The Best Herby Potato Salad.
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:
The best herby potato salad from Half Baked Harvest on Vimeo.
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!
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
The Best Herby Potato Salad
By halfbakedharvest
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: bbq side, mayo free, potato side dish
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. Because there's no mayo, letting it sit out becomes worry free. Most importantly...it's all around delicious!
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
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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.
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oh yum I love potato salad, but usually do it with yogurt sauce!!
Ooo love that! Thanks Ruth!
I’ve used blended cashews as the base for pasta sauces but using it for potato salad dressing is a brilliant idea!
Thank you Jean!
I am just like your mom, I like my food piping hot! I do love salads, too, and your potato salad looks amazing!
Thank you Patricia!
I have tree nut allergy so can not do cashews, any suggestions to modify? This recipe looks so good! Thanks!
HI! If you can use tahini that would work amazing. I would use 1/3 cup tahini. if not, just omit the nuts all together and use 1/4 cup addition olive oil. Should still be great! Please let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love this recipe! Thanks! ?
After making so many of your amazing creations I can’t wait to make this one! I was wondering if there was a substitute for the cashew? I have a nut allergy! ? Thanks so much!
HI! If you can use tahini that would work amazing. I would use 1/3 cup tahini. if not, just omit the nuts all together and use 1/4 cup addition olive oil. Should still be great! Please let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love this recipe! Thanks! ?
Mmm…I may just have to try this. I also have never been interested in eating potato salad as mayo doesn’t interest me. Thanks for creating a new version for those of us who are like you. 🙂
Thank you Ruthy! I hope you love this!
Sounds like a good recipe! Can you post serving size and nutritional info (calories, carbs and sugar)?
This is a must try! I too dislike mayo with a passion! Thank you!
I hope you love this! Thank you Kristine!
OMG – looks delicious. I am thinking about making this ahead to take camping with us. Do you think would save well for a day or two in a cooler? I don’t think any of the ingredients would expire since it is cashew sauce – but would love your thoughts!
HI! This should keep great in a cooler for a couple of days. Please let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love this recipe! Thanks! 🙂
This looks amazing!! Memorial Day recipes would be great!
Thank you!
I love the mayo potato salad but this is one recipe I would also like to try.
Saw Red’s Mountain Dew commercial and loved the expressions on his face.
Thank you!!
I find it so weird that people freak over mayo …out for an hour or two. It’s oil and eggs. Sandwich places have it out open in a case all day as they stick a spatula in there over and over all day long, or squirt it out if a bottle into your bread. I don’t understand why anyone thinks it’s going to magically turn rogue at a picnic. If mayo at a picnic killed people we would have gone extinct years ago. If you don’t like mayo I get it, but potato salad is not gonna kill you if it has mayo at a picnic.
Thank you Vee!
I just made this and it’s amazing. I think this is one of the best potato salads I ever had and it’s vegan. Thanks for this : )
So glad you like this! Thank you!!
Love all the fresh herbs in this potato salad!! 🙂
Thank you Brittany!
Yum! This looks so tasty!
Kari
http://sweetteasweetie.com/aged-cheddar-sliders-with-pineapple-guacamole/
Thanks Kari!
My mother never really made potato salads either! I didn’t eat them very frequently, except at the occasional summer barbecue or pool party. Even then, I wasn’t a huge fan. But I do love fresh salads with roasted potatoes and a simple olive oil dressing or just a sprinkle of salt and pepper rather than those heavy cream dressings. This herby potato salad looks like the perfect dish! I would love to dig into it!
Thank you so much Cassie!
I took a Serv-Safe class. Sorry to burst your bubble, but it’s not the mayo that’s the problem bacteria-wise. It’s actually the potatoes. Particularly if they’re not chilled properly (quickly), because they are a low-acid food. Commercial mayo has been pH adjusted to be pretty safe.
Thank you Julie! I am glad to know that and will look into it!
Really Really nice I love the no mayo great favor
Thank you!
Really Really nice I love the no mayo great favor the sauce go’s a long way
Going to make this on Memorial Day! Looks delicious. And I’d LOVE more Memorial Day recipes!
Great! Thank you Jeanna!
This was so delicious! Thank you!
Thank you!
T-
Some blogs have an option to notify when a comment is made on a previous comment that the reader has made. It’s a big help in finding answers or comments YOU have made in response to questions or comments we have made. Any chance of adding that feature?
Hi Dean! I will look into that! Thank you for your feedback?
I did the potato salad today and it’s amazing. Used just one instead of three cloves of garlic but it’s still a blast
Thank you Caro!
I eyeballed the picture of this potato salad, and grabbed what I thought I needed at the store, to make it. Uh oh, no cashews! I substituted 1/4 of an avacado for the creamy aspect, and not to succumb to Mayo. Family is going nuts! Thank you for the recipe!!
These are so good! I made them a couple days ago and I am making them again today. I love the pureed cashews, it is so much better than mayonnaise. Thank you for sharing this recipe. It has already become a house favorite with my family.
Thank you Tia! I am so glad you like this potato salad!
Made a double batch for our picnic. It was the only salad with no left overs!
That is so amazing! Thank you Kiiek!
Brill. I made this salad for an al fresco lunch on a very hot day and it was perfect and far better than a mayo version that would have congealed under the hot sun. The taste of the dressing is super light and herby. A genius potato salad recipe!
Thank you so much Sarah! I am so glad you loved this!!
