Vegan Warm Potato Salad Recipe with Spinach and Chickpeas (2024)

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Today’s vegan warm potato salad recipe is quite simple, requires only one pan (less cleanup!), and is almost impossible to mess up!

I make it no secret that potatoes are one of my favorite vegetables: I cook them in different ways a few times a week, and I’ve featured a number of recipes with potatoes on my blog in the past.

I’m also partial to chickpeas, both in their natural form (see my recipes with chickpeas) and ground up into flour (like my savory chickpea flour pancakes).

As you see, this is not your typical mayo-laden potato salad that’s usually served at barbecues and picnics. The absence of mayo makes for a simple yet elegant potato salad that can be used as a standalone dish or a versatile side.

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In this recipe, potatoes are cooked with the rest of the ingredients in a hot skillet, and there’s no need to add any dressing at the end. The combination of fresh rosemary, basil and other spices brings all of the flavors together nicely.

Watch me make this recipe in an episode of my live vegan cooking show on YouTube:

I’ve been making a version of thispotato salad for years, usually as a side for eggs before I went vegan.

After the switch, I decided to experiment with the recipe to make it into a stand-alone meal that could work for lunch or evena light dinner.

Well, ‘experiment’ is a strong word here: I mainly just threw in some chickpeas or black beans, and the dish came out great!

The experimentation continued with adding some fresh spinach to the pan just before taking it off the heat (shown on the pictures), or serving the potatoes on top of some torn-up kale leaves mixed with avocado and lime juice.

Greens definitely complement the spiciness of the potatoes, and I like it how they slightly wilt under the warmth of the potatoes.

Fresh arugula is another type of greens that works great in this recipe. However, this warm potato salad recipe is very forgiving: if you don’t have arugula or spinach in the fridge, just omit them 🙂

I’ve listed oil spray as my preferred method of getting some cooking fat onto the pan in the recipe below, which works for folks who want to eat as little oil as possible.

At the same time, if you’re not concerned about oils, feel free to use regular pourable oil instead of the spray. My recent go-to has been avocado oil, but olive oil works just as well.

The recipe below is highly customizable, as is the case with most of the recipes on my blog.

You can use an entirely different spice combination, although I’m a big fan of adding fresh rosemary and basil. The former especially brings all of the ingredients together and makes the flavor stand out.

No fresh rosemary on hand? Dried is ok too, but you’ll need to add it earlier in the cooking.

This potato salad works well with some crumbled tofu mixed into the potatoes instead of beans.

Vegan Warm Potato Salad Recipe with Spinach and Chickpeas (6)

Yield: 2 servings

This vegan warm potato salad is made in a hot skillet, with vegetables and spices instead of mayonnaise. it makes a great side dish for any meal, or can be served on its own over some fresh greens.

Prep Time8 minutes

Cook Time15 minutes

Total Time23 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 medium red potatoes, cubed into 1/2-inch pieces (can be left unpeeled)
  • 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas or other beans
  • 1/3 cup bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 Tbsp red onion, chopped
  • 2-3 crimini mushrooms, chopped (optional)
  • Handful fresh spinach or arugula leaves
  • 4-5 fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
  • Olive oil or avocado cooking spray

Spices:

  • 1 tsp rosemary, chopped if fresh/ground if dried
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp granulated garlic

Instructions

  1. Heat a heavy-bottomed nonstick or cast iron pan over medium heat. Spray with cooking spray. Add cubed potatoes, spray them with some more cooking spray, stir with a spatula to distribute them evenly over the pan, and cover with a lid.
  2. Cook for 8-10 min, stirring every 2-3 min to prevent the pieces from sticking to the pan. Meanwhile, chop onions, bell pepper and mushrooms.
  3. The potatoes are going to be almost done when they form a nice brown crust, and slide easily across the pan. If you pierce a piece with a fork, it should go in easily. At this point, add chickpeas, cover with a lid, and cook 2 min more.
  4. Remove the lid, add onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, salt and all of the spices except basil leaves. Cook another 2 min, stirring often.
  5. Stir in a handful of spinach or arugula leaves. As soon as they begin to wilt, take the pan off the heat.
  6. Serve immediately, sprinkled with chopped fresh basil leaves. Enjoy!

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

2

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:Calories: 570Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 0mgCarbohydrates: 89gFiber: 19gSugar: 19gProtein: 20g

Please note that the provided nutritional information data is approximate.

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Question for you: Have you ever tried a warm potato salad before? What are your favorite potato dishes?

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Vegan Warm Potato Salad Recipe with Spinach and Chickpeas (11)

Alina Zavatsky - Vegan Runner Eats

Alina first made a switch to a vegan diet in 2013 to optimize her athletic performance as a marathon runner. Eventually she embraced veganism as a way to be kinder to fellow living beings and the environment. Alina hopes that this blog helps its readers on their path to becoming vegan and making this world a better place.

