Olive oil mashed potatoes are fluffy, creamy, and full of flavor. This dairy-free twist uses olive oil instead of butter, making them light yet luxurious. They're impressive enough for a holiday dinner and simple enough for weeknight meals.

If you or someone you know is vegan or lactose intolerant, this dairy free olive oil mashed potato recipe is for you! These mashed potatoes without dairy come together with your favorite type of potato, extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley.
These mashed potatoes with olive oil are a different take on classic dairy free mashed potatoes made with non-dairy milk and butter. While those are ultra creamy and buttery, these are light, fluffy, and just as tasty.
"Needed to find a dairy free mashed potato recipe for a friend, and this did the trick. Very good." - Lauren

Ingredient notes
This recipe comes together with a handful of simple ingredients. See below for my recommendations and suggested substitutions.
- Potatoes: I alternate between using russet potatoes and yukon gold potatoes, either works perfectly!
- Olive Oil: Choose a high-quality olive oil with a fresh, mild, almost fruity flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: No matter the season, fresh rosemary or parsley always pairs perfect.
- Salt and Pepper: A pinch of each enhances the flavors and ties everything together.
Tips for the best olive oil mashed potatoes
No butter? No milk? No problem! I've tested these delicious potatoes several times in my kitchen so you can recreate them with ease in yours. Follow these tips for the best results!
- Skin on or off? I prefer keeping the skin on for extra flavor and a rustic feel. I then gently mash them with a handheld potato masher for a soft, chunky texture.
- For smoother mashed potatoes: Peel the potatoes before cooking, then use a potato ricer to puree them until smooth.
- Test for doneness: Make sure potatoes are fork-tender before draining. Poke a couple with a fork and they should easily split apart.
- Start with cold water: Begin with cold water and bring it to a boil. This ensures even cooking, unlike placing potatoes directly into boiling water.
- Save the cooking liquid: Don’t toss the starchy cooking water. It helps achieve the perfect texture without overusing olive oil.


What to serve with olive oil mashed potatoes
Olive oil mashed potatoes pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Try serving them with my dairy-free green bean casserole, vegan dinner rolls, or vegan butternut squash mac & cheese for a hearty, comforting meal. Roasted root vegetables make a great addition, as does dairy free creamed corn! For something savory, vegan stuffing complements the potatoes perfectly.
I hope you enjoy these simple olive oil mashed potatoes as much as we do! They're creamy and comforting, perfect for thanksgiving, christmas, or any weeknight dinner.

Vegan Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Ingredients
Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes
- 4 russet potatoes roughly chopped
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Easy Homemade Vegan Gravy
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or coconut aminos or tamari, if gluten-free)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup plain unsweetened almond milk (or other non-dairy milk)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
For the olive oil mashed potatoes
- Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain, reserving about 1 cup of the potato water, then return potatoes to pot. Mash potatoes with a potato masher or ricer.
- Add olive oil, ½ cup of the reserved water, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, adding more reserved water, if needed to thin out mashed potatoes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, then transfer to a serving bowl.
For the vegan gravy
- Heat olive oil in a small saucepan then whisk in flour. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, dried rosemary, and dried thyme.
- Whisk in soy sauce, followed by veggie broth, and dairy-free milk.
- Make sure everything is well incorporated then let cook until gravy thickens. If too thick for your liking, add liquid one tablespoon at a time.
Lauren says
Needed to find a dairy free mashed potato recipe for a friend, and this did the trick. Very good. Thank you!!
Jenna Urben says
Yay, so happy to hear that 🙂 Thanks for sharing!!
Gabriela Herrera says
This seems so delicious and indulging
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Thanks, Gabriela 🙂 They're incredible!! I hope you try them soon.
Melissa says
Looks yummy. I love that you have vegan options.
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Of course 🙂 Hope you try these mashed taters soon!
Diana says
Wow, I will definitely try this recipe!! Looks so good!
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Thanks so much, Diana 🙂
Melanie says
Omg this looks so good. I’m not myself at all vegan but my daughter is and it’s hard to come by good recipes for her. She loves mashed potatoes but won’t eat them cause of the milk and butter. Gonna definitely try this for her.
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Yay 🙂 Let me know what y'all think! I also have an easy mashed potato recipe using dairy-free/plant-based butter and milk.
https://theurbenlife.com/2019/01/14/dairy-free-mashed-potatoes/
Elizabeth Young says
going to have to try this!
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Let me know what you think 🙂