A fresh twist on a classic, this Greek potato salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Made with juicy red potatoes, crisp cucumber, and zesty lemon, it's a light and tangy alternative to traditional mayo-based salads. The addition of Greek yogurt adds a creamy texture and a bit of tanginess, while fresh herbs like parsley and dill add depth of flavor.
Most ingredients in this recipe are likely already in your kitchen. However, Greek yogurt may not be a staple for everyone. It's a bit thicker and tangier than regular yogurt, and is available in most supermarkets. Fresh dill, another key ingredient, might also not be readily available at home. Although dried dill can be used in a pinch, fresh dill really makes the flavors pop.
Ingredients for Greek Potato Salad
Red potatoes: These are the star of the show. Red potatoes hold their shape well after cooking, making them ideal for salads.
Red onion: Adds a bit of crunch and sharpness to balance out the creamy ingredients.
Salt and black pepper: These are basic seasonings that enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
English cucumber: Adds a crisp, fresh element to the salad.
Plain Greek yogurt: Provides a creamy, tangy base for the salad dressing.
Mayonnaise: Adds richness to the dressing.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a burst of vibrant flavor.
Fresh dill: This herb adds a unique flavor that's essential in Greek cuisine.
Fresh lemon juice: Adds a burst of citrusy freshness.
Garlic clove: Adds a savory depth to the dressing.
Lemon zest: Gives the salad a zesty kick.
One reader, Andrey Skidmore says:
This Greek potato salad recipe is a game-changer! The combination of creamy Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon creates a burst of flavors. The red onions add a nice crunch, and the potatoes are perfectly tender. It's a refreshing and satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion. Highly recommended!
Key Techniques for Preparing Greek Potato Salad
How to boil potatoes: Boil the potatoes in a large pot with salted water until they are fully tender, then drain and chill them.
How to prepare cucumber: Place diced cucumber on paper towels, wrap and press to remove excess liquid before adding to the salad.
How to mix the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, parsley, dill, lemon juice, and garlic, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
How to toss the salad: Add the chilled potatoes and red onion to the mixing bowl with the dressing, then toss to evenly coat the salad.
How to serve the salad: Garnish the salad with more parsley, dill, and lemon zest before serving. Keep the salad chilled and serve within a few hours.
How To Make Greek Potato Salad
Have a healthier alternative to your usual salad with this greek potato salad. The Greek yogurt with fresh herbs and lemon gives this meal a perfect taste.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2½lbsred potatoesscrubbed, rinsed clean, and diced
- ⅓cupred onionchopped
- salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 8oenglish cucumberchopped, halved, seeded, and diced
- 1cupplain Greek yogurtfat free
- ¼cupmayonnaise
- 3tbspparsleyfinely chopped and fresh
- 1tbspfresh dillminced, then more for garnish
- 1½tbspfresh lemon juice
- 1tspgarlic cloveminced
- ½tsplemon zestor more to taste
Instructions
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Place potatoes in a large pot then add enough water to cover and season water with a teaspoon of salt.
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Bring to a boil over medium-high heat then cover and reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer until potatoes are fully tender for about 8 to 10 minutes.
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Drain potatoes, then chill fully for about 10 to 15 minutes.
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Meanwhile, place diced cucumber on a few layers of paper towels and wrap and press to remove some of the excess liquid.
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Transfer cucumber to a large mixing bowl, add in Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, parsley, dill, lemon juice, and garlic then season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir mixture.
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Add potatoes and red onion to bowl then toss to evenly coat.
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Serve within a few hours garnished with more parsley, dill, and lemon zest then keep it chilled.
Nutrition
- Calories: 267.21kcal
- Fat: 9.23g
- Saturated Fat: 2.52g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.63g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.04g
- Carbohydrates: 41.89g
- Fiber: 5.12g
- Sugar: 9.63g
- Protein: 8.65g
- Cholesterol: 8.69mg
- Sodium: 1326.07mg
- Calcium: 112.26mg
- Potassium: 1291.62mg
- Iron: 2.45mg
- Vitamin A: 24.83µg
- Vitamin C: 27.93mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Greek Potato Salad Recipe
When preparing the potatoes, it's crucial to not overcook them. They should be tender enough to pierce with a fork but still hold their shape. Overcooking can lead to a mushy salad. Additionally, chilling the potatoes before adding them to the salad helps to prevent them from breaking apart when mixed with the other ingredients.
Time-Saving Tips for Greek Potato Salad Recipe
Prep ahead: Boil the potatoes a day in advance and refrigerate. Chop the vegetables and herbs ahead of time to save time on the day of making the salad.
