Easy Mediterranean Potato Salad Recipe
When it comes to crowd-pleasing dishes, good old-fashioned classic potato salad is always a winner! But if you want to take your potato salad game to the next level, look no further than this tasty Mediterranean potato salad. It’s a mayo-free recipe, made with perfectly cooked tender new potatoes tossed together with briny kalamata olives, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy red onions in a zesty lemon garlic dressing! Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue and need the perfect side dish to go with some grilled pork chops or simply want to impress your family with something a little different, this Mediterranean potato salad is a must try! It’s a satisfying and flavorful dish that is easy to make and ideal for feeding a hungry crowd. Trust me! Your taste buds will thank you, and your guests will be asking for seconds!
Potatoes – I used small new potatoes, which are ideal for potato salad because they cook quickly and maintain their shape well. Red Onion – A little sharper and sweeter than standard yellow onions, red onions blend perfectly with the potatoes. But any type of onion can be used and shallots are an excellent second choice. Kalamata Olives – Nice and briny they add a layer of savory goodness. Black olives can also be used, but they aren’t quite as salty so the dish may require more seasoning. Feta Cheese – This popular Mediterranean ingredient makes the salad a little rich and cheesy. Crumbled goat cheese or fresh mozzarella could also work. Fresh Parsley – Fresh parsley is a must. Dried herbs do not provide the same amount of flavor or pop of color as fresh herbs. Green Onions – Also called scallions, they add the perfect amount of mild onion flavor.
Olive Oil – Using extra virgin olive oil is key! Its distinctive rich flavor is important to the dish. However, if you absolutely can’t stand olive oil, any vegetable oil can be used as a substitution. Lemons Juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best citrus flavor! But in a pinch, 100% all-natural bottled lemon juice will work. Garlic – Always use fresh minced garlic cloves. Store-bought garlic in jars is often bitter due to preservatives. Seasonings – Salt and pepper are needed to season the dressing. If possible, use freshly ground black pepper.
This quick and easy side dish comes together in just 3 simple steps with minimal prep time! All you have to do is boil the potatoes, toss everything together, and then let it chill! The first step is to cook the potatoes! So add the quartered potatoes to a large pot of salted water and bring them to a boil. Then cook the potatoes for about 10 to 12 minutes or until they are fork tender. Now, drain them in a colander and let them cool to room temperature. While the potatoes are boiling, make the zesty lemon garlic dressing by whisking the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper together in a large mixing bowl. You want to be sure to use a large bowl because you’re going to use this bowl to make the potato salad as well. After the dressing is made, add the red onions, kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and green onions to the bowl. Then add the cooled potatoes and toss everything together with the salad dressing. But take care when you mix the salad together so that you don’t squish the potatoes. You want them to maintain their shape. Once your potato salad is complete, cover it with a layer of plastic wrap and put it in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes. This gives the ingredients some time to meld together, which will make the dish more flavorful. Then to serve, garnish the Mediterranean potato salad with some additional chopped fresh parsley or green onions if you like.
Storage
Leftover Mediterranean potato salad will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container. It’s often even better the next day! Yet, it does not freeze well.
Other Delicious Salads You’ll Enjoy
German Potato Salad Romanian Potato Salad Tex Mex Potato Salad Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad Mediterranean Couscous Salad Spring Potato Salad Italian Potato Salad
