Mediterranean Potato Salad

This Mediterranean potato salad is a delightful dish that combines vibrant flavors and textures, making it an ideal side for summer gatherings or light meals. With tender Yukon Gold potatoes, tangy artichokes, juicy tomatoes, and savory soppressata, it’s not just delicious but also versatile. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a picnic, this Mediterranean potato salad will surely impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh Ingredients: This salad is made with fresh vegetables and herbs that provide a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps, this dish comes together quickly, allowing you to enjoy more time with family and friends.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side dish or light main course, it suits various occasions from casual lunches to festive dinners.
• Make Ahead: It can be prepared ahead of time and served chilled, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
• Hearty and Satisfying: The combination of potatoes and soppressata makes this salad filling while still being light.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools will streamline your cooking process. Here’s what you need to prepare this Mediterranean potato salad.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Serving dish

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling the potatoes evenly for the perfect texture.
• Mixing bowl: Used for combining ingredients efficiently without making a mess.
• Whisk: Helps in emulsifying the dressing ingredients smoothly.

Ingredients

For the Potatoes

• 2 lb. baby Yukon Gold potatoes, halved
• Kosher salt

For the Dressing

• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, finely grated
• 1 heaping tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper

For the Salad

• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 (12-oz.) jar marinated quartered artichoke hearts, drained
• 4 oz. mozzarella balls, halved
• 1 (3.8-oz.) jar sliced black olives
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup sliced soppressata or pepperoni
• Small handful fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Small handful fresh parsley, chopped

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Mediterranean Potato Salad

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

Place potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Generously season the water with salt. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a knife, about 12–15 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

While potatoes cook, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl.

Step 3: Combine Potatoes and Dressing

Drain the potatoes and add them to the dressing while still warm. Toss gently to coat and let cool for about 20 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Vegetables and Meats

Add the sliced red onion, artichoke hearts, mozzarella, olives, cherry tomatoes, soppressata, basil, and parsley to the potatoes. Toss gently until well combined.

Step 5: Serve

Serve chilled or at room temperature as a flavorful side dish or light main course. Enjoy your Mediterranean potato salad!

How to Serve Mediterranean Potato Salad

Serving Mediterranean potato salad offers many delightful options. This dish is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways, making it perfect for any occasion.

As a Side Dish

• This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, providing a refreshing contrast.
• Serve alongside roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal that’s full of color and flavor.

As a Light Main Course

• Enjoy it on its own for a light lunch, especially during warm weather.
• Add some crusty bread to create a more filling meal.

At Summer Gatherings

• Bring this salad to picnics or BBQs; it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
• Serve it in individual cups for easy sharing at parties.

With Additional Toppings

• Top with feta cheese for an extra salty kick.
• Drizzle with additional olive oil or balsamic vinegar to enhance the flavors.

How to Perfect Mediterranean Potato Salad

To elevate your Mediterranean potato salad, keep these tips in mind. They will help you achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture and ability to hold shape.
• Dress While Warm: Tossing the potatoes with dressing while they are still warm helps them absorb flavors better.
• Let It Chill: Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving; this enhances the taste.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and parsley not only brighten up the dish but also add aromatic elements.
• Balance Ingredients: Ensure you have a mix of textures—creamy mozzarella, crunchy olives, and juicy tomatoes create an appealing bite.

Best Side Dishes for Mediterranean Potato Salad

When considering what to pair with your Mediterranean potato salad, here are some excellent side dishes that complement its vibrant flavors.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers offer a smoky flavor that balances the freshness of the salad.
2. Roasted Eggplant: Smoky roasted eggplant adds depth and pairs well with the tangy notes of the potato salad.
3. Pita Bread and Hummus: A classic Mediterranean pairing; fluffy pita bread is perfect for scooping up hummus or enjoying alongside the salad.
4. Fattoush Salad: This Middle Eastern salad, made with crispy bread and fresh veggies, adds crunch and freshness to your meal.
5. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas): These savory bites filled with rice and herbs enrich your dining experience with their unique flavor profile.
6. Tzatziki Sauce: Cool and creamy tzatziki complements the Mediterranean flavors and adds refreshing notes when served as a dip.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Mediterranean potato salad, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not salting the boiling water can lead to bland potatoes. Always season your water generously to infuse flavor from the start.
• Overcooking the potatoes: Cooking potatoes for too long makes them mushy. Aim for tender potatoes that hold their shape, usually around 12–15 minutes.
• Not letting potatoes cool before dressing: Tossing warm potatoes with dressing can cause them to absorb too much oil. Allow them to cool slightly for better flavor absorption.
• Neglecting fresh herbs: Fresh herbs enhance the overall taste of the salad. Don’t skip on basil and parsley; they add a vibrant freshness that dried herbs can’t replicate.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Using subpar olive oil or vinegar can diminish the salad’s flavor. Opt for high-quality extra-virgin olive oil and good red wine vinegar for the best results.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Mediterranean Potato Salad

• Freezing is not recommended as it alters the texture of potatoes and fresh ingredients.
• If necessary, store in a freezer-safe container, but consume within 1 month for optimal quality.

Reheating Mediterranean Potato Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm covered in foil for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warmed to your liking.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through without overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Mediterranean Potato Salad unique?

Mediterranean potato salad stands out due to its combination of fresh vegetables, savory meats like soppressata, and zesty dressing made with red wine vinegar and olive oil.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad can be prepared a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and allow flavors to meld overnight.

What variations can I try with Mediterranean Potato Salad?

You can customize it by adding different vegetables such as bell peppers or cucumbers, or using other proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

Is Mediterranean Potato Salad healthy?

Yes! This dish is packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables and healthy fats from olive oil. It’s a great side dish that’s both hearty and nutritious.

Can I use different types of potatoes?

Absolutely! While Yukon Golds are ideal for their creaminess, you can also use red or fingerling potatoes depending on your preference.

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean potato salad is not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various occasions—whether at summer barbecues or light lunches. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or seasonal vegetables to make it your own! Enjoy this refreshing dish that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.

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Mediterranean Potato Salad

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• Author: Alexia
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

This Mediterranean potato salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that beautifully blends tender Yukon Gold potatoes with tangy artichokes, juicy tomatoes, and savory soppressata. Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a light main course, this salad is not only delicious but also versatile.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lb baby Yukon Gold potatoes
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• 1 clove garlic
• ½ small red onion
• 1 jar marinated artichoke hearts
• 4 oz mozzarella balls
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup sliced soppressata or pepperoni
• Fresh basil and parsley

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Instructions

1. Cook the Potatoes: Boil halved Yukon Gold potatoes in salted water for 12–15 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, grated garlic, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt in a large bowl.
3. Combine Potatoes and Dressing: Add warm potatoes to the dressing, gently tossing to coat. Let cool for about 20 minutes.
4. Add Vegetables and Meats: Stir in sliced red onion, artichokes, mozzarella, olives, cherry tomatoes, soppressata, basil, and parsley until well combined.
5. Serve: Enjoy chilled or at room temperature as a delightful side dish or light meal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 25mg