The Best Vegan Potato Salad Recipe for Everyone

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Author: Maya
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This vegan potato salad is a creamy, tangy delight that’s both easy and quick to make. It’s healthy, family-friendly, and perfect for any occasion. You’ll find it irresistible as a side dish for summer picnics or weeknight dinners.

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Creamy vegan potato salad in a bowl with green onions and paprika, served with radishes

The Best Vegan Potato Salad Recipe

Why This Vegan Potato Salad is a Must-Try

This vegan potato salad stands out with its tender, waxy potatoes and a creamy dressing that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a nostalgic dish reimagined, ideal for anyone craving a hearty, satisfying side without the dairy. Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up in just 35 minutes!

Creamy vegan potato salad with green onions and paprika in a bowl

Key Ingredients for Creamy Vegan Potato Salad

To achieve that perfect creamy texture, you’ll need:

  • 2 1/2 lbs waxy potatoes (Yukon gold, red, or white)
  • 1/2 cup celery, diced
  • 1/2 cup green onions, diced (green parts only)
  • 1/4 – 1/3 cup dill pickle or sweet relish
  • 1/2 – 3/4 cup vegan mayo
  • 1 – 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar or juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground celery seed
  • Mineral salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins and Flavor Boosters

To personalize your salad, consider adding up to 1/2 cup of diced vegetables such as bell peppers, olives, or cucumbers. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley also elevate the flavor, making each bite even more delightful.

How to Make Perfect Vegan Potato Salad

Step 1: Boiling and Preparing the Potatoes

Start by placing your potatoes in a large pot and covering them with 1 1/2 inches of water. Add a generous pinch of salt and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to a gentle boil and cook for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender. Then, drain and rinse them under cool water.

Step 2: Crafting the Creamy Vegan Dressing

While your potatoes are cooling, mix the vegan mayo, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, celery seed, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust the consistency with water or lemon juice as needed to create your ideal dressing.

Step 3: Assembling Your Delicious Potato Salad

Once the potatoes have cooled, cut them into 1/2-inch cubes. In a large bowl, combine the cubed potatoes, diced celery, and green onions. Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently stir to combine. Don’t forget to season with additional salt and pepper to taste!

Tips for the Ultimate Vegan Potato Salad

Choosing the Right Potatoes

Using waxy potatoes like Yukon gold or red ensures your salad holds its shape well. If you prefer, russet potatoes can be used, but cook them al dente for better results.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

You can prepare this salad a day ahead. Just remember that the dressing may thicken, so reserve some to stir in before serving for that extra creaminess. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4–5 days.

Creative Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with your vegan potato salad! Try different dressings or add-ins such as Dijon mustard instead of yellow mustard. Adding fresh herbs not only enhances flavor but adds a beautiful touch to your dish.

Serving Suggestions for Vegan Potato Salad

This vegan potato salad pairs beautifully with grilled veggies or alongside dishes like Roasted Asparagus Potatoes or Honey Mustard Chicken and Potatoes for a complete meal. It also makes a fantastic picnic dish!

FAQs

What ingredients do I need for vegan potato salad?

You will need waxy potatoes, celery, green onions, dill pickle or sweet relish, vegan mayo, mustard, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, celery seed, salt, and pepper. Optional veggies and herbs can enhance flavor.

How do I make vegan potato salad step by step?

First, boil the potatoes until tender. Next, prepare the dressing by mixing vegan mayo, mustard, vinegar, celery seed, salt, and pepper. Finally, combine the cooled potatoes, diced veggies, and dressing in a bowl, then serve.

Can I make vegan potato salad ahead of time?

Yes, this potato salad can be made a day in advance. Just reserve some dressing to stir in before serving to maintain creaminess.

How should I store leftover vegan potato salad?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Freezing is not recommended as it affects texture.

Conclusion

This vegan potato salad is a delightful addition to any meal. Whether you’re enjoying it at a summer gathering or as part of a cozy weeknight dinner, it’s sure to please. For more delicious ideas, check out my Pinterest for inspiration on recipes that will make your meal prep a breeze.

Creamy vegan potato salad in a bowl with green onions and paprika, served with radishes

The Best Vegan Potato Salad Recipe for Everyone

A creamy and flavorful vegan potato salad made with waxy potatoes, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing. Perfect as a side dish for any meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Equipment

  • large pot
  • small bowl
  • large bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 2.5 lbs waxy potatoes Yukon gold, red, or white
  • ½ cup celery diced
  • ½ cup green onions green parts only, diced
  • ¼ – ⅓ cup dill pickle or sweet relish finely chopped pickles
  • ½ – ¾ cup vegan mayo
  • 1 – 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice juice of 1/2 lemon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground celery seed
  • to taste mineral salt and fresh cracked pepper
  • ½ cup diced vegetables optional add-ins like bell peppers, olives, cucumber, radish, carrots, red onion
  • fresh herbs optional add-ins like dill, chives, parsley, basil

Instructions
 

  • Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and rinse with cool water.
  • Peel and cube the slightly cooled potatoes into 1/2-inch pieces, or slice/quarter baby potatoes.
  • While potatoes cook or cool, dice the celery and green onions.
  • Whisk together vegan mayo, mustard, vinegar/lemon juice, celery seed, salt, and pepper for the dressing. Adjust consistency as needed.
  • Combine cubed potatoes, celery, green onions, and relish/pickles in a large bowl. Pour dressing over and mix well. Season to taste.
  • Serve immediately or chill for 1 hour. Garnish with optional paprika, chives, parsley, dill, or radishes.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4–5 days. Freezing is not recommended. The salad can be made a day in advance; stir in reserved dressing if needed. Waxy potatoes hold their shape best. Add optional diced vegetables and fresh herbs for variation.
Keyword dairy-free salad, easy vegan side, potato salad recipe, vegan potato salad

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