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This is the best potato salad…so much healthier, mayo free, and extra creamy. The creamy base includes plenty of garden fresh herbs, a little garlic, and lots of flaky sea salt. The taste is very similar to a traditional potato salad, but because there’s no mayo, letting it sit out at summer picnics and BBQs becomes worry free. Most importantly…it’s all around delicious!
Not sure about you guys, but I did not grow up eating potato salad. Potato salad was always one of those dishes that my mom told me to steer clear of at all family parties, so I did. Mom didn’t like potato salad for two reasons. Reason one, and probably most importantly, it was always served to her cold, and she is very much a hot food kind of person. Reason two, back in the day potato salad was basically just potatoes and mayo, and my mom does not like mayo.
As you can see, potato salad was not her thing, and since I mimicked her every move as a kid, it wasn’t my thing either.
As I got older however, I realized my mom was kind of a bland eater and I started to venture out, but even once that happened, I still never went for potato salad, as mayo has always been a food that freaks me out a bit.
So, why on Earth am I sharing a potato salad today?
Well, it’s simple, I love potatoes and I love salad. So why couldn’t I create a mayo free potato salad that’s just as delicious as the classic, if not better?
Answer? I could. DUH.
And that’s where this recipe comes into play. This is a mayo free potato salad, and I LOVE it.
Here are the details.
I wanted to create a potato salad that was similar to the classic, but kicked up the flavor a bit, and of course, took out the mayo. To create a creamy base for my salad, I used cashews soaked in hot water and then blended into a creamy sauce with a little olive oil.
Now, I know this may sound weird, so just hear me out. Cashews are a super buttery and delicious nut. When you soak them in hot water for a quick minute, they plump up and become very soft and easily blend-able. Once the cashews are blended, they create a sauce that’s similar to that of a creamy mayo, but minus the weird mayo taste and texture that kind of freaks me out.
If you like mayo, I get it, most people do. But it’s just not my favorite ingredient, and I promise, this “cashew mayo” is so good and so much more flavorful (and healthy) than a bland mayo could ever be. Just saying.
Sidenote: If you like the idea of a healthier mayo, check out this delicious chipotle tahini mayo I created for this vegan BLT.
So the “cashew mayo” is the base, now it’s time to add the flavor. I like to toss in a little garlic, lots of fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon. Keeping it simple, but flavorful.
The key with the garlic is to boil it along with the potatoes and then blend the garlic cloves in together with the cashews. Cooking the garlic first mellows its intense flavor so that it doesn’t overpower the rest of the ingredients.
Once the potatoes are done cooking, you’ll toss everything together. As you toss the warm potatoes with the “cashew mayo” and fresh herbs you will immediately begin to smell the delicious flavors of the salad.
You can either serve this warm (which is my personal favorite), or transfer the salad to the fridge, and serve later, either cold or at room temperature.
What’s especially great about this recipe, aside from its creamy deliciousness, is that it’s perfect for packing up to take camping, on picnics, or to serve at your next spring/summer party. Because it is mayo free, you don’t have to worry about the salad going bad or tasting funky after sitting out a couple of hours at room temperature.
With Memorial Day just a week from today, I figured it was time to finally share this recipe with you guys. Speaking of Memorial Day, is anyone planning their menus yet? Should I post some Memorial Day menu ideas for you guys? Let me know!
Even if you’re skeptical, put this potato salad on your menu. Once you try it it’s going to be your new favorite!
Watch the How To Video Below:
If you make this potato salad, please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love hearing from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every one of you. Oh, and of course, if you do make this salad, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram so I can see! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
The Best Herby Potato Salad
Servings: 6 servings
Calories Per Serving: 315 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds mixed baby new potatoes, and or fingerling potatoes
- 3 cloves garlic
- kosher salt
- 1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 30 minutes, then drained
- 1 tablespoon grainy dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 2 chives, chopped
- flakey sea salt and black pepper
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- 1. Place the potatoes, garlic and a tablespoon of salt in a large pot and fill with water. Bring to a boil over high heat and then reduce the to heat to medium, simmer 10-15 minutes or until the potatoes are just fork tender. Drain. Place the potatoes back in the hot pot. Remove the garlic cloves. Cover the pot and let the potatoes steam for another 20 minutes. 2. Meanwhile, combine the cooked garlic, drained cashews, mustard, and olive oil in a food processor. Pulse until smooth and creamy, adding water if needed to thin slightly. 3. Cut the potatoes in half and add to a large serving bowl. Add the cashew sauce, basil, dill, chives, lemon juice, and a pinch each of salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Toss well to combine. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Serve warm or cover and place in the fridge. Can be served at room temp or cold.
