“`html
If you’re craving a vibrant, fresh twist on a classic side dish, this Mediterranean Potato Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with bold flavors like tangy sumac, briny olives, and zesty lemon, this salad transforms humble new potatoes into an irresistible feast of textures and colors. It’s perfect for gatherings, picnics, or just a lively weeknight meal accompaniment that promises to brighten up any plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step toward an unforgettable salad. Each one plays an essential role in creating a perfect balance of earthiness, acidity, and herbal freshness that make this dish sing.
- 750 g new potatoes, scrubbed: The tender base that soaks up all the delightful dressing flavors.
- 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil: Adds fruitiness and a luscious mouthfeel, enhancing every bite.
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar: Brings a sharp tang that cuts through the richness of the potatoes.
- 2 tsp sumac, plus extra to serve: A jewel of Middle Eastern cuisine, this spice offers a lemony tartness that brightens the salad.
- 1 tsp grainy Dijon mustard: Provides a gentle kick and depth to the dressing.
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds fresh citrus zing and balances the flavors beautifully.
- 1 small garlic clove, minced: Infuses the salad with a subtle savory warmth.
- Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste: The timeless seasonings that tie the salad together.
- ½ cup kalamata olives (about 18), coarsely chopped: Introduces a briny pop and chewy texture.
- 2 tbsp capers (in brine), drained and roughly chopped: Adds a burst of salty tang that keeps every bite interesting.
- 1 small red onion, finely diced: Brings crunch and a mildly sweet sharpness.
- 2 small bunches flat-leaf parsley, chopped: Freshens the salad with herbal brightness and a touch of green.
How to Make Mediterranean Potato Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
Start by transferring the scrubbed new potatoes into a large pot of salted water. Bring it to a boil and let the potatoes cook until they are just tender when pierced with a fork, which usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes. The key is to achieve that perfect tender-yet-firm texture so they hold their shape in the salad. Once cooked, peel them carefully if you prefer, then slice or chunk the potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
While the potatoes are cooking, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, sumac, grainy Dijon mustard, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of sea salt and pepper. This vibrant dressing should be bright and flavorful, marrying citrus, spice, and pungency in a way that makes your taste buds sing.
Step 3: Combine Potatoes and Dressing
When the potatoes are still warm, toss them gently with your freshly made dressing. The warmth helps the potatoes absorb all those gorgeous flavors deeply, creating a more harmonious taste experience.
Step 4: Add the Zesty Extras
Next, fold in the chopped kalamata olives, drained capers, finely diced red onion, and fresh parsley. These ingredients add bursts of briny, herbal, and tangy notes that make the salad exciting and multidimensional. Season again with salt and pepper to taste, and give everything a gentle but thorough mix.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
This Mediterranean Potato Salad Recipe is best enjoyed at room temperature, allowing all the flavors to settle and mingle beautifully. Grab a fork and dive right in—each bite offers a perfect balance between creamy potatoes, tart dressing, and snappy, fresh ingredients.
How to Serve Mediterranean Potato Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your salad presentation by sprinkling a little extra sumac on top before serving. A few extra chopped parsley leaves or even some thinly sliced radishes can add a pop of color and an extra crunch that makes this salad feel even more special.
Side Dishes
This salad shines alongside grilled meats, seafood, or vegetarian mains like stuffed peppers or roasted vegetables. Its bright acidity and rich textures balance heavier dishes beautifully, making it a versatile companion for many meals.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Mediterranean Potato Salad Recipe in hollowed-out tomatoes or cucumbers, turning it into portable, bite-sized delights. Alternatively, layer the salad over a bed of crisp greens or use it as a colorful topping for rustic flatbreads to impress guests with your flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to three days, and the flavors often deepen overnight, making it an even tastier treat the next day.
Freezing
This salad does not freeze well due to the potatoes’ texture, which can turn mushy upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of preparation.
Reheating
If you prefer a slightly warm version after refrigeration, gently bring the salad to room temperature or briefly warm it in a low oven or microwave. Avoid overheating to keep the fresh herbs and crisp vegetables intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Absolutely! While new potatoes are ideal for their tender skin and creamy texture, waxy potatoes like fingerlings or baby red potatoes make excellent substitutes. Avoid starchy types like russets, which can become mushy.
Is sumac essential in this recipe?
Sumac addsa unique citrusy and slightly tangy flavor that really defines the Mediterranean character of this salad. If you can’t find it, lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice can be used, though the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Can I prepare this salad vegan?
Yes! This Mediterranean Potato Salad Recipe is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. Just ensure your mustard and other ingredients are vegan-friendly.
How spicy is this salad?
This salad is mild in terms of spice. The mustard adds a gentle warmth, while the garlic and sumac offer bold flavors without heat. It’s perfect for all palates.
Can I add other vegetables or herbs?
Certainly! Feel free to experiment by adding chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or fresh dill. These additions can complement the flavors well and tailor the salad to your tastes.
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Potato Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl—bright, comforting, and endlessly satisfying. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a favorite to revisit time and again. So gather these simple ingredients, whip it up, and share a plate of sunshine with your loved ones.
“`
Print
Mediterranean Potato Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Mediterranean Potato Salad is a vibrant, tangy dish featuring tender new potatoes dressed with a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, and sumac, complemented by briny kalamata olives, capers, and fresh parsley. Perfect for a light lunch or as a flavorful side for any Mediterranean-inspired meal, this salad is quick to prepare and best enjoyed at room temperature.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 750 g new potatoes, scrubbed
Dressing
- 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tsp sumac, plus extra to serve
- 1 tsp grainy Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Add-ins
- ½ cup kalamata olives (50 g), about 18 olives, coarsely chopped
- 2 tbsp capers (in brine), drained and roughly chopped
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 2 small bunches flat-leaf parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Potatoes: Transfer the scrubbed new potatoes to a pot of salted water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are just tender, about 20-25 minutes. Drain, then peel and cut the potatoes into slices or chunks as preferred.
- Prepare Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, sumac, grainy Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, and season with sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste until fully combined.
- Toss Salad: While the potatoes are still warm, gently toss them with the prepared dressing to allow the flavors to meld. Add the coarsely chopped kalamata olives, drained and chopped capers, finely diced red onion, and chopped flat-leaf parsley. Mix thoroughly but gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or sumac as needed to your preference.
- Serve: Serve the Mediterranean potato salad at room temperature to fully enjoy the complex flavors. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra sumac if desired. Enjoy as a side dish or light meal.
Notes
- If new potatoes are not available, use baby potatoes or fingerlings for a similar texture and flavor.
- Sumac adds a unique tangy flavor; if unavailable, substitute with a splash of extra lemon juice or a pinch of mild vinegar.
- The salad can be made ahead and chilled; bring it back to room temperature before serving to enhance flavors.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and mustard to suit your taste preferences.
- For a vegan version, ensure the mustard used is free from animal products (most Dijon mustard is vegan-friendly).
