This Creamy Vegan Potato Salad is flavorful & satisfying. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free and guilt free. It’s the perfect side dish for most meals.
We are right in the middle of summer…
and it seems like the perfect time to share my favorite Creamy Vegan Potato Salad recipe. I know, I know…there are thousands of potato salad recipes online and do we really need another?
Well, the answer is YES! We sure do! Especially, a deliciously creamy, vegan version.
A classic
Growing up, potato salad was a staple at family picnics, barbecues and other casual gatherings (I think many of us can relate) It was always homemade and was always the first to disappear (I definitely helped with that).
These days, I don’t get to enjoy many gatherings, because I live across the country. However, between visits, I keep the tradition going at our home and I created my own veganized version for my family to enjoy.
I make it a lot in the warmer months, which is most of the year here. It’s one side dish that doesn’t get boring. I have a few different potato salad recipes, but this one is most requested.
I’m quite particular when it comes to potato salad
I like it somewhat tender, but not the mashed version. It needs to have some bite & texture, but not overly crunchy either. I peel and cube the potatoes and cook them until they are just tender (about 8-10 minutes).
This creates a tender potato that keeps most of its shape. It’s the perfect foundation for the rest of the ingredients and they won’t get lost in a mashed blob.
This Creamy Vegan Potato Salad is loaded with fresh herbs & veggies, which adds a wonderful variety of flavors, textures, and colors (it also makes it more nutritious). It turns a basic looking potato salad, into a beautiful & colorful side dish.
In this recipe, I added celery, red bell pepper, green onion, fresh dill, pickles & sweet corn. They add a nice crunch and the colors just pop and make it even more appetizing.
It’s a real crowd pleaser and will be the star at your next casual gathering.
I kept the base flavor a little classic, by using vegan mayonnaise and a touch of mustard. This keeps your tater salad creamy, with a touch of zing in every bite.
If you really want to kick up the zing, add a touch of pickle juice to the mix. Potato salad is ridiculously versatile, so feel free to add or take away some ingredients.
Make it your own and have fun with it. It’s almost impossible to mess up.
You don’t need a special occasion to make this comforting side dish
So, why not give this Creamy Vegan Potato Salad a try tonight? I guarantee you’ll have some happy campers sitting at the table, and I betcha they’ll even do the dishes if you promise to make it again. 😉
I’d love to hear from you
If you make this recipe, I’d love to get your feedback. You can leave a comment below and let me know what you think. It would really make my day. You can also follow me on Instagram and share your creation with me. Just tag me @veganhuggs and hashtag #veganhuggs so I don’t miss it.
*Click photo to pin*
This Creamy Vegan Potato Salad is flavorful & satisfying. It's gluten-free, dairy-free and guilt free. It's the perfect side dish to most meals.
- 8 medium russet potatoes, cleaned, peeled & cubed into bite-sized pieces (all same size)
- 1 tablespoon salt & 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (for cooking water)
- 1 - 1 1/2 cups vegan mayonaise (*see note)
- Juice of one lime or lemon (sub apple cider vinegar, to taste)
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 1/3 cup pickles, diced
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoons salt, more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper, more to taste
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup green onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup corn (fresh or thawed frozen)
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Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water (1-2 inches over potatoes). Add the salt & vinegar (*see note). Over high heat, bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a low boil. Cook until potatoes are just tender & easily pierced with a paring knife or fork, with little resistance when falling off. About 8-10 minutes.
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When potatoes are done, drain them well using a colander & transfer them to a large mixing bowl. While hot, squeeze the lime juice over the potatoes. Fold gently to combine. (This will help the potatoes absorb the zingy flavor). Let potatoes cool.
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While the potatoes are cooling, prepare your dressing. In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup of mayo (*see note), mustard, herbs, spices, salt and pepper (except paprika.) Whisk together until well combined.
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When potatoes have cooled, place the pickles & veggies in the large mixing bowl and pour on the dressing. Fold gently until ingredients are combined. Taste for any additional seasoning, add more as needed. Place in fridge to chill for 1-2 hours so the flavors will marinate well. (It can also be served immediately if preferred)
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Before serving add the extra 1/2 cup of mayo (if needed) and sprinkle with paprika. Enjoy!
* Salt & Vinegar for cooking water: The salt will season the potatoes throughout, while the vinegar will prevent overcooking
* Mayonnaise: Start off with 1 cup of mayo and save the rest right before serving to keep the salad moist (it might not be needed).
*If you'd like additional zing, you can add a 1-2 teaspoons of pickle juice to the dressing.
*Potato salad is very versatile, so feel free to omit any of the veggies in this recipe. You can add your favorites, or leave it plain. It's all personal taste.
*Prep time does not include chilling process.
Potato salad is a staple in my family too, but the traditional one I grew up with is SO far from vegan. I’ve made a vegan version once or twice, but it was never this pretty. I love the addition of veggies, I’ve never seen that! Corn in potato salad, where have you been my whole life?? This really looks like the perfect recipe, I can’t wait to try this 🙂
Yeah, I grew up with the non-vegan version, too. It’s so nice to still enjoy it without the animals products. My non-vegan friends love it. I love the addition of corn, because it gives it a nice little bite. Thank you for commenting, Natalie 🙂
Melissa, this looks spectacular, I am practically foaming at the mouth, LOL! I LOVE potato salad, it is honestly one of my all-time favorite classics to eat. I could eat this entire dish allll by myself. It’s beautiful and so bright and colorful, too. I make a Ranch potato salad and a BBQ flavored potato salad that I love, but this classic sure is making me drool!! Great recipe and so many wonderful ingredients in it too!
Thank you, Brandi! It’s one of my favorite classics, too. Wow, the ranch and BBQ flavored potato salad sounds wonderful! I must head over to your blog to check them out. 🙂
It was great I just left out the corn, added chives. Thank you.
Hi there, I’m so glad you liked it. Chives is a great addition! Have to add them next time. Thank you for your feedback 🙂
My Mom used to make boiled dressing for her potato salad. I know it had egg in it. Do you have a homemade vegan mayo recipe? Love all your recipes
Hi there, I have one that I will be posting soon. Have you seen this one from Minimalist Baker? It’s similar to the one I’ll be posting. It calls for aquafaba (chickpea brine). It’s divine! http://minimalistbaker.com/easy-vegan-mayo-with-aquafaba/ Thank you for stopping by! I’m so happy you like my recipes. I have many more coming out soon 🙂
Yummy! Left out the red pepper just for personal preference. Cut raw corn off the cob added an extra crunch. My entire non vegan loved it! This recipe is a keeper.
This is so wonderful to hear and the fresh corn sounds delicious! Thank you for your feedback. Have a great weekend 🙂
The vegan potato salad is wonderful. I made this as a side for our BBQ and everyone loved it! I like lots of veggies in potato salad, so I made it just like the recipe. Thank you so much for sharing it with us!
Thank you so much! I’m so happy everyone loved it! It’s my favorite thing to bring to a BBQ. 🙂
Made this for a potluck Andy it was a hit! I’m the only vegan in the group so I could eat it with my veggie burger. I followed the recipe- it was quick and easy! Thank you, I’ll be making it again.
Can. Not. Wait. To. Make This.
Hi Adam, thank you so much! It’s one of my summer favorites 🙂