Vegan Smashed Potato Salad Recipe

If you’re searching for the picnic side dish everyone secretly hopes will be on the table, meet your new best friend: Vegan Smashed Potato Salad! Crispy, golden potatoes get smashed and roasted, then tossed in a zippy, creamy, herb-packed dressing. Every bite is satisfying and bright—totally plant-based, absolutely irresistible, and ready to steal the show at your next meal.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best Vegan Smashed Potato Salad is all about simple, straightforward ingredients working in delicious harmony. Each element plays a role—bringing texture, adding rounds of fresh flavor, or binding everything together into the ultimate creamy, golden potato salad.

• Yukon gold potatoes (or baby dutch): Their thin skin and buttery texture are tailor-made for smashing and roasting, plus they hold their shape beautifully.
• Avocado oil: This oil encourages super-crispy edges during roasting and adds a subtle richness. You can swap in olive oil if you prefer.
• Garlic salt, dried parsley, & pepper: The classic flavor base that seasons the potatoes inside and out—don’t be shy!
• Vegan mayo: The star in creating an injection of creamy, tangy flavor without any dairy.
• Celery: Crunchy and refreshing, celery balances the richness and keeps each bite lively.
• Green onions: Mild, zippy scallions lend color and a gentle onion bite—irresistible in potato salad!
• Fresh garlic: Minced and added to the dressing, it brings depth and a pop of boldness.
• Apple cider vinegar: Just a splash adds brightness and tang to complement the creamy dressing.
• Whole grain mustard: For a burst of flavor and a bit of texture—those little seeds add so much character!

Variations

This Vegan Smashed Potato Salad is endlessly customizable—so don’t be afraid to have a little fun! Whether you’re curbing cravings, using what’s in your fridge, or just love to experiment, there are so many ways to make it your own.

• Herby Heaven: Swap dried parsley for fresh dill, chives, or tarragon, or toss in a medley of all three for a green-goddess vibe.
• Extra Veggie Crunch: Add thinly sliced radishes, diced red bell pepper, or shredded carrot for even more freshness and color.
• Spicy Kick: Mix a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes into the dressing, or fold in a spoonful of chopped pickled jalapeños.
• Protein Boost: Stir in cooked chickpeas or toss with crumbled vegan bacon for a heartier main dish salad.

How to Make Vegan Smashed Potato Salad

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining two sheet pans with parchment. Add the potatoes to a large stock pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Let them cook for 15–20 minutes until the potatoes are just fork-tender—meaning you should be able to pierce them easily with a fork, but not so soft that they fall apart. Drain and let them cool for a few minutes so they’re easier to handle.

Step 2: Smash and Season

Drizzle a little avocado oil on both sheet pans. Spread the boiled potatoes evenly across the pans. Press down on each potato gently using the flat bottom of a glass cup—they should flatten but still hold together. Sprinkle each pan with half of the remaining oil, garlic salt, dried parsley, and pepper for bold flavor all over.

Step 3: Roast to Crispy Perfection

Roast the smashed potatoes in your preheated oven for 20 minutes, then remove them, flip the potatoes carefully, and return to the oven for another 20 minutes. For extra even crisping, switch the placement of the baking sheets between racks when you flip the potatoes. You’re looking for deep golden edges and irresistible crispy bits!

Step 4: Mix Up the Creamy Dressing

While your potatoes roast, grab a large bowl and stir together the vegan mayo, diced celery, chopped green onions, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and whole grain mustard. The dressing should be tangy, herby, and well-mixed—don’t forget to season to taste!

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Once the roasted potatoes are out of the oven, let them cool for 5 minutes (they’ll hold their shape better this way). Roughly chop the potatoes—some uneven pieces are good, that’s where all those crispy bits shine! Toss most of the potatoes with your creamy dressing, reserving several for topping at the end. Give it a taste and tweak the salt, pepper, or mustard if you like. Finish with those reserved potato pieces on top for a beautiful, crunchy finish. Serve chilled or at room temperature and watch it disappear!

How to Serve Vegan Smashed Potato Salad

Garnishes

A shower of extra green onions or chopped fresh herbs (think parsley or dill) on top makes this Vegan Smashed Potato Salad look absolutely irresistible. If you want a little extra crunch, try a sprinkle of toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds just before serving.

Side Dishes

This salad is a natural with all things barbecue—think veggie burgers, grilled portobellos, or smoky baked beans. For lunch, pair it with crisp lettuce wraps or a bowl of chilled soup for a simple, refreshing meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Vegan Smashed Potato Salad in individual mason jars for a fun picnic touch, or pile it onto a platter and scatter with edible flowers for a vibrant, show-stopping centerpiece at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep splendidly! Store your Vegan Smashed Potato Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen and develop with time, just give it a quick toss before serving again.

Freezing

While the salad is at its best fresh or from the fridge, freezing isn’t recommended. The potatoes and creamy dressing can turn watery and lose that lovely texture once thawed.

Reheating

This salad shines when served cold or at room temperature. If you crave a warm touch, briefly let it come up to temp on the counter before serving, but avoid microwaving to keep all the crispy bits intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something comforting, fresh, and a little unexpected, I can’t recommend this Vegan Smashed Potato Salad enough. It’s the ultimate blend of creamy and crispy, completely plant-based, and guaranteed to light up any meal. Give it a try and let your next gathering (or quiet lunch!) become something to remember.

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