Red Potato Salad with Creamy Cashew Dijon Dressing & Dill
4.58 from 7 votes

Red Potato Salad with Creamy Cashew Dijon Dressing & Dill | The Full Helping

In my food science lab not too long ago, we made potato salad. Our professor noted that red potatoes are optimal for potato salad due to their low starch and high moisture content, which allow them to hold their shape better than, say, russets. It made sense, but I found it amusing because the thing I like best about red potato salad is smashing it up—and thereby ruining whatever shape the potatoes have held.

In any case, I love the moisture and lightness of red potatoes, and I couldn’t resist sharing my new favorite recipe for them as we head into Memorial Day weekend. This red potato salad with creamy cashew dill dressing & dill is easy to prepare, flavorful, and a little more nutritious than the traditional potato salads you might find at potlucks or cookouts this weekend.

As we were breaking down the intricacies of starch molecules, our professor paused to tell us about the many heated debates that have broken out in her lab regarding the proper way to make a potato salad. It’s cultural, she said: students who have grown up here might have very different opinions than students with German heritage, or students from Scandinavia.

I tend to think that there’s really never one way to go about a recipe–we all bring unique tastes and heritage and health considerations to bear on our cooking. This salad captures all of the things I love best in potato salad: it’s creamy, but it isn’t dense or heavy; it’s got plenty of mustard flavor, for kick; and it’s packed with dill, which is an herb I have a special fondness for, in part because I’m part Greek (and my mom puts it in everything). It’s also simple, which is a big consideration lately.

I’ve no idea how proper it is by canonical potato salad standards, but I think it’s super tasty, and I hope you will, too.

4.58 from 7 votes

Red Potato Salad with Creamy Cashew Dijon Dressing & Dill

Author - Gena Hamshaw
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yields: 4 -6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lbs red potatoes skins on, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2/3 cup raw cashews soaked for at least 2 hours and drained
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon + small pinch salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 small clove garlic optional
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped dill
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onion tops

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and boil for 12-15 minutes, or until they're fork-tender. Drain.
  • While the potatoes cook, process or blend together the cashews, water, mustard, vinegar, salt, pepper, and garlic (if using), till the ingredients are completely smooth.
  • Pour the creamy sauce over the potatoes and use a large fork fold it all together. The potatoes should retain some shape, but the fork will partially smash them up as you mix. Fold in the green onion tops and dill. Taste the salad and adjust the salt, vinegar, and pepper to your liking. Serve.

Notes

Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The salad can be prepared a day in advance.

The salad is perfect with some fresh green beans, your favorite veggie burger, or any other traditional summer fare. And I think the leftovers taste even better after a night in the fridge.

Whatever your plans are this weekend, I hope they involve good food and rest. I’ll be checking in on Monday for weekend reading this week–till then, be well.

xo

This post may contain affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission. Visit my privacy policy to learn more.

Categories: Recipes, Side Dishes
Ingredients: Potatoes
Dietary Preferences: Gluten Free, No Oil, Soy Free, Vegan
Recipe Features: Meal Prep

Leave a Comment

Star ratings help other readers to find my recipes online. If you loved this recipe, would you please consider giving it a star rating with your comment?

Thank you for your feedback. I'm grateful for your presence in this space!

G

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




    6 Comments
  1. 5 stars
    I was a little skeptical of substituting cashews for mayo but wow!, this recipe is delicious!
    Thank you.

  2. I love creamy style potato salad in summer. I usually put in sweet red peppers, carrots, celery and whatever else is lurking in the fridge so it’s got lots of satisfying crunch, and my favorite way to eat it is rolled up in Romaine lettuce leaves. This dressing sounds yummy so I’ll use it next time. Hope you’re having a real holiday weekend!
    xo

  3. 5 stars
    This looks terrific! We will hope the Potato Salad police do not catch you, but if they do we can be in Potato Salad jail together enjoying this yummy salad. It always makes me laugh and shake my head when I read or hear the “correct” way to make a dish. Peoples across the whole world have always used what they have available and aren’t we glad for the vast variety and the creative freedom available here in our country. Please continue with your delicious creativity.