SPECTACULAR!! Made this to go with ribs yesterday (Memorial Day) and got raves from everyone. The herby magnificence of the basil/chive/dill combo and the unexpectedly delightful cashew/mustard “mayo” made this side dish a star. I have one question and a couple of comments. The recipe calls for “2 chives” … I assumed 2 Tbsp … yes? I thought the potato chunks were a little big so next time I’ll cut them into fourths as necessary. Also, don’t be afraid to add water to thin the “mayo” (as mentioned in the recipe) particularly if you’re going to refrigerate and serve cold. I added about 1/4 cup and could have used a good deal more. Make this!
Hi! Yes, it’s around 2 tablespoons chives. Thanks for the feedback. Thrilled you love this potato salad! Please let me know if you have other questions. Thanks! 🙂
OMG Tiegan this was FABULOUS!!!!! I’m not wild about mayo either but cashews bring this to a new level. Just delicious and yes it is better warm – we devoured almost the entire bowl in one sitting (and I made 3 lbs of potatoes) and my daughter reheated it and saying it was just as delicious the next day. Also made your Chicken Schwarma with homemade tortillas which are a family favorite with hummus and tzatziki. Also tried your Cobb Salad with the balsamic dressing as well sans chicken and we enjoyed that too but didn’t want to change the chicken recipe from the Schwarma. Truly a Half Baked Harvest celebration. THANK YOU!
I am so glad you loved this Rose! Thank you so much!
I made this for Memorial Day and it was delicious. It’s even better the next day at room temperature.
I am so glad you loved this! Thank you Elizabeth!
This looks like the best potato salad ever! I MUST try it now;-)
I have one question about cooking the garlic with the potatoes, is the peel supposed to on or off the garlic when cooking?
Stupid question, I know….!
HI! Not a stupid question at all! I take the peel off the garlic and then boil it along side the potatoes. Please let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love this recipe! Thanks! 🙂
I love a good potato salad and this is perfection with all the herbs. Can’t wait to make this!
Thank you! I hope you love this!
I’ve been meaning to make potato salad since Easter, and since I really (sadly) hate to cook, it hasn’t happened. My Mom did make potato salad, from a recipe in her head which was never written down. She learned it from her mother, who probably learned it from hers. My Mom always used Miracle Whip, which is not truly mayo, but probably because it was cheapest when she had little money. Her mother very likely could have made her own mayo from scratch – that didn’t get handed down. And I’ve learned over the years if you want something to taste the same as someone else’s, you’d best use the same brand as they do. About a year before my Mom died, it occurred to me I really really liked her potato salad, and due to her illness (ALS) I had somewhat limited time to get it written down. So at Easter time, she was at my house and I made it under her supervision, with her taste-testing as we went along. The recipe starts out “a whole bunch of potatoes”! It was great. The next year, Mom’s last with us, I made it from the finally written down recipe. My older son said, “yup, tastes like Grandma’s.” I emailed the recipe to my brothers and all our kids. Turns out one brother doesn’t like potato salad, which of course leaves more for me. Ha! Mom’s is sweeter than most potato salads – she added juice from sweet pickles as well as chopped up sweet pickles. I’ve never tasted any other like it. Now I’m really hungry for potato salad. Guess I’d better shop for ingredients (mine, not yours, sorry – I love my Mom’s too much). If I ever decide to try yours, I’ll have to get a little more adventurous about cooking.
This is such a sweet story! I hope you make your mothers recipe perfectly and one day try mine! Thank you!
Would it taste as good with plain greek yogurt? We have nut allergies in this house. 🙁
HI! I have not tries this with yogurt, but I think that should work just fine. Please let me know how it goes. Hope you love this recipe! Thanks! 🙂
Just made the best herby potato salad for July 4th. Serving with ribs, corn and spinach salad. so easy and delicious. The cashew sauce is so creamy and delicious. Who needs mayo??
Right?! I am so glad you loved this!
Just made this for July 4th. So creamy and delicious. The cashew sauce is amazing. Serving with beef ribs on the grill, corn and spinach salad. Who needs mayo??
Hi Tieghan! Made this potato salad for July 4th and it was delicious! Didn’t tell my “traditionalist “ Dad that there was cashews in it. I love your blog and have made several recipes which have turned out great. Thank you for bringing back the enjoyment of cooking and baking to me.
This is such a sweet comment! I am so glad you enjoyed this recipe Suzanne! Thank you so much!
This potato salad was delicious! A new favorite 🙂
Thank you Ivette! I am so glad you loved this!
How would the recipe work if I used real Mayo instead?
I am sure it would be just fine! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe. Thanks so much! xTieghan
Best ever! I have made this many times and always a hit. I make mine w/ a little more red chili flakes… but thats okay. I like to fudge the recipe a bit… you are the best!
Thank you so much Donna! I am so glad you like this recipe!
the best
These were a big disappointment. Tasteless and dry. Do not waste your time making.
Hi Raphaella! Could you let me know what exactly went wrong? I would love to help you out! Thanks! xTieghan
Looks so good – I only have roasted cashews, not raw but have everything else. Can I use them? Thanks!
Hey Kristen! roasted cashews will be just fine! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
Hi, does it work to make this 24hrs ahead of when I would like to serve it? Or can I make the cashew “sauce” ahead and refrigerate it until use? Thank you!!
Hey Katy! This is fine to make a day ahead of time. Works great! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
Absolutely loved this recipe! I was hesitant to use soaked cashews, but I’m so glad I gave it a try because it was a revelation! A guest said it was the best potato salad he’s ever had.
Thank you so much Ally! I am so glad you loved this! 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
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
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
I made this today! It was delicious!
Thank you so much Estefania! xTieghan
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
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.
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.
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.
Fabulous salad – thanks so much! Loved the herb balance and as meat eaters added some bacon too. Delicious!!
Thank you s much Kerryn! 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
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
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
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
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
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