When the summer heat kicks in and backyard barbecues start filling your weekends, there’s one dish that never goes out of style: potato salad. But if you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, eggs, or overly heavy dressings, don’t worry—this No Mayo Potato Salad With Sour Cream is the answer to all your warm-weather side dish cravings.
Light, tangy, and bursting with fresh herb flavor, this recipe is one of the best cold BBQ side dishes for a crowd. It’s naturally gluten-free, egg-free, and easy to make in large batches, making it ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and meal prep. Plus, it doubles as one of those delightful cold potatoes recipes you’ll come back to all summer long.
🍽️ Why Choose a No Mayo Potato Salad?
Potato salad is a classic. But the traditional version loaded with mayo and hard-boiled eggs doesn’t always fit today’s dietary preferences—or summertime temperatures. This no mayo potato salad with sour cream provides a delicious alternative that’s:
- ✅ Egg-free – Perfect for those with allergies or dietary restrictions
- ✅ Lighter in texture – No greasy or overly rich flavor
- ✅ Cool and refreshing – Ideal for warm days and outdoor events
- ✅ Safe for summer – Less risk of spoilage than traditional mayo-based salads
Best of all, it’s incredibly versatile. Pair it with cold meat recipes, serve it as a gluten free summer side, or bring it to a potluck as your go-to egg free party food that suits almost everyone.
🛒 Ingredients for No Mayo Potato Salad
This dish uses fresh, wholesome ingredients that pack in flavor and texture without overwhelming the palate. It’s a potato dish for BBQ that lets the ingredients shine.
🌿 For the Salad:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes (red, yellow, or a mix), halved
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- ¼ cup fresh dill, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon capers (optional, for a briny punch)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
🥄 For the Dressing:
- ¾ cup full-fat sour cream (or substitute with Greek yogurt)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon celery seed (optional for a classic deli-style touch)
🧑🍳 How to Make No Mayo Potato Salad With Sour Cream
1. Boil the Potatoes
Start by thoroughly washing and halving the baby potatoes. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes or until fork-tender but not mushy.
🔪 Tip: Keep the skins on for added nutrients and a rustic look.
Once the potatoes are tender, drain and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Spread them out on a tray or baking sheet to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Creamy Sour Cream Dressing
While the potatoes cool, whisk together the dressing in a medium bowl:
- Sour cream
- Olive oil
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice
- Garlic powder
- Celery seed
- Salt and pepper to taste
This tangy, herby dressing is light yet rich, coating the potatoes beautifully without feeling heavy.
🧄 Flavor Boost Tip: Add a teaspoon of white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for an extra tangy bite.
3. Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled potatoes with:
- Celery
- Red onion
- Dill
- Parsley
- Capers (if using)
Pour the sour cream dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until fully coated.
❄️ Let it Chill: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld. This step enhances the dish tremendously.
🥗 The Perfect Cold BBQ Side Dish for a Crowd
This cold potatoes recipe is the ultimate BBQ companion. Whether you’re serving grilled chicken, smoked brisket, pulled pork, or cold meat recipes like deli ham or roast beef, this salad adds a creamy, cooling element that balances bold flavors.
Unlike mayo-heavy versions, this potato salad is:
- Sturdy enough for transport
- Safe to serve chilled outdoors
- Crowd-pleasing without dietary concerns
It’s ideal for large gatherings and can easily be doubled or tripled without compromising quality.
👨👩👧👦 Great for All Dietary Preferences
If you’ve ever wondered what sides to serve that work for guests with gluten intolerance, egg allergies, or lighter eating preferences, this recipe is a lifesaver.
It’s:
- 🥚 Egg Free Party Food
- 🌾 Gluten Free Summer Side
- 🧊 Cold BBQ Side Dish for a Crowd
- 🥔 A Potato Dish for BBQ that everyone will rave about
Pair it with grilled veggies, fresh corn on the cob, or cold pasta salad to build a full summer spread.
🔁 Customization Ideas and Add-Ins
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are some ideas to adapt it to your taste or pantry:
🧅 Add Veggies:
- Chopped cucumbers
- Diced bell peppers
- Shaved fennel
- Sliced radishes for crunch and color
🧄 Add More Flavor:
- Crumbled feta or goat cheese
- A spoonful of pesto or chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- Chopped green onions or fresh chives
🌶 Add Heat:
- Diced jalapeños
- Red chili flakes
- A dash of hot sauce in the dressing
🥚 Add Protein (optional):
- Chickpeas or white beans
- Cooked lentils
- Sliced hard-boiled eggs (if dietary needs allow)
📦 Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This recipe is designed with ease and convenience in mind.
How to Store:
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Stir gently before serving to redistribute the dressing.
🚫 Do not freeze – Sour cream dressing doesn’t thaw well.
Perfect for:
- Picnics
- Potlucks
- Meal prepping lunches
- BBQ buffets
- Holiday weekends
📋 Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving)
Depending on serving size and ingredients used, here’s an approximate breakdown:
- Calories: 210–250
- Carbs: 26g
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 2–3g
Choosing light sour cream or Greek yogurt can help reduce calories and boost protein.
🍴 What to Serve with No Mayo Potato Salad
Pair this refreshing side with almost any summer main. Here are some of our favorite ideas:
Protein Mains:
- BBQ chicken thighs
- Grilled salmon or tilapia
- Burgers (beef or veggie)
- Grilled tofu or tempeh
- Cold meat recipes like deli turkey, ham, or roast beef
Other Sides:
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Cucumber tomato salad
- Pasta salads or couscous
- Cold green bean or lentil salads
🥄 Scalable for Parties & Events
This dish is incredibly party-friendly. Hosting a large group? Here’s how to prep for a crowd:
For 20+ Guests:
- Use 6–8 pounds of potatoes
- Triple the dressing ingredients
- Use wide, shallow serving trays for faster cooling and even coating
- Garnish with extra herbs and lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation
🧊 Outdoor Serving Tip: Place the salad bowl over a larger bowl filled with ice to keep it safe and cool.
🧡 Final Thoughts
This no mayo potato salad with sour cream brings everything you love about classic potato salad—creamy texture, satisfying flavor, and picnic-ready vibes—without the heaviness of mayo or the concern of eggs in the heat.
Whether you’re crafting a lineup of gluten free summer sides, need quick salads for parties, or are searching for the perfect potato dish for BBQ, this one is guaranteed to become a go-to. It’s quick, easy, and endlessly adaptable. What more could you ask for?