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Vegan Warm Potato Salad Recipe with Spinach and Chickpeas (12)Vegan Warm Potato Salad Recipe with Spinach and Chickpeas (13)Vegan Warm Potato Salad Recipe with Spinach and Chickpeas (14)

Vegan Warm Potato Salad Recipe with Spinach and Chickpeas (2024)

FAQs

How does Bobby Flay make potato salad? ›

Bobby Flay's Mustard and Scallion Potato Salad

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustards, vinegar, salt and pepper, olive oil, honey, lime juice, jalapeño, and scallions. Add the warm, sliced potatoes to the bowl and fold until well combined.

Should you add salt to water when boiling potatoes for potato salad? ›

Dense potatoes don't absorb seasonings easily, so you'll need to salt the water liberally so that the water the potatoes do drink up also carries in seasoning. And because potatoes are so timid in flavor, they need that salt to bring them out of their shells. Pour some salt in, then keep going.

Do people warm up potato salad? ›

It's generally best to enjoy potato salad cold, as heating it can change the texture and flavors. If you really want to warm it up, consider gently reheating it in a microwave on low power or on the stovetop over low heat. Keep in mind that the mayonnaise-based dressing may separate or become oily if heated too much.

Why don't you peel potatoes for potato salad? ›

If you'd like to add a little extra color and texture to your salad, leave the skins on. Just be sure to scrub them thoroughly with a vegetable brush before you cook them.

How to keep potatoes from falling apart when making potato salad? ›

Taste of Home Deputy Food Editor James Schend suggests adding a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar to the water before it comes to a simmer, which will help create a “crust” on the potatoes. This way, they'll be less likely to fall apart.

Why does my potato salad get watery overnight? ›

Potatoes can retain moisture. To prevent this, drain the potatoes very well in a colander or pot. Allow all the steam to escape the potatoes before mixing them with the dressing and other ingredients.

How can I thicken up my potato salad? ›

To thicken potato salad without using mayonnaise, you can try using Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a combination of both. Another option is to add mustard, which not only thickens but also adds flavor.

What not to do when making potato salad? ›

Mistakes That Could Be Ruining Your Potato Salad
  1. Starting The Spuds In Hot Water.
  2. Forgetting To Salt The Water.
  3. Not Getting The Cook Time Right.
  4. Rushing To Dress The Potatoes.
  5. Other Potential Potato Salad Ruiners.
Jun 24, 2023

Is it better to boil potatoes whole or cut up for potato salad? ›

Always cut up the potatoes into a dice before boiling them. If you boil the potatoes whole, the exterior of the potato will get too soft and crumbly before the interior has a chance to cook through. Best potatoes for potato salad? Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes (new potatoes) are all excellent for potato salad.

Why does my potato salad taste so bland? ›

If it's a potato salad, be sure to let the potatoes cool (the starch cells close up) before adding any dressing or salad mixture. Warm potatoes will soak up the liquids. Taste an hour after mixing and see if the spices need tweaking. Mashed potatoes do the same thing if you add in the garlic or cheddar cheese too soon.

What goes bad in potato salad first? ›

But the truth is, mayonnaise isn't your main concern when it comes to spoilage. The actual culprit is the potatoes. Yes, it's true! The humble, reliable potato is a hotbed for bacterial growth if improperly stored after cooking.

Is potato salad good for your stomach? ›

Cold cooked potatoes are great for your gut health because they contain resistant starch which help feed the beneficial bacteria. Once cooled the sugars in the potatoes become resistant to human digestion, but they travel through the gut to feed the microbes.

Why shouldn t you leave the potato salad out after a picnic? ›

Potato salad can quickly become a breeding ground for bacterial growth when left at temperatures between 40 degrees and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service calls the temperature "danger zone." Bacteria such as staphylococcus aureus and salmonella can rapidly multiply, even doubling ...

What is classic potato salad made of? ›

Peel potatoes, if desired, and cut them into 1 inch chunks. Make Potato Salad Dressing: Mix together egg yolks, mayonnaise, buttermilk, mustard, a splash of pickle juice, and salt and pepper, to taste. Combine: Pour dressing over the potatoes. Add chopped egg whites, celery, onion, and pickles.

What makes homemade potato salad watery? ›

Potatoes can retain moisture. To prevent this, drain the potatoes very well in a colander or pot. Allow all the steam to escape the potatoes before mixing them with the dressing and other ingredients.

How does Bobby Flay make? ›

Bobby Flay's net worth in 2023 is estimated at $60 million. Flay's made his fortune not just through his Food Network stardom, but also through his ownership of restaurants and chains like Amalfi, Mesa Grill, Bar Americain, Bobby's Burgers and Bobby's Burger Palace.

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