Potato salad
Potato salad with fresh vegetables - a classic, simple, and delicious recipe, perfect for any occasion
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Who doesn't love a fresh, flavorful, and colorful potato salad? This potato salad recipe is not only an accessible dish but also an excellent choice for a quick lunch, a side for a savory roast, or simply a refreshing appetizer on a warm day. Potato salad has a rich history, prepared in various forms around the world, but today we will focus on a simple and tasty recipe, full of flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium potatoes (about 600-800 g)
- 1 white or red onion (preferably red for a pop of color)
- 1 red bell pepper
- 100 g black or green olives (pitted)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
- Fresh or dried thyme (optional but recommended)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Preparation:
1. Boiling the potatoes: Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly under cold running water to remove any impurities. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold water, add a teaspoon of salt, and bring to a boil. Boil the potatoes with the skin on for about 15-20 minutes, until they are tender but still hold their shape. A useful trick: you can check if they are done by piercing them with a fork - if the fork goes in easily, they are ready!
2. Cooling and peeling the potatoes: Once the potatoes are boiled, remove them from the water and let them cool slightly. Peeling is easiest when they are warm but not hot. Then cut them into cubes of about 1-2 cm, so they mix easily with the other ingredients.
3. Preparing the vegetables: While the potatoes are cooling, peel and chop the onion. You can choose to slice it julienne or into cubes, depending on your preference. A good idea is to rub the onion with a little salt to reduce its intensity and release its juices, which will give a more pleasant flavor to the salad. Wash the bell pepper, remove the seeds, and cut it into cubes or julienne, adding a crunchy and sweet note to the salad.
4. Combining the ingredients: In a large bowl, place the diced potatoes, onion, bell pepper, and olives (pitted, of course). Gently mix to avoid crushing the potato cubes.
5. Preparing the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, and add salt and pepper to taste. If you choose to use thyme, it will add a delicious Mediterranean flavor to your salad. Mix the vinaigrette well until it emulsifies.
6. Finalizing the salad: Pour the vinaigrette over the potato salad and gently mix to coat all the ingredients with the prepared dressing. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the salad sit in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Serving: The potato salad is now ready to be enjoyed! You can serve it as is, or as a side dish alongside a juicy chicken or fish roast. If you want to add a touch of freshness, top it with a few fresh parsley leaves.
Helpful tips:
- If you want to make the salad even more filling, you can add chunks of tuna or boiled eggs.
- Olives can be replaced with pickled cucumber slices for a tangy note.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator, making it perfect to prepare a day in advance.
Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 180 kcal
- Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Protein: 3 g
Frequently asked questions:
- What type of potatoes is best for salad? New potatoes or salad potatoes (like red or yellow ones) are ideal as they have a firmer texture.
- Can I use mayonnaise instead of oil and vinegar? Absolutely! A creamy version with mayonnaise is delicious, especially for a picnic or party.
- How can I customize the recipe? You can add vegetables like boiled carrots, celery, or even avocado for a richer salad.
In conclusion, potato salad is a versatile dish that can be adapted to your taste. Let’s not forget that every recipe has a story, and potato salad can become a memorable dish at family and friends' gatherings. So, enjoy every bite and experiment with your favorite flavors! Bon appétit!
Ingredients: 4 medium potatoes, 1 white or red onion, 1 red bell pepper, 100 g black or green olives (pitted), salt, freshly ground pepper, thyme (optional), 1 tablespoon olive oil, white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
