Pesto Potato Salad Recipe (2024)

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Step into spring with this easy pesto potato salad recipe made with new potatoes, tons of fragrant basil and brightened up with a squeeze of fresh lemon. Vegan, better for you, naturally creamy, no mayo and gluten free.

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Pesto Potato Salad

A healthier spin on the American classic, these homemade lemony pesto potatoes deliver heavenly flavors reminiscent of the Italian countryside on a hot summer day.

Irresistibly delicious and comforting, especially when served still a little warm alongside an heirloom tomato salad and these crispy vegan chicken cutlets. That beautiful green color is just the perfect addition to a colorful Easter table!

The Potatoes

New baby potatoes in any color or fingerlings would all be fabulous here. Stay away from russets, sweet potatoes or any large varieties that require too much cutting and get mashed easily. It’s important that the potatoes hold their shape nicely once cooked and can stand up to the thickness of the pesto sauce. Instead of boiling you can opt for roasted baby potatoes instead.

About the Pesto Sauce

  • A classic homemade basil pesto is absolutely divine in this recipe. Personally I love going for a 50/50 mixture of basil and fresh onion chives when my containers are bursting over. It adds mild and sweet onion flavor, a great alternative to the more pungent garlic.
  • Variation – Alternatively you could experiment with an arugula or spinach mix, or rebel away with a sun dried tomato pesto with capers instead. Recipes are but a guide, go wild and you might just come up with an incredible flavor combination.

Serving Suggestions

  • Add Ins – steamed green beans or peas, grilled asparagus, cherry tomatoes, crispy tempeh bacon bits, capers, olives, pickled red onion.
  • Vegan Chicken
  • Seitan Jackfruit Ribs or Steaks
  • Veggie Burgers
  • Italian Tomato Salsa
  • Green Apple Coleslaw
  • Tomato Cucumber Basil Salad.

Pesto Potato Salad Recipe (6)

Pesto Potato Salad

This easy pesto potato salad recipe is made with new potatoes, tons of fragrant basil and brightened up with a squeeze of fresh lemon. Vegan, better for you, naturally creamy, no mayo and gluten free.

Print Recipe

Prep Time:10 minutes mins

Cook Time:12 minutes mins

Total Time:22 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 2 lb baby new potatoes
  • 3 cups basil leaves (or 1/2 basil + 1/2 fresh chives)
  • 6 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil + more as needed
  • 1/3 cup toasted walnuts or pine nuts (almonds, macadamia nuts, pistachios or pepitas)
  • 1/2 lemon juiced
  • 2 cloves garlic grated
  • 1 pinch sea salt

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Scrub and rinse the potatoes and cut them in half. Place in a heavy bottom pot and cover with cold water.

    2 lb baby new potatoes

  • Bring the potatoes to a boil then generously season them with a heavy pinch of sea salt, just like you would pasta water.

    2 lb baby new potatoes, 1 pinch sea salt

  • Cook for 10 to 15 minutes until a knife inserted in the center comes out without resistance, do not overcook. Drain in a colander and allow the potatoes to dry in their own steam.

Make the Pesto

  • Meanwhile add all the pesto ingredients to the bowl of a food processor and using the pulse button process until the sauce comes together but holds some texture. Drizzle in more olive oil if desired, taste and adjust seasonings with more lemon juice and sea salt.

    3 cups basil leaves, 6 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 lemon, 2 cloves garlic, 1 pinch sea salt, 1/3 cup toasted walnuts or pine nuts

Dress the Potatoes

  • Place the cooled baby potatoes in a salad bowl and scoop the pesto on top. Use a spatula and fold them together until nicely coated. Serve at room temperature alongside a tomato salad and maybe some vegan chicken.

    2 lb baby new potatoes

Notes

  • The Potatoes - New baby potatoes in any color or fingerlings would all work great. Stay away from russets or any large varieties that require too much cutting and get mashed easily. It's important that the potatoes hold their shape and can stand up to the pesto sauce. Instead of boiling you can opt for roasted baby potatoes instead.
  • About the Pesto Sauce - A classic homemade basil pesto is absolutely divine in this recipe. Personally I love going for a 50/50 mixture of basil and fresh onion chives when available. It adds mild and sweet onion flavor, a great alternative to the more pungent garlic. You could also go for an arugula or spinach mix, or rebel away with a sun dried tomato pesto instead. Go wild!
  • Add Ins - steamed green beans or peas, grilled asparagus, cherry tomatoes, crispy tempeh bacon bits, capers, olives, pickled red onion.

Nutrition

Calories: 443kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Sodium: 25mg | Potassium: 1085mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 958IU | Vitamin C: 50mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 3mg

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Pesto Potato salad, pesto potatoes, plant based, vegan,

Servings: 4 people

Calories: 443kcal

Author: Florentina

Vegan Potato Recipes

  • Deviled Potatoes
  • Rustic Paprika Potatoes
  • Scalloped Potatoes
  • Vegan Potato Soup
  • Garden Focaccia Bread.
Pesto Potato Salad Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why don't you peel potatoes for potato salad? ›

There's no reason at all, so my advice is to leave the skins on. The skin on a potato adds a nice texture and flavor to the potato salad and it's also the healthiest part.

