“Do you ever find yourself craving that creamy potato salad without the heaviness of mayo?” I know I do. This No-Mayo Creamy Sour Cream and Onion Potato Salad is my go-to for those moments when I want comfort food that feels light yet satisfying. Imagine tender baby gold potatoes mingling with the tangy bite of sour cream and Greek yogurt—each spoonful brings the crunch of chives and the zest of onions, making it an irresistible side for any occasion. Quick to prep and perfect for picnics or potlucks, this recipe not only delivers on taste but also offers a healthier twist on a classic dish. Ready to elevate your potato salad game? Let’s get started!
Why Is This Potato Salad So Special?
Simplicity: This recipe is incredibly easy to whip up, requiring no advanced cooking skills—I promise, even beginners can impress their family and friends!
Creamy Delight: The combination of sour cream and Greek yogurt creates a rich, velvety texture that is both satisfying and light, making it a healthier alternative to traditional mayo-based potato salads.
Flavorful Crunch: Each bite is bursting with fresh chives and aromatic onions, providing a delightful crunch that will keep everyone coming back for more!
Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for a picnic, BBQ, or holiday gathering, this potato salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats and sandwiches, just like the beloved French Onion Meatloaf.
Crowd-Pleaser: Serve this potato salad at your next family gathering, and watch it disappear—it’s a hit with both adults and kids alike!
Make-Ahead Magic: With just a quick chill in the fridge, you can prep this dish ahead of time, saving you precious moments on the day of your event, much like the easy-to-make Sweet Potato Cranberry dish.
Onion Potato Salad Ingredients
For the Salad
- Baby Gold Potatoes – The tender base that holds all the flavorful goodness together. Choose other small potatoes if you prefer, but avoid starchy types for optimal texture.
- Sour Cream – Adds a creamy and tangy flavor, making it the star of your no mayo salad! Feel free to substitute with low-fat or vegan options if desired.
- Whole Milk Plain Greek Yogurt – Provides richness and a delightful tang. Regular yogurt works, but you’ll lose some of that creamy body.
- Red Onion – Offers a sharp bite and a satisfying crunch; shallots are a great milder alternative.
- Shallot – Adds a touch of sweetness and a delicate onion flavor; it’s optional if you’re in a pinch!
- Onion Powder – Intensifies the onion flavor without additional texture; fresh onion can also shine, but adjust the quantity.
- Garlic Powder – Delivers depth without dominating; fresh garlic is tasty too, just use it sparingly!
- Kosher Salt – Essential for amplifying all the flavors in your creamy salad. Table salt can be used, but less is more.
- Black Pepper – Adds a hint of heat; swap in white pepper for a unique twist.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Brings brightness and acidity to balance the creaminess; lemon juice serves as a lovely substitute if needed.
- Fresh Chives – Lighten things up with a fresh herbaceous note and a bit of crunch; green onions can step in as a substitute.
Indulge in this creamy onion potato salad that’s bursting with flavor and free of mayo!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for No-Mayo Creamy Sour Cream and Onion Potato Salad
Step 1: Boil Potatoes
Begin by placing the baby gold potatoes in a large pot and covering them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt, then bring the pot to a vigorous boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly and let them cook for 15-18 minutes, or until they are fork-tender but not mushy. Drain the potatoes and set them aside to cool.
Step 2: Slice Potatoes
Once the boiled potatoes have cooled to room temperature, cut them into halves or quarters based on your preference for bite-sized pieces. The goal is to maintain some texture while ensuring each piece will be coated well in the dressing. Set the sliced potatoes aside in a large mixing bowl, ready for the next delicious step.
Step 3: Prepare Sauce Mixture
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and Greek yogurt to create a creamy base for your onion potato salad. Stir in the chopped red onion, sliced shallot, onion powder, garlic powder, apple cider vinegar, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated, creating a tangy dressing that will beautifully coat the potatoes.
Step 4: Combine Potatoes with Sauce
Gently fold the sliced potatoes into the sauce mixture, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated with the creamy dressing. Use a spatula to mix delicately, avoiding any excessive mashing of the potatoes. The aim is to have a well-coated salad while still preserving the individual potato pieces that make this no-mayo potato salad a delight.
Step 5: Add Chives
With the potatoes well-coated in the dressing, sprinkle in the freshly chopped chives. Gently mix them in, ensuring even distribution throughout the salad. The chives will add a fresh, herbal kick and a bit of crunch. Once combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid to lock in the flavors.
Step 6: Chill
Place the covered salad in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least 30 minutes. This ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of your no-mayo creamy sour cream and onion potato salad. For best results, let it chill longer if you have the time, but 30 minutes is essential for a delightful experience.
Variations & Substitutions for Onion Potato Salad
Feel free to make this potato salad your own with these fun and delicious tweaks!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute both sour cream and Greek yogurt with vegan alternatives, such as coconut or cashew yogurt, for a creamy, plant-based delight.
- Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick, turning this creamy salad into a flavor-packed experience.
- Sweet Potato Swap: Swap baby gold potatoes with roasted sweet potatoes for a hint of sweetness and vibrant color, elevating your salad to a new level of deliciousness.
- Herb Boost: Amp up the flavor by mixing in fresh dill, parsley, or even basil to add a refreshing herbaceous dimension, making it perfect for warm-weather gatherings.
- Texture Twist: For added crunch, toss in some diced cucumber or celery, giving each bite a satisfying crunch alongside the creamy goodness.
- Vinegar Variation: Instead of apple cider vinegar, use white wine vinegar or lemon juice for a lighter zing that brightens up the entire dish.
