The Best Herby Potato Salad

The Best Herby Potato Salad is the perfect dish for any gathering, picnic, or casual dinner. This vibrant, creamy salad is not only mayo-free but also packed with fresh herbs and flavors that elevate traditional potato salad. It’s a delicious side that can be served warm or cold, making it a versatile choice for all occasions. With its unique creamy base made from cashews and garlic, this potato salad stands out as a healthier option that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy and Creamy: Enjoy a rich texture without the heaviness of mayonnaise.
• Fresh Herb Flavor: Garden-fresh herbs like basil and dill bring an aromatic touch to every bite.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm, at room temperature, or chilled for any occasion.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps make this dish accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for prepping in advance and enjoying later.

Tools and Preparation

To create The Best Herby Potato Salad, you’ll need a few essential tools to streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Food processor
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Serving bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for boiling potatoes evenly, ensuring they cook properly without falling apart.
• Food processor: Makes blending the creamy cashew sauce easy and quick, resulting in a smooth texture.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping herbs and potatoes efficiently.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife helps you chop ingredients with precision and speed.

Ingredients

For The Best Herby Potato Salad, gather the following ingredients:

For the Potatoes

• 2 pounds mixed baby new potatoes, and/or fingerling potatoes
• 3 cloves garlic
• kosher salt

For the Creamy Sauce

• 1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 30 minutes, then drained
• 1 tablespoon grainy dijon mustard
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

For the Fresh Herbs

• 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
• 2 chives, chopped

Seasoning

• flaky sea salt and black pepper
• 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
• juice of 1 lemon

How to Make The Best Herby Potato Salad

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

1. Place the potatoes, garlic cloves, and a tablespoon of kosher salt in a large pot. Fill with water.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until fork-tender.
3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the hot pot. Remove the garlic cloves.
4. Cover the pot to allow the potatoes to steam for another 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Cashew Sauce

1. In a food processor, combine cooked garlic (from step 1), drained cashews, dijon mustard, and olive oil.
2. Pulse until smooth and creamy; add water if necessary to thin slightly.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Cut the cooked potatoes in half and transfer them to a large serving bowl.
2. Add in the cashew sauce, chopped basil, dill, chives, lemon juice, along with a pinch each of flaky sea salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
3. Toss everything well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Serve this delightful potato salad warm or chilled—it’s sure to impress your guests!

How to Serve The Best Herby Potato Salad

This creamy and herb-infused potato salad is a delight for any occasion. Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy family dinner, you can serve it in various ways to enhance its flavors and appeal.

With Grilled Meats

• Chicken Skewers: Pair this potato salad with juicy grilled chicken skewers for a hearty meal.
• Lamb Chops: The herby flavors of the salad complement the richness of grilled lamb chops beautifully.

As a Picnic Dish

• In Individual Portions: Serve in small cups for easy eating at picnics or outdoor gatherings.
• With Fresh Bread: Accompany the salad with crusty bread or rolls for a satisfying picnic spread.

As Part of a Buffet

• On a Salad Bar: Include it on a buffet with various toppings like pickles and olives to let guests customize their servings.
• As a Side Plate: Offer it alongside other side dishes to create a colorful and inviting table setting.

How to Perfect The Best Herby Potato Salad

To elevate your potato salad game, keep these tips in mind for the best results possible.

• Use Fresh Herbs: Always opt for freshly chopped basil, dill, and chives for maximum flavor.
• Soak Cashews Well: Soaking cashews makes them easier to blend, resulting in a creamier texture.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving; add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed for balance.
• Serve at Room Temperature: This salad tastes best when served at room temperature, allowing the flavors to shine.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Herby Potato Salad

Pairing side dishes with your herby potato salad can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options that work wonderfully together.

1. Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Colorful vegetables grilled to perfection add smoky flavors that complement the potato salad.
2. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers and tomatoes is light and nutritious.
3. Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw provides contrast in texture and adds a tangy crunch.
4. Roasted Chicken Thighs: Juicy roasted chicken thighs make this meal hearty and satisfying.
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful stuffed bell peppers filled with grains or beans offer additional nutrition.
6. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob adds summertime vibes and sweetness to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making The Best Herby Potato Salad, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to watch for:

• Ignoring potato size: Cutting potatoes into uneven sizes leads to inconsistent cooking. Make sure all potato pieces are similar in size for even tenderness.
• Not soaking cashews: Failing to soak cashews can result in a grainy texture. Soak them in hot water for at least 30 minutes for a creamy sauce.
• Overcooking potatoes: Cooking potatoes for too long makes them mushy. Boil until fork-tender, then steam briefly off the heat for the perfect texture.
• Skipping seasoning adjustments: Neglecting to taste and adjust seasoning can leave your salad flat. Always taste before serving and add salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
• Serving immediately: Serving right after mixing may miss out on flavor development. Let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes to enhance its taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• The Best Herby Potato Salad stays fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing The Best Herby Potato Salad

• Freeze in a suitable container or freezer bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months, but note that texture might change upon thawing.

Reheating The Best Herby Potato Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat until warm, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 1 minute, stirring in between, until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a skillet, stirring gently until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making The Best Herby Potato Salad:

Can I use different herbs?

Yes! Feel free to customize with your favorite herbs like parsley or cilantro for a unique flavor twist.

Is this potato salad vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is dairy-free and made without mayonnaise, making it perfect for vegan diets.

How can I make this salad spicier?

Add more crushed red pepper flakes or toss in some diced jalapeños for an extra kick.

What can I serve with The Best Herby Potato Salad?

This salad pairs well with grilled meats or as a side dish for picnics and barbecues.

Final Thoughts

The Best Herby Potato Salad is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize it with your favorite herbs or spices to fit your tastes. Give it a try at your next gathering!