Potato salad can be creamy without relying on loads of mayo, and Jamie Oliver proves it.
Using avocado instead gives a smooth texture while keeping everything fresh and bright.
I always let the potatoes cool slightly before mixing so they absorb the dressing without turning mushy.
What makes this recipe great is the combination of creamy avocado, zesty lime, and just enough seasoning to bring everything together.
A handful of chopped fresh herbs, like cilantro or chives, adds another layer of freshness.
For extra crunch, tossing in some finely chopped red onion or radish works really well.
How to Make Jamie Oliver Avocado Potato Salad
Ingredients
- 1 lb New Potatoes
- 2 Avocados
- 3 oz Pancetta
- 2 tbsp Pine Nuts
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 clove Garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp Parsley (chopped)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Quarter your new potatoes.
Place them in a large pot and cover with cold salted water.
Bring to a boil and then simmer for about 10-12 minutes until tender.
Drain and let them cool.
Step 2:
While the potatoes are cooking, slice the avocados in half.
Remove the pits and peel.
Cut into thick slices.
Step 3:
Heat a frying pan over medium heat.
Fry the pancetta slices until crispy.
Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside.
Step 4:
In the same pan, lightly toast the pine nuts until golden brown.
This process should take about 3-5 minutes.
Watch closely so they don’t burn.
Step 5:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper to create a dressing.
Pour this over the potatoes and avocado.
Toss gently to combine.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Pancetta Perfection
Cook your pancetta until it reaches a crispy texture to add the perfect crunch to your salad.
It’s crucial not to leave it too chewy.
Dress It Right
Adding dressing while the potatoes are still warm allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
This step enhances the overall taste dramatically.
Preserve Avocado Freshness
To prevent your avocados from browning too quickly, consider tossing them in lemon juice.
This simple trick maintains their vibrant color.
Potato Selection
Use waxy potatoes like new potatoes or fingerlings.
Their smooth texture and subtle flavor work best in this salad.
Personalize Your Salad
Feel free to add a handful of fresh arugula or baby spinach.
Greens contribute an additional element of freshness and color.
What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Avocado Potato Salad
Grilled Chicken
Juicy, grilled chicken is a fantastic pairing with avocado potato salad.
The mild, smoky flavors from the grill complement the creaminess of the avocado dressing beautifully!
Simply season the chicken with your favorite spices, grill it until cooked through, and slice it to serve alongside the salad.
Fresh Tomato Bruschetta
For a burst of freshness, consider serving fresh tomato bruschetta on the side.
The juicy, ripe tomatoes and crisp bread provide a lovely contrast to the creamy, hearty salad.
Top slices of baguette with a mixture of diced tomatoes, basil, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Roasted Asparagus
Roasted asparagus offers a vibrant, slightly nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the salad.
Toss asparagus spears with olive oil and a touch of salt and pepper, then roast them until tender.
This side dish adds a simple yet sophisticated touch to your meal!
Spicy Chickpea Sauté
For something unique, try a spicy chickpea sauté.
It’s a great way to add some heat to your meal without overpowering the main dish.
Cook chickpeas with chili flakes, cumin, and garlic until slightly crispy.
Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad
A refreshing lemon herb quinoa salad brings a zesty, aromatic flavor to the table.
Although quinoa is not recommended here, its flavor profile provides an idea for uniqueness.
Mix cooked quinoa with lemon zest, fresh parsley, mint, and pomegranate seeds for a vibrant twist.
Cucumber Mint Raita
Cooling cucumber mint raita is a refreshing accompaniment that tempers spiciness from any added heat.
Mix yogurt with diced cucumber, chopped mint leaves, and a hint of lime juice for a fresh burst.
Serve it as a refreshing dip or spoon it over the avocado potato salad.
Variations and Substitutions
Herb Choices
You can experiment with different herbs for unique flavors in your avocado potato salad.
Try mixing in some fresh dill or parsley.
Both herbs pair well and add a fresh burst of taste!
Dressing Alternatives
Want to switch up the dressing?
Replace the traditional mayo with a Greek yogurt or sour cream based dressing.
This change will give a creamy texture with a tangy twist.
Additional Vegetables
If you like extra vegetables, try adding some cherry tomatoes or bell peppers.
They’re colorful and enhance the salad’s texture.
I find that they add additional nutrients and a nice crunch.
Protein Options
For some protein, consider including grilled chicken or cooked bacon.
Another option is to add hard-boiled eggs for a more wholesome dish.
The added protein not only makes the salad more satisfying but also keeps you full longer!
Avocado Tweaks
If you find the avocado a bit too ripe, try mixing in a little lime juice.
Lime juice not only prevents browning but also provides a refreshing citrus note!
How to Store Leftover Avocado Potato Salad
Use Airtight Containers
When you’ve made more avocado potato salad than you can eat, you’ll want to keep it fresh.
An airtight container works wonders!
Just transfer the salad into a container with a tight-fitting lid to reduce air exposure, which helps to keep it fresh for several days.
Refrigerate Promptly
After enjoying your meal, refrigerate any leftovers as soon as possible.
The cool temperature of the fridge helps to slow down the growth of bacteria.
Make sure to set your fridge to a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or lower for the best results.
Add a Hint of Lemon
To maintain the vibrant color of avocados, adding a splash of lemon juice can really help.
This acidic touch not only keeps your avocados looking gorgeous, but also enhances the flavor of the leftovers.
Just mix a little in before you seal up the container, and you’re set!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Potatoes
One mistake is overcooking the potatoes, which makes them mushy instead of keeping them firm and structured in your salad.
You should simmer the potatoes just until tender, checking with a fork to catch them at the perfect moment.
Cook them in cold, salted water before bringing them to a boil for even results.
Not Using Ripe Avocados
Another pitfall is using avocados that aren’t ripe, which can lead to a less creamy texture and compromised taste.
Make sure the avocados are just soft to the touch without being too squishy, which indicates overripeness.
Ignoring Seasoning
Don’t forget to properly season both the potatoes and the dressing to enhance the flavors in your salad.
It’s easy to assume the dressing will do all the work, but seasoning every layer enhances the final dish.
After mixing, taste, and adjust salt, pepper, and citrus to your liking.

Jamie Oliver Avocado Potato Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb New Potatoes
- 2 Avocados
- 3 oz Pancetta
- 2 tbsp Pine Nuts
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 clove Garlic minced
- 1 tbsp Parsley chopped
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Quarter your new potatoes.
- Place them in a large pot and cover with cold salted water.
- Bring to a boil and then simmer for about 10-12 minutes until tender.
- Drain and let them cool.
- While the potatoes are cooking, slice the avocados in half.
- Remove the pits and peel.
- Cut into thick slices.
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry the pancetta slices until crispy.
- Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, lightly toast the pine nuts until golden brown.
- This process should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Watch closely so they don’t burn.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper to create a dressing.
- Pour this over the potatoes and avocado.
- Toss gently to combine.