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.

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Many find it nostalgic, particularly in the South, where backyard barbecues and gatherings are a cultural cornerstone. Despite its simplicity, potato salad has endless variations. Below, we’ve compiled 12 tasty potato salad recipes perfect for summer cookouts.

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How to make potato salad

There are an infinite amount of ways to make potato salad. Still, most recipes will share three essential ingredients: potatoes (of course), mayonnaise, and herbs. 

Christina Voinova

Some recipes may even call for additional mix-ins such as vinegar or pickles. “Both work to infuse the salad with tangy flavor,” writes The Kitchn. Mustard (for added tang and to help bind everything together), celery, and even hard-boiled eggs are other common ingredients. 

Of course, plant-based potato salads omit hard-boiled eggs or simply swap them out for a vegan alternative, such as Crafty Counter’s Wunder Eggs.

What are the best potatoes for potato salad?

When making potato salad, reach for waxy potato varieties such as Yukon Gold or Red Bliss, The Kitchn advises. “Waxy potatoes […] are the best potatoes for potato salad,” the publication notes. “They won’t fall apart while cooking and will hold their shape when tossed with the mayo-based dressing.”

12 vegan potato salad recipes 

Find some of our favorite vegan potato salad variations below.

Lauren Toyota

1Greek 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

2Picnic Potato Salad

As the name suggests, this super creamy potato salad from 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 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 recipe blog. 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. This 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

6Dill 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 and Love incorporates Dijon mustard, celery, and red onion. Trust us, you’ll want to make it on repeat.
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Wee Little Vegans

7Southern Potato Salad

This 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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Rabbit and Wolves

8Gochujang Potato Salad

Those who like a little bit of spice will love this fusion recipe from Rabbit 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 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

10Rainbow 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

12Roasted 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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