The Creamiest Potato Salad You’ll Ever Make
If you’ve been searching for a potato salad that’s creamy without mayo, hearty without being heavy, and vibrant enough to be the star of your summer table, this one’s for you.
This Creamiest Potato Salad uses tender baby potatoes, peppery arugula, umami-packed sun-dried tomatoes, and protein-rich white beans. The dressing is a silky tahini-yogurt blend with a gentle kick of chili oil, fresh parsley, and lemon juice.
Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, packing a picnic, or just meal-prepping lunches for the week, this salad is proof that comfort food can also be fresh, healthy, and satisfying.
If you’re in the mood to explore more potato perfection, check out our Smashed Potato Salad for another irresistible twist on a classic favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Completely vegan and dairy-free, with a creamy texture without any mayo or cream.
- Protein-packed from hearty white beans
- Mediterranean-inspired flavors with tahini, lemon, and sun-dried tomatoes
- Perfect for meal prep stays fresh in the fridge for days
- Versatile enough to serve warm, chilled, or at room temperature.
How to Make Creamiest Potato Salad (Quick Overview)
(Find the detailed recipe card below.)
Health Benefits at a Glance
- Potatoes provide a great source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, making them a nourishing base for the salad.
- White beans add plant-based protein and iron, supporting sustained energy and overall wellness.
- Tahini is rich in healthy fats, calcium, and antioxidants, giving the dressing a nutrient boost.
- Arugula offers vitamin K, folate, and a peppery freshness that lightens the overall flavor profile.
When to Serve It
This salad is ideal for summer cookouts, pairing beautifully with grilled veggies or vegan burgers. It also works wonderfully for packed lunches, especially when portioned into bento boxes, and it’s perfect for holiday tables where it adds a lighter, fresher potato option alongside richer dishes.
Tips for the Creamiest Potato Salad Ever
Choose waxy potatoes because they hold their shape well after cooking and keep the salad from becoming mushy. Infuse flavor early by tossing the potatoes with vegetable broth before adding the creamy dressing. Adjust the chili oil to your preference, keeping it mild for a crowd or adding more heat for spice lovers. Finally, let the salad rest for at least 15 minutes before serving so the flavors have time to meld together.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days without losing flavor or texture.
- If making ahead, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain freshness.
- Avoid freezing, as it changes the texture of both the potatoes and the creamy dressing.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this potato salad alongside smoky grilled tofu or tempeh steaks for a hearty summer meal.
- Pair it with freshly baked crusty bread to soak up the extra dressing.
- Add it to a spread with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced, colorful plate.
FAQs about this Creamy Potato Salad
Yes. For best results, store the potatoes and dressing separately until you’re ready to serve.
No. Freezing alters the texture of both the potatoes and the dressing, making them watery and grainy.
Yes. All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but double-check packaged products like vegan yogurt to be sure.
White beans are perfect, but chickpeas or cannellini beans are excellent alternatives.
Smooth almond butter or sunflower seed butter makes a good substitute if you want a nutty twist.
Final Thoughts on the Creamiest Potato Salad
This Creamiest Potato Salad is proof that plant-based recipes can be both nourishing and indulgent. With its silky tahini-yogurt dressing, hearty potatoes, and vibrant Mediterranean-inspired mix-ins, it’s a dish that fits seamlessly into picnics, weeknight dinners, and festive gatherings alike. The flavors get even better after a little rest, making it a reliable make-ahead option that doesn’t sacrifice taste or texture.
If you enjoyed this recipe, there’s a whole world of flavorful, wholesome plant-based dishes waiting for you. Visit Dr. Vegan for more creative vegan recipes, cooking tips, and inspiration to make every meal a deliciously compassionate choice.
Creamiest Potato Salad with Tahini Yogurt Dressing
Equipment
- Medium pot
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Knife
- Chopping board
- Whisk or fork
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 500 g baby potatoes halved (1 lb 2 oz)
- salt (to taste)
- 150 ml vegetable broth (or water)
- 15 g vegan butter
- 1 small red onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 spring onions (chopped)
- 30 g handful arugula
- 170 g cooked white beans (or canned, rinsed)
- 75 g sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- sesame seeds (for topping)
- extra chili oil (for topping)
For the Sauce:
- 200 g vegan yogurt
- 60 g tahini
- 5-10 ml chili oil (adjust to taste)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 4 g fresh parsley (chopped)
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Water, as needed, to thin
Instructions
- Sear the Potatoes– Heat a large pan over medium-high heat.– Place the halved potatoes cut-side-down. Sprinkle with salt.– Sear for 6–10 minutes until the cut side is golden brown.
- Steam Until Tender -Flip the potatoes so the skin side is down.– Pour in the vegetable broth, cover with a lid, and steam for about 10 minutes or until fork-tender.
- Add Butter & Seasoning– When the broth has evaporated, add vegan butter and any desired seasoning (black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder).– Cook for another 2–3 minutes, tossing the potatoes until they’re glossy and coated.– Remove from the heat and let them cool slightly.
- Prepare the Sauce– In a small bowl, combine vegan yogurt, tahini, chili oil, garlic, parsley, and lemon juice.– If the sauce is too thick, whisk in a small splash of water until it reaches a pourable consistency.
- Assemble the Salad– In a large bowl, combine the slightly cooled potatoes, sliced onion, chopped spring onion, arugula, white beans, and sun-dried tomatoes.– Pour the sauce over and toss gently to coat.
- Finish & Serve– Sprinkle with sesame seeds and drizzle with extra chili oil before serving.