Skinny Red Potato Salad Recipe - Cookin' Canuck (2024)

Say goodbye to the heavy, gloopy potato salads of the past – our Skinny Red Potato Salad without mayo is here to revolutionize your taste buds! Packed with colorful veggies and dressed in a zesty vinaigrette, it's the perfect way to indulge in a healthy meal.

Red potato salad – the side dish that’s always invited to the barbecue but can never seem to find its place amongst the other heavy hitters like burgers and kabobs. But fear not, my friends, for I have a secret weapon that will make potato salad the star of show – skinny red potato salad without mayo.

It's the kind of dish that will have your guests asking for the recipe and wondering how you managed to make such a simple side dish taste so amazing.

Traditional potato salad can be loaded with high-calorie and high-fat ingredients like mayonnaise, sour cream and bacon. By swapping out the mayo for a lighter Dijon dressing and using vegetables and herbs for flavor and crunch, you can create a healthier version of this classic dish that’s still bursting with flavor. Also try my Warm Antipasto Potato Salad (mayo-free).

Why use red potatoes for potato salad?

Red potatoes and other waxy potatoes work well for potato salad. Since they have less starch than some of their cousins, such as russets, they tend to hold their shape better when boiled. No more mushy potato salads!

Ingredients for red potato salad

These are the ingredients for potato salad with red potatoes, including the light Dijon dressing.

▪️ RED POTATOES: Red potatoes can be found in most grocery stores.
▪️ CELERY: Dice one large stalk of celery.
▪️ BELL PEPPER: Dice one red bell pepper. Yellow or orange bell peppers can be substituted.
▪️ PARSLEY: Use flat-leaf parsley, sometimes labeled as Italian parsley.
▪️ VINEGAR: I used white wine vinegar for the dressing. See below for substitutes.
▪️ DIJON: Dijon mustard acts as an emulsifier, which helps to stop the oil and vinegar from separating.
▪️ SHALLOTS: Mince the shallots finely.
▪️ AGAVE NECTAR: Just a drizzle of agave nectar for a little sweetness. Honey can be substituted, be please note that it’s not vegan.
▪️ SEASONING: Salt and pepper, to taste.
▪️ OLIVE OIL: Use extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.

See recipe card below for full ingredients list & recipe directions.

How to make red potato salad without mayo

PREP THE POTATOES: Scrub the potatoes to clean off any dirt. Cut them into 1-inch pieces. No need to peel the potatoes! The red skin of the potatoes adds both fiber and a pop of color.

COOK THE POTATOES: Place the potatoes in a large saucepan and fill the saucepan with cold water. The water should be about one inch above the potatoes. Generously salt the water with kosher salt to flavor the potatoes as they cook. Bring the water to a boil and cook until the potatoes just tender when pierced with a fork. Cooking time is about 20 to 25 minutes.

DON'T OVERCOOK: Take care not to overcook the potatoes. You don’t want mushy potatoes that disintegrate when mixed with the dressing.

COOL: Drain the potatoes into a colander and let them cool to room temperature. Transfer to a serving dish.

MAKE THE DRESSING: In a medium bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, shallots, agave nectar, salt and pepper. While whisking, slowly pour in the olive oil until the dressing if fully combined.

DRESS AND SERVE: Pour the dressing into the potato salad and toss gently to coat the potatoes. Serve it up!

What to serve with potato salad

Red potato salad is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main dishes, especially during the summer months when outdoor grilling is in full swing. Here are some ideas for what to serve with potato salad:

GRILLED MEATS: Potato salad is the perfect accompaniment ot grilled meats like chicken, pork chops, sausages and steak. The light and fresh flavors of the potato salad help balance out the richness of the meat.

SANDWICHES: Potato salad makes a great side dish for sandwiches. Try pairing it with Vegan Hummus Avocado Sandwich or Grilled Italian Vegetable Panini.

SEAFOOD: If you’re a seafood lover, potato salad is a great side dish for grilled or baked fish or shellfish. The tangy dressing and fresh herbs complement the delicate flavor of seafood. Try Grilled Salmon with Spice Rub or Greek Grilled Shrimp Kabobs.

VEGETARIAN DISHES: Potato salad can also be a great side dish for vegetarian or vegan meals. Try serving it with grilled vegetables, quinoa salad or a veggie burger.

PICNIC FOODS: Potato salad is a classic picnic food, and it pairs well with other outdoor-friendly dishes like pasta salad, slaw and corn on the cob.

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This post was originally published on July 2, 2014. Updated on April 4, 2023.

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