- Mustard Magic: Stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the dressing for an extra depth of flavor—a little tang goes a long way!
- Nutty Addition: Sprinkle in some toasted walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and a dose of healthy fats, enhancing not just flavor but texture as well.
Don’t forget to serve this creamy onion potato salad alongside your favorites like French Onion Meatloaf or the delectable Sweet Potato Cranberry. Each of these variations can make your meal even more memorable!
Make Ahead Options
These No-Mayo Creamy Sour Cream and Onion Potato Salad make ahead options are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the potatoes and the dressing separately up to 3 days in advance. First, boil and slice the baby gold potatoes, then refrigerate them in an airtight container. Prepare the creamy dressing by mixing sour cream, Greek yogurt, and seasonings, and store it in the fridge as well. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine the chilled potatoes with the dressing, gently fold in the chopped chives, and let it chill for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This way, you’ll have a delicious, crowd-pleasing side dish ready with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for Onion Potato Salad
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Cool Properly: Allow potatoes to cool completely before slicing. This helps maintain their structure and prevents them from becoming mushy in your delicious onion potato salad.
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Don’t Overmix: When combining potatoes with the sauce, mix gently to avoid breaking the potatoes apart. You want to keep that delightful texture intact!
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Chill Time Counts: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time enhances the flavor infusion and ensures a more enjoyable eating experience.
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Substitutions Matter: If you’re out of an ingredient like chives or Greek yogurt, substitute thoughtfully to maintain a balanced flavor in your creamy salad without mayo.
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Taste as You Go: Always taste your dressing after mixing. Adjust salt, vinegar, or seasoning as needed to ensure that the flavor of your onion potato salad shines through!
Storage Tips for Onion Potato Salad
Fridge: Store your no-mayo creamy sour cream and onion potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This helps maintain its delicious flavor and fresh ingredients.
Freezer: Avoid freezing this potato salad, as the creamy texture may be compromised upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh!
Reheating: If you do have leftovers, enjoy them cold right out of the fridge or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes. Reheating could alter the texture, so it’s not recommended.
Serving: For optimal taste, allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors. Each spoonful will be a delightful experience!
What to Serve with No-Mayo Creamy Sour Cream and Onion Potato Salad
Nothing complements a crisp and creamy potato salad like the right side dishes and drinks to create a complete culinary experience.
- Grilled Chicken: Juicy, smoky chicken pairs beautifully with the tangy flavor of the salad, adding a hearty element that balances the dish perfectly.
- Steamed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans offer a fresh crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy texture. Drizzle with lemon for an extra zing!
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet, buttery corn is the ultimate summer staple, echoing the comfort of the potato salad while adding delightful sweetness to your plate.
- BBQ Ribs: Tender, saucy ribs bring a bold flavor to the table that enhances the creamy potato salad. It’s a classic combo that your guests will adore!
- Caprese Salad: A light tomato and mozzarella salad provides freshness and acidity, ensuring a well-rounded meal that keeps everything bright and flavorful.
- Lemonade or Iced Tea: A refreshing drink like homemade lemonade or chilled iced tea cleanses the palate and complements the tanginess of the potato salad beautifully.
- Fruit Salad: A colorful arrangement of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing, sweet contrast that rounds out the meal, making every bite enjoyable.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: For dessert, classic chocolate chip cookies offer a comforting sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory elements of the meal, leaving everyone smiling!
No-Mayo Creamy Sour Cream and Onion Potato Salad Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best baby gold potatoes?
Absolutely! When choosing baby gold potatoes, look for ones that feel firm with smooth skin. Avoid any that have dark spots, wrinkles, or holes as these indicate they may not be fresh. Ideally, they should be evenly sized for uniform cooking.
How should I store the potato salad, and how long will it last?
For the best results, store your no-mayo creamy sour cream and onion potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This keeps it fresh and flavorful. If you notice the salad losing its vibrant taste, you can always add a little more sour cream or chives before serving!
Can I freeze leftovers of the potato salad?
It’s best to avoid freezing this potato salad, as the creamy texture from the sour cream and Greek yogurt may separate and become grainy upon thawing. Instead, enjoy it fresh, or share with friends and family so nothing goes to waste!
What if my potatoes turn mushy while boiling?
When boiling potatoes, watch them closely and test with a fork around the 15-minute mark. You want them fork-tender, but not mushy. If they do overcook slightly, just be gentle while mixing them into the dressing to avoid further breaking down the potatoes. A little texture is key to a good salad!
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Absolutely! This no-mayo creamy potato salad is perfect for many dietary needs. You can use low-fat or vegan sour cream and Greek yogurt for a lighter option. If you’re cooking for someone with onion allergies, feel free to omit the red onion and shallot and replace them with finely diced celery for crunch.
What should I do if I don’t have fresh chives available?
Not to worry! If fresh chives aren’t on hand, you can substitute them with green onions or even a sprinkle of dried chives. Each will provide a pleasant herbaceous note to your potato salad, ensuring you still achieve a delightful flavor.
Creamy Onion Potato Salad Without Mayo That Delights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by placing the baby gold potatoes in a large pot and covering them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt, then bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for 15-18 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and cool.
- Once cooled, cut the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- In a medium bowl, combine sour cream and Greek yogurt. Stir in chopped red onion, sliced shallot, onion powder, garlic powder, apple cider vinegar, kosher salt, and black pepper until well mixed.
- Gently fold the sliced potatoes into the sauce mixture, coating evenly while preserving texture.
- Sprinkle in the chopped chives and mix gently to combine. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
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