This Classic Italian Sauce Gives Regular Potato Salad 20x The Flavor

When the heat of summer is blasting like a furnace, you know starchy salad season is nigh. There's something to be said about both pasta and potato salad, but today, it's all about the 'taters. We previously covered how to upgrade pasta salad with pesto, and it's a definite case of what's good for the goose (pasta salad) being good for the gander ... or the potato salad. There's a whole list of killer ingredients to add to this dish, among which bright, herbaceous pesto is a definite winner.

Pesto potato salad has a host of benefits to its name. First of all, it's incredibly easy to make and inexpensive to boot. It tastes, smells, and looks great, while it's simple to make this salad vegetarian or even vegan-friendly, which can't be said about all possible cookout sides. Just boil potatoes — new potatoes or fingerlings are great choices — and toss with pesto, whether store-bought or homemade. You can add a bit of mayo to the bowl if you prefer a creamy potato salad, but that's really the whole brief. 

What does pesto offer in lieu of "regular" potato salad fare like Greek yogurt or mustard? The key word is flavor. Pesto is a complex, unexpected flavor bomb that compliments the earthy taste of potatoes gloriously. It's like the two were always meant for one another. Within the confines of "pesto" there's a world of possibilities suiting every set of tastebuds and even the availability of herbs in your kitchen garden. We think you'll have fun getting creative with pesto potato salad, which can be served both hot or cold. Move over, macaroni salad ... this summer, we're all about the green of savory, refreshing pesto potatoes.

Homemade pesto is usually made with basil. We've discussed the best fertilizer for basil plants to ensure you have a thriving, leafy bumper crop, but don't feel restricted to just one green herb when it comes to delicious pesto. Consider oniony chives for a bold umami kick, or arugula for peppery flair. Parsley is a budget-conscious option that still packs lots of flavor, while there's also mint, cilantro, and dill. Mix your herbs for maximum dimension and nuance! 

While pesto is typically made with costly pine nuts, walnuts, almonds, pepitas, or (almost) any other nut or seed makes a worthy substitute. Do you choose to get cheesy? Vegans will want to avoid the Parmesan in the pesto, but cheese lovers might wish to add extra for creaminess and nutty flavor. Of course, we can't forget about lemon and garlic for acidity, aroma, and pungency. And don't forget a generous pinch of flaky sea salt to really bring all the big flavors forward!

The simplicity of pesto potato salad is a big part of its appeal, but we'll never say no to some delicious add-ins that really spotlight this delightful dish. Hard-boiled eggs brings protein and heartiness to the bowl, while shredded rotisserie chicken will take it over the top into a main-dish meal. You can also celebrate the bounty of your garden by loading your potatoes with fresh green veggies. Asparagus, green beans, and sweet onion are just some of the major garden players that will make a splash in your salad.