holidays and special gatherings
• Stuffed inside a pita pocket with greens for a portable lunch option

For an impressive summer spread, serve this easy vegan potato salad for picnics with our Grilled Vegetable Skewers and Strawberry Spinach Salad.

Storage & Leftovers

This Vegan Potato Salad keeps exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The flavor actually improves after a day!
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of potatoes and dressing will change.
• Refresh leftovers: Add a splash of vinegar and fresh herbs to brighten up day-old potato salad.
• Meal prep tip: Make a double batch and enjoy this traditional vegan potato salad with herbs all week long.

Nutritional Information

One serving (approximately 3/4 cup) contains:

• Calories: 215 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 310mg

This Vegan Potato Salad is naturally cholesterol-free and can be adapted to reduce sodium by using low-sodium relish and adjusting salt to taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I add to vegan potato salad for flavor?

To enhance your Vegan Potato Salad, try adding capers, olives, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh radishes for extra zing. Smoked paprika adds depth, while nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor without dairy. Fresh herbs like dill, chives, and parsley are classic additions that brighten the entire dish.

How do I make creamy vegan potato salad?

For the creamiest Vegan Potato Salad, use a high-quality vegan mayonnaise as your base. For extra richness, blend in 1/4 cup of soaked and drained cashews. Alternatively, create a vegan potato salad with avocado dressing by blending ripe avocado with lemon juice and herbs for a naturally creamy texture without processed ingredients.

Is potato salad vegan-friendly?

Traditional potato salad is not vegan as it typically contains eggs (in mayonnaise) and sometimes dairy. However, this Vegan Potato Salad recipe is completely plant-based, using vegan mayonnaise and focusing on herbs and vegetables for flavor rather than animal products. Always check ingredients in pre-made versions as they often contain hidden animal products.

Can I use sweet potatoes for vegan potato salad?

Yes! Sweet potatoes make a delicious and nutritious alternative for Vegan Potato Salad. They cook faster than white potatoes, so reduce boiling time to 8-10 minutes. The natural sweetness pairs beautifully with tangy dressing elements. For the best results, use a mix of sweet and regular potatoes for a colorful twist on traditional Vegan Potato Salad.

Conclusion

This Vegan Potato Salad proves that plant-based cooking doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or creamy texture. Perfect for summer gatherings, weeknight dinners, or meal prep, it’s a versatile dish that pleases crowds and satisfies cravings. The combination of tender potatoes, crunchy vegetables, and herb-flecked dressing creates a symphony of flavors that even non-vegans will adore.

Whether you’re making this easy vegan potato salad for picnics or serving it as a side at your next family dinner, you’ll appreciate how simple it is to prepare something so delicious. The best part? It only improves with time as the flavors meld together.

Do you have a favorite herb to add to your Vegan Potato Salad? Or perhaps a special ingredient that makes your version stand out? Share your tips and variations in the comments below! And if you make this recipe, we’d love to see your creations on social media – tag us with #VeganPotatoSalad!

Now you have all the secrets to creating the best Vegan Potato Salad that will have everyone asking for your recipe!