What if I put too much apple cider vinegar in my potato salad? ›

The first step is to let your potato salad sit in the refrigerator for as long as possible. In doing so, the potatoes will absorb the vinegar, and you'll be able to pour out the excess that collects at the bottom of the bowl. After this, you'll want to gradually add sugar by the teaspoon, mixing and tasting as you go.

How does Bobby Flay make potato salad? ›

Bobby Flay's Mustard and Scallion Potato Salad

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustards, vinegar, salt and pepper, olive oil, honey, lime juice, jalapeño, and scallions. Add the warm, sliced potatoes to the bowl and fold until well combined.

How to make potato salad Martha Stewart? ›

Directions
  1. Put potatoes in a large pot of salted water; bring to a boil. Cook until just tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain; let cool.
  2. Stir together mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, and dill; season with salt and pepper. Peel potatoes; cut into 1-inch chunks. Fold into mayonnaise mixture.
Feb 25, 2021

Should I cut potatoes before boiling for potato salad? ›

Drop a whole russet into the pot and by the time the outside has cooked through, the inside will still be raw. Larger potatoes should be cubed to ensure they cook evenly (peeled first if desired). Smaller potatoes tend to have thin skins and can be boiled whole, no peeling required.

Should I wait for potatoes to cool before making potato salad? ›

Yes, if your potato salad is a cold salad, as most are, allow the cooked potatoes to cool to room temperature before adding the dressing and other ingredients.

Why does my potato salad taste so bland? ›

If it's a potato salad, be sure to let the potatoes cool (the starch cells close up) before adding any dressing or salad mixture. Warm potatoes will soak up the liquids. Taste an hour after mixing and see if the spices need tweaking. Mashed potatoes do the same thing if you add in the garlic or cheddar cheese too soon.

What if I put too much mustard in my potato salad? ›

You've got two options. The first option is to cook more potatoes and make more potato salad, adding more of every ingredient except mustard. Doing so will get the mustard content in equilibrium with the rest of the flavors in the salad. Your other option is to adjust the seasonings to compliment the…

What does adding vinegar to potatoes do? ›

Vinegar is also a natural preservative and can help to keep the potatoes fresh for a longer period of time. Additionally, the acidity of the vinegar can help to break down the starch molecules in the potatoes, making them creamier and easier to mix with other ingredients.

What is in Walmart potato salad? ›

POTATOES, MAYONNAISE (SOYBEAN OIL, WATER, EGG YOLKS, VINEGAR, SALT), MUSTARD (WATER, VINEGAR, MUSTARD SEED, SALT, SUGAR, SOYBEAN OIL, TURMERIC, PAPRIKA, GARLIC POWDER, SPICES, ANNATTO EXTRACT (COLOR], XANTHAN GUM, CITRIC ACID, NATURAL FLAVOR), DILL PICKLE CUBES (CUCUMBER VINEGAR, SALT, CALCIUM CHLORIDE, NATURAL ...

What herbs are in potato salad Ina Garten? ›

Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl and pour enough dressing over them to moisten. (As the salad sits, you may need to add more dressing.) Add the onion, tarragon and parsley, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss well, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavors to blend.

How to make a potato salad Jamie Oliver? ›

Method
  1. Gently boil the potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and leave to cool slightly.
  2. Whisk the mustard with the vinegar and slowly add the olive oil. ...
  3. Slice the cooked potatoes in half and dress with the shallot and parsley vinaigrette.

Is it better to make potato salad the night before? ›

Yes, potato salad gets even better if left to sit overnight in the fridge. The flavors combine and the potatoes absorb more of the seasoning/dressing, making for a more flavorful experience.

Is it OK to eat potatoes without peeling? ›

"From a health point of view, and I think from a taste and texture point of view, it's much better to leave the skin on," Simon says. "The skin of the potato is very high in fibre, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B — all of those good, healthy things are in high concentration in the skin."

Why you shouldn't peel your potatoes? ›

It's best to peel potatoes for dishes like mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, or potato salad since they should have a smoother texture. On the other hand, potato peels contain iron, fiber, vitamin B, and vitamin C, so leave the peels on if you want a nutrient boost in your dish.

Is it better to boil potatoes whole or cut up for potato salad? ›

Unpeeled potatoes.

The thin skins are usually tender after cooking and add color to the potato salad. Dice unpeeled potatoes into uniformly-sized pieces. Place in cold water, bring to a boil, then simmer until tender.

How do you keep potatoes from turning black when making potato salad? ›

Add lemon juice or vinegar

Lowering the pH of the potato helps fight off oxidation. Just like you might use a squirt of lime juice to keep guacamole from browning, a bit of lemon juice or white vinegar in the bowl with the potatoes will ward off gray hues.

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