There are a few dishes you always expect to see at a cookout. Grilled vegetables and (plant-based) meats are a must, of course. But right next to them, without fail, is potato salad. This beloved dish, typically made with boiled potatoes and mayonnaise, is cherished across the nation. Many find it nostalgic, particularly in the South, where backyard barbecues and gatherings are a cultural cornerstone. Despite its simplicity, potato salad has interesting origins and endless variations. Below, we’ve compiled a tasty potato salad recipe for every week of the summer, but first, let’s dive into a bit of its history.
What is the history of potato salad?
There are a few theories about where potato salad first came from. According to Mashed, one theory is that the Spanish brought a dish of boiled potatoes, vinegar, and spices to the US after discovering potatoes in South America during colonization. However, there is also written evidence that potato salad was a popular German dish, brought to America during the mid-19th century.
The Kitchn notes that this is why potato salad is so popular among Black communities in the South. When they arrived in the US, many German immigrants had a positive relationship with Black Charlestonians during the 19th century, leading to the sharing and development of recipes between the communities.
“As a result of the sharing of recipes cold-slaw (what we now call potato salad) became a popular Southern dish in many Black families,” Jon Paul Higgins, Ed.D., writes for The Kitchn. “For many Black people, it’s about keeping the recipe alive because of the story that it tells.”
13 vegan potato salad recipes for every week of summer
Today, more than a century and a half after German immigrants first started arriving in the US, potato salad is still a go-to dish. In fact, in 2016, one survey by Budweiser revealed that the most popular barbecue side dish in the US was potato salad. Got a craving? So do we. Find our favorite vegan potato salad variations below—there are 13, one for every week of summer.
Lauren Toyota
1 Vegan Greek Potato Feta Salad
From Lauren Toyota’s Hot For Food Vegan Comfort Classics cookbook, this delicious Greek take on potato salad is bursting with big, bold, tangy flavor. The scene-stealer is arguably the vegan feta, which is made with extra-firm tofu.
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Zhoro Apostolov and Michelle Cehn
2 Vegan Picnic Potato Salad
As the name suggests, this super creamy potato salad The Friendly Vegan Cookbook is set to be a real hit at your next picnic. If you like, make it a little more gourmet by adding ingredients like fresh dill, mustard, sliced radish, and olives.
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Ashley McLaughlin
3 Simple Herbed Vegan Potato Salad
This side dish from the Fiber Fueled Cookbook is already packed with flavor, thanks to the additions of lemon juice and fresh herbs. But, to take it to the next level, why not sprinkle in some salty vegan bacon bits and diced cucumber?
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The Clever Carrot
4 Sicilian Potato Salad With Green Beans
Transport yourself to the Italian island of Sicily by making this delicious potato salad with green beans from The Clever Carrot. It’s unique, easy to make, and bursting with flavor, thanks to the marinated tomatoes and crispy capers.
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Plant Based Folk
5 Lebanese Potato Salad
This Lebanese potato salad is simple, yet incredibly refreshing and flavorful. The recipe from Plant Based Folk just consists of boiled potatoes, fresh herbs, a little squeezed lemon, and some olive oil.
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Thyme and Love
6 Vegan Dill Potato Salad
If you love that distinct dill flavor, why not make it the star of your next potato salad dish? This recipe from Thyme & Love, which is also made with Dijon mustard, celery, and red onion, is one you’ll want to make on repeat.
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Wee Little Vegans
7 Vegan Southern Potato Salad
This vegan Southern potato salad from Wee Little Vegans might look like it’s made with mayo, but the dish actually features a mix of yogurt, mustard, and apple cider vinegar. It’s flavorful, simple to make, and incredibly creamy.
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Rabbits and Wolves
8Gochujang Vegan Potato Salad
Those who like a little bit of spice will love this fusion recipe from Rabbits and Wolves, which combines the classic elements of creamy potato salad with spicy, sweet Korean gochujang sauce.
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Parsnip and Pastries
9Cashew Mayo Lemon and Herb Vegan Potato Salad
It’s easy to find vegan mayonnaise on the shelves these days, but it’s arguably more rewarding to make it yourself. This potato salad recipe from Parsnips and Pastries will show you how to do just that with simple ingredients like raw cashews, garlic, and lemon juice.
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I Love Vegan
10 Vegan Rainbow Potato Salad
If you want your potato salad dish to look as good as it tastes, this recipe from I Love Vegan has got you covered. Packed with colorful vegetables, including carrots, red onion, and bell peppers, it’s vibrant, nutritious, and full of flavor.
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Cupful of Kale
11 Pesto Potato Salad
If you’re yet to try pesto in your potato salad, let this recipe from Cupful of Kale prove to you why it’s a must. With classic mayonnaise and new potatoes, this dish is refreshing, light, and perfect for summer.
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Orchids and Sweet Tea
12Vegan Roasted Potato Salad
Most potato salad dishes call for boiled potatoes, but this recipe from Orchids and Sweet Tea shows that roasted potatoes are an equally delicious base. The texture is crunchy, crispy, and incredibly satisfying.
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For more summer eats, check out:
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