Also? It’s odd, but I think potatoes are kind of pretty.
Best potato salad ever! Gotta love a fresh, herby recipe from Tiegan. Love that it is yummy hot and cold. What a win!
Thank you so much Chandler! xTieghan
Absolutely delicious. I did however add about 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar.
Amazing! I am really glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
I made this yesterday and oh my! It’s definitely the best potato salad I’ve ever had. I used pink peppercorn instead of red pepper flakes for a milder and slightly sweeter taste. It was a hit!
Thank you so much Dalia! I am really glad this recipe turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Love the recipe and the fact that you’ve left out Mayo. For the people questioning keeping mayo out a picnic… Mayo is made with eggs, and will spoil very quickly if left out in heat… Many people have become very ill eating salads with mayo left outside at picnics…Why would anyone question those facts?
Thank you so much Diane! xTieghan
Making this right now for a potluck tonight. My cashew sauce won’t get creamy, strange. It appears that the Olive oil separates! What am I doing wrong?
Hi Lisa,
So sorry you are having issues. Are you using a food processor? This is key for the creamy sauce. Please let me know how I can help. xTieghan
DELICIOUS!!!!! I’m normally not a potato salad fan but I could eat this entire bowl! Thank you for another amazing recipe 🙂
Thank you so much Allison! I am so glad you enjoyed this recipe!! xTieghan
Fabulous salad – thanks so much! Loved the herb balance and as meat eaters added some bacon too. Delicious!!
Thank you s much Kerryn! xTieghan
It needs to be said Again,
I’ve read some of the comments below and they frighten me, i.e. cashews in tomato sauce. Please warn your followers that if they are cooking for unexpecting guests to please label any mystery or not common ingredients in their food. This could be life-threatening and disastrous for all. Are you familiar with the story of the doctor and his child who were at camp and she ate a rice cake with the “secret ingredient – peanut butter”. Her father administered the epi-pen but it wasn’t sufficient and there was not a local hospital nearby; she died in his arms. Please, Please don’t keep secrets when it comes to food you share. PLEASE LABEL IT.
Again, I’ve read some of the comments below and they frighten me, i.e. cashews in tomato sauce. Please warn your followers that if they are cooking for unexpecting guests to please label any mystery or not common ingredients in their food. This could be life-threatening and disastrous for all. Are you familiar with the story of the doctor and his child who were at camp and she ate a rice cake with the “secret ingredient – peanut butter”. Her father administered the epi-pen but it wasn’t sufficient and there was not a local hospital nearby; she died in his arms. Please, Please don’t keep secrets when it comes to food you share. PLEASE LABEL IT.
DANGER;: No one would think that this potato salad recipe could be life threatening. Cashews in Potato Salad??? This would have put my grandson into an emergency, life threatening anaphylactic shock. He’s extremely allergic to cashews and pistachios. Please people BE CAREFUL, at least label the food if it is for Uninformed guests. Children & adults have died from mystery ingredients put in foods where no medical facilities are nearby.
This recipe was amazing we are a family that gets a little creeped out with mayo sitting out, so this was Perfect. I did not add the dill because I did t have it or to be honest feel like running to the store .
This was creamy yet light and bright with the touch of lemon. It will be my go to for potato salad.
So glad this turned out so well! Thank you Erin! xTieghan
I made this today! It was delicious!
Thank you so much Estefania! xTieghan
I’ve only known and made potato salad with mayo but super excited to try this! My husband is a potato freak and he loves this recipe ! It’s truly awesome- the dressing is on point. Thank you
Yes! I love to hear that! Thank you Karen! xTieghan
Just made this. and Oh My Deliciousness. So good. The cashews make it super creamy. The secret to boil the garlic with the potatoes is b-r-i-l-l-i-a-n-t. My whole family kept coming over to sneak bites. Can’t wait to serve this tomorrow at our family gathering!
I am so glad you loved this recipe Anna and I hope your family did as well!! Thank you so much! xTieghan
Made this last night to serve w/ some Beyond burgers for dinner! Was a totally satisfying and totally plant-based meal, which I love. I have some mayo-haters in the house so this was a perfect alternative to traditional potato salad & the herbs were sooo delicious mixed w/ the creamy sauce. Thanks for the recipe!
I love that! I am so glad you enjoyed this meal, Kayla! Thank you so much! xTieghan