This post contains affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
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.
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 the most requested.
How to make the best Vegan Potato Salad
I like my potato salad somewhat tender, but not the mashed version. It needs to have some bite and texture, but not overly crunchy either.
I peel and cube the potatoes and cook them until they are just tender for 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 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 and 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.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think by leaving a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and sharing your feedback in the comment section below. It would really make my day!
⭐️ Subscribe to the Vegan Huggs Newsletter and receive weekly recipes straight to your inbox! You'll also receive my FREE eCookbook featuring my top 10 recipes.
📖 Recipe
Creamy Vegan Potato Salad
Ingredients
- 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 ½ cups vegan mayonaise (*see note)
- Juice of one lime or lemon (sub apple cider vinegar, to taste)
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- ⅓ cup pickles, diced
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoons salt, more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper, more to taste
- ½ cup celery, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup green onion, chopped
- ½ cup corn (fresh or thawed frozen)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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)
- Before serving add the extra ½ cup of mayo (if needed) and sprinkle with paprika. Enjoy!
Ashley West
Great recipe I love the flavors and the veggies made it so bright and fresh!! I used Himalayan Pink Salt and it came out a little too salty but I should have considered what the difference in the salt would do so that was my own error. I will be making this recipe again for sure!
Melissa Huggins
Hi Ashely, thank you for giving it a try. So glad you liked it! 🙂
Charisse
I’ve made this dish countless of times... literally every summer barbecue. It’s so good even the non vegans love it!
Thanks for sharing
Melissa Huggins
This is such a nice compliment! I'm so glad everyone loves it. Thank you 🙂
Noel
I’m a picky vegan🙈 I HATE mayo and peppers what could I replace the mayo with and what other veggies could I do
Melissa Huggins
Hi Noel, you can make a cashew-based "mayo" (it's oil-free). I use it for my Macaroni Salad (you can find it in the search bar or "sides" archives). Would that work for you? It's tangy, but not like mayo. You can also try half vegan sour cream and half vegan yogurt (unsweetened).
As as far as veggies, you can leave the bell peppers out. If you want more veggies, you can try peas, radishes, cucumber...etc. Hope this helps. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Pamela
This is very flavorful and delicious.
I will be making this over and over.
I did use the pickle juice, and the spices just as
Directed. I did not have to add or adjust
A thing. It is just perfect.
Melissa Huggins
Hi Pamela, What a nice compliment! Thank you for making it! Have a lovely weekend 🙂
Cathy
O. M. Gsh!! Once I put ALL the veg in and added the sauce, I DOVE in! Just AMAZING!! Total deliciousness. And so many veg! Serving this tonite along with my veggie Beer Brats and a green salad. Can’t wait! Thank you so much Melissa!
Melissa Huggins
Yay! I'm so glad you loved it! It's one of my favorite summer recipes. It sounds so good with the beer brats and salad! YUM! Have a beautiful weekend, Cathy! 🙂 xo
Melissa
I made this today for a 90th birthday party. I left out the peppers and corn as the guest of honor doesn't like either, it was fantastic! All the carnivores loved it, I brought home an empty bowl. Thanks for a great recipe.
Melissa Huggins
Hi Melissa, sorry for this late reply...your comment went into spam 🙁 Thank you for making my recipe for your special event. I'm so glad everyone loved it!
Adam Sank
Can. Not. Wait. To. Make This.
Melissa Huggins
Hi Adam, thank you so much! It's one of my summer favorites 🙂
Sarah
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.
Steph
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!
Melissa Huggins
Thank you so much! I'm so happy everyone loved it! It's my favorite thing to bring to a BBQ. 🙂
Tina T
Made this today and turned out great. I left out the corn and added shredded carrot for color. I also added 1/8 teaspoon of Himalayan Black Salt to the mayo dressing to give it more of the traditional eggy flavor I remember from potato salads my mom would make years ago.
LMc65
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.
Melissa Huggins
This is so wonderful to hear and the fresh corn sounds delicious! Thank you for your feedback. Have a great weekend 🙂
J Lynn
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
Melissa Huggins
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! https://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 🙂
Vegangirl
It was great I just left out the corn, added chives. Thank you.
mhuggs
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 🙂
The Vegan 8
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!
mhuggs
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. 🙂
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit
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 🙂
mhuggs
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 🙂