I prepared this super flavorful, easy potato salad recipe (No Mayo) this morning. It is delicious, full of flavor, and I promise it comes out perfect every time! No mushy, watery potatoes here. The tangy vinaigrette is French inspired with a hint of Dijon mustard and plenty of herbs. This is the sort of potato salad I grew to adore on my many trips to France. I also like mayo sometimes but not on my potato salad.
I serve this potato salad warm, at room temperature or chilled. Furthermore, it will last in the fridge for up to five days (if you do not eat it all at once…it is that good!). And, it is vegan, vegetarian and gluten free so it will please many eaters.
Creamy new (or thin skinned) potatoes are paired with an herby vinaigrette dressing which combines virgin olive oil, wine vinegar and Dijon mustard. Add a crunch of red onion, a bit of chives and a generous dose of herbs and you have a perfect potato salad recipe. And bonus – if you can find a mix of potatoes as I did, the purple variety is particularly healthy!
Where does potato salad originate?
Potato salad is German but varieties also come from France. Americans have embraced potato salad, and there are many varieties both with mayo and no mayo. Historians believe that potatoes originated in South America. Peru is well known for having many varieties of potatoes – up to 400!
Are potatoes healthy for me?
Potatoes have a bad rap as adding to weight gain and being full of carbs. However, the way you prepare them makes a huge difference. Deep fried potatoes for chips and fries are high in carbs, fats and calories, and the deep-frying removes much of the nutrition. Simply boiled or baked potatoes are full of fiber and contain plenty of vitamin C. I used a mix of heirloom fingerling potatoes today, and was happy to find out on Dr. Axe that they are very high in vitamins and antioxidants.
Can I substitute some of these ingredients?
Yes. This potato salad recipe is very versatile. You can add in chopped celery, hard cooked eggs, other fresh herbs such as basil and cilantro. Experiment with what you like best!
Equipment
Large Saucepan
Small mixing bowl
Whisk
Ingredients
- 2 pounds heirloom potatoes or thin skinned red potatoes
- 2 TBS granulated sugar plus a ½ teaspoon for vinaigrette
- 4 TBS white wine or red wine vinegar – divided in half
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground pepper
- Garlic salt to taste
- 1 TBS of Herbes de Provence
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil I like Kirkland
- 3-4 cloves garlic – minced
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard Grey Poupon works well
- ¼ – ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ cup fresh parsley – gently packed & chopped
- ¼ cup fresh dill – gently packed & chopped
- 2 TBS of fresh chives chopped
- 1 small red onion – finely diced about ¾ cup
Instructions
Wash and quarter potatoes: It is important that you half or quarter the potatoes (depending on their size) so that all of the pieces are close to the same size. If the sizes vary, then some of the potatoes will become over cooked (this is where mushy potatoes happen!). You will also want to wash and chop your herbs, onion, garlic at this point too so that making the dressing moves quickly.
Cook the potatoes: Cover potatoes with cold water in a large sauce pan. Add potatoes and bring the water to a gentle boil over high heat. Once boiling add in 2 tablespoons of salt, 2 tablespoons of the sugar and 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork tender, about 9-11 minutes. Drain the potatoes in a colander and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
While the potatoes are cooking, make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together oil, garlic, remaining 2 tablespoons of vinegar, Dijon, crushed red pepper flakes, Herbes de Provence and a ½ teaspoon of sugar. Season with 3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper. Whisk until fully combined. Add in the parsley, chives and dill. Stir until combined. Set aside.
Finish the potato salad: Drizzle half of the dressing over the warm potatoes and gently toss to combine. Add in the red onion. Combine gently again. Drizzle in the remaining dressing to taste. Gently combine until everything is coated. Taste and adjust for seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve the salad: Serve warm, at room temperature or chilled. If serving warm and right away, let it sit out on the counter for at least 10 minutes for the flavors to come together.
Do NOT continuously boil the potatoes at a high heat or you run the risk of the potatoes falling apart, and becoming mushy/watery.
As soon as you drain the potatoes toss in the dressing. Warm potatoes soak up the dressing. Cold potatoes will not (and the dressing could become congealed when it hits the cold potatoes).