Avocado Dill Vegan Roasted Potato Salad

Well, it's the end of July.

I actually feel like summer is just kicking off, because we're finally having our blue-sky, sunny days after the insane amount of rain we had in May + June. But then, last week I heard a "back to school" ad on the radio and it sent chills down my spine. Why must they ruin summer in mid-July? Of course I loved finding the perfect backpack, getting new markers, and finding the perfect notebooks and folders, but come on! I get it, people want to plan ahead. Summer isn't over. I can learn to just ignore.

This isn't really a story. And it is a non-story that doesn't really have a point.

So maybe we should talk about this avocado dill vegan roasted potato salad? Because even if you're shedding summer-is-over tears on your brand new notebook, this potato salad says summer is still alive!!

Fingerling Potatoes for Avocado Dill Vegan Roasted Potato Salad | Edible Perspective

Traditional potato salad is something that also sends chills down my spine. Are there even real potatoes in there or is it just globs of white sauce with mystery vegetables hiding inside?

Maybe you love it. Maybe it has some sort of summer nostalgia for you. It's okay. I forgive you.

Avocado Lemon Dill Dressing for Avocado Dill Vegan Roasted Potato Salad | Edible Perspective

Whatever your opinion on potato salad is, this simple, summery version is a must try!

Avocado Dill Vegan Roasted Potato Salad | Edible Perspective

With just a handful of ingredients you can throw this together in no time at all. 

Roast the potatoes.

Process the dressing.

Mix the two.

Serve it up to your favorite people, or hoard it for yourself.

Avocado Dill Vegan Roasted Potato Salad | Edible Perspective

Print Recipe!

Avocado Dill Vegan Roasted Potato Salad

gluten-free, vegan // yields: 4-6 side-dish servings

  • 1 1/2 pounds fingerling potatoes (or small yukon gold/red)
  • 1 tablespoon refined avocado oil (or other cooking oil)
  • 1 medium clove garlic, peeled
  • 1/2 ripe avocado
  • 3 - 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 1/2 - 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup loosely packed fresh dill, de-stemmed
  • salt + pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 425° F. 

Chop potatoes into 1/2-1 inch sized pieces. Place on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Toss with the oil and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Spread in an even layer. Roast for 15 minutes, then toss and roast for another 12-18 minutes, until edges are golden brown and potatoes start to puff.

While potatoes are in their second roast, place the garlic in your food processor (7-cup to 11-cup will work well here) and turn on until minced. Scrape the sides of the bowl. Add the avocado, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice, dill, a pinch or two of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Pulse until avocado and dill are well chopped but not pureed. Taste and add more oil, lemon, salt and/or pepper if desired. (I used a scant 1/4 cup olive oil + 2 tablespoons lemon juice.)

If serving hot, toss dressing with hot potatoes and serve. If serving room temperature (my preference), let potatoes cool and make the dressing while they cool. Toss to coat, add more salt/pepper if needed, and serve with a sprinkle of fresh dill.

Notes: 

Sauce best made day of serving for the best appearance (although, it doesn't brown much at all after sitting). Store leftovers in the fridge for about 24hrs.

Avocado Dill Vegan Roasted Potato Salad | Edible Perspective

This was a recipe I could not.stop.eating. The flavors are so simple yet bold. I recommend doubling it for a crowd and the leftovers are absolutely delicious cold out of the fridge. 

Now get outside and soak in summer.

Ashley

Lemon Feta and Herb Grilled Corn

This week I started working on my biggest photography project to date; shooting Angela's next cookbook. Cookbook photography is something I've dreamt about doing for the past few years but never imagined would actually happen. I've been a little all over the place this week because of it. Mostly because of the pressure I'm putting on myself. Mostly because it's a project that will be in print and live forever. Mostly because the project is for a good friend. Mostly because I'm overjoyed that this is actually happening. 

Feelings, yo. All of them.

Lemon Feta and Herb Grilled Corn | Edible Perspective

I'm slowly getting the hang of using my new camera equipment and am having way too much fun taking behind the scenes photos to show all of you.

I'm taking more time than ever before setting up each photo and making sure the styling is just right. Can I tell you how long it took me to position a few lemon wedges today? Way too long! But when the food is cooked and I start styling + shooting each recipe, I feel completely in my element. It feels so right. 

And how completely amazing is it that I get to cook my entire way through Angela's 100 recipe cookbook? For my job! Unreal.

fresh herbs for Lemon Feta and Herb Grilled Corn | Edible Perspective

With being focused so intensely on the book (and right before the book I was working on a different 40-photo project for a cheese company) my brain has felt a bit like mush. 

The recipes are not flowing like they normally do, so I haven't wanted to force anything in this space. But the other day this idea for grilled corn popped in my head, and I couldn't shake it. I created it earlier today in hopes that it would taste as good in my mouth as it sounded in my brain.

Luckily, it was. And I can't stress enough how this recipe is a must make this summer.

Lemon Feta and Herb Grilled Corn | Edible Perspective

Print Recipe!

Lemon Feta and Herb Grilled Corn

yields: 4 ears of corn // gluten-free

  • 4 ears of corn
  • 3-4oz feta cheese
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh herbs (basil, parsley, oregano, thyme)
  • 1/2 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  • black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons refined avocado oil (or other cooking oil)

Shuck corn completely. Preheat grill to 375-400°. 

Crumble feta and place in a bowl with the herbs, zest, powder, and a few grinds of black pepper. Lightly mix together with your fingers. Set aside.

Place lemon and oil in a bowl and rub the ears of corn on all sides and place on a baking sheet or platter.

Once your grill is fully pre-heated, place corn on the grill. Grill for 2 minutes per side, turning 3-4 times. Avoid overcooking.

Remove ears of corn and place on your baking sheet. Rub/spread the cheese firmly into all sides of the corn with your fingers. Be careful as the corn will be hot. Let cool for 1-2 minutes if needed.

Place back on the grill for 30 seconds. Turn corn once and grill another 30 seconds. Remove corn and serve hot.


Notes:

  • Feel free to use 2 or more fresh herbs recommended above. If you have an herb garden it's fun to mix all 4. If you only have parsley that can work by itself. If you only have thyme or oregano I might decrease to 1 1/2 teaspoons, but mixing with parsley will taste best.
Lemon Feta and Herb Grilled Corn | Edible Perspective

Happy Friday. Hope you enjoy a little grill-action this weekend.

Ashley