Use a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly chop the vegetables and herbs, saving time and effort.
Multi-task: While the potatoes are boiling, prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
One-pot cooking: Use a pressure cooker to cook the potatoes quickly and efficiently, saving time and energy.
Substitute Ingredients For Greek Potato Salad Recipe
red potatoes - Substitute with Yukon Gold potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes have a similar waxy texture and buttery flavor, making them a great substitute for red potatoes in this recipe.
red onion - Substitute with sweet onion: Sweet onions have a milder flavor compared to red onions, which can work well in this recipe without overpowering the other ingredients.
english cucumber - Substitute with seedless cucumber: Seedless cucumbers are crisp and have a mild flavor, making them a suitable substitute for English cucumbers in this salad.
plain greek yogurt - Substitute with plain regular yogurt: Regular yogurt can be used as a substitute for Greek yogurt, although it may have a slightly different texture and tanginess.
mayonnaise - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt can be used as a lighter alternative to mayonnaise, adding a creamy texture to the salad dressing.
parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can provide a fresh and vibrant flavor similar to parsley, adding a different herbaceous note to the salad.
fresh dill - Substitute with dried dill: Dried dill can be used as a substitute for fresh dill, although the flavor may be slightly more concentrated, so it should be used sparingly.
fresh lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can provide a tangy acidity similar to fresh lemon juice, adding brightness to the salad dressing.
garlic clove - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a milder and evenly distributed garlic flavor throughout the salad.
lemon zest - Substitute with orange zest: Orange zest can add a citrusy aroma and flavor similar to lemon zest, providing a refreshing twist to the salad.
Presentation Ideas for Greek Potato Salad
Elevate the plating: Carefully arrange the Greek potato salad on a large, elegant platter, ensuring each ingredient is showcased beautifully.
Incorporate edible flowers: Add a touch of elegance by garnishing the salad with delicate and colorful edible flowers, such as nasturtiums or pansies, to enhance the visual appeal.
Utilize fine dining tableware: Present the salad in sophisticated, high-quality tableware, such as porcelain or ceramic serving dishes, to elevate the dining experience.
Create a harmonious color palette: Arrange the ingredients thoughtfully to create a visually appealing color scheme, ensuring a balance of vibrant greens, reds, and whites throughout the dish.
Implement precise portioning: Use precise portioning techniques to ensure each serving is consistent and visually appealing, reflecting attention to detail and culinary expertise.
Add a drizzle of high-quality olive oil: Just before serving, delicately drizzle a high-quality olive oil over the salad to enhance the flavors and add a luxurious touch.
Garnish with microgreens: Sprinkle the salad with a handful of fresh microgreens to add a pop of color and a subtle, delicate flavor to the dish.
Use elegant serving utensils: Choose elegant and refined serving utensils, such as polished silver or gold-toned implements, to add a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Greek Potato Salad
Cutting board: A flat, sturdy surface used for chopping, slicing, and preparing ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing a variety of ingredients.
Pot: A cooking vessel used for boiling, simmering, and steaming ingredients.
Colander: A perforated bowl used for draining liquids from foods such as pasta or vegetables.
Mixing bowl: A deep bowl used for combining ingredients and mixing various components of a dish.
Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending, whipping, and incorporating air into ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: Utensils used to accurately measure and portion ingredients for recipes.
Spatula: A flat, flexible utensil used for lifting, flipping, and spreading ingredients.
Grater: A tool used to grate or shred ingredients such as cheese, vegetables, or citrus zest.
Lemon squeezer: A device used to extract juice from lemons or other citrus fruits.
Paper towels: Absorbent paper used for drying and draining ingredients.
Potato masher: A tool used to mash cooked potatoes or other soft ingredients.
Large pot: A deep cooking vessel used for boiling, simmering, and preparing larger quantities of food.
Zester: A kitchen tool used to remove the outer peel of citrus fruits in the form of zest.
Storing and Freezing Greek Potato Salad
- This greek potato salad can be made up to 1 day in advance. Cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Leftovers will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Give it a good stir before serving as some separation may occur.
- If you want to make this salad further in advance, you can boil the potatoes up to 2 days ahead of time. Let them cool completely before peeling and storing them whole in an airtight container in the fridge. Wait to chop them until you're ready to assemble the salad.
- For best results, add the cucumber just before serving so it doesn't get too soggy.
- I don't recommend freezing this salad as the texture and consistency will change once thawed. The yogurt and mayonnaise may separate and the vegetables will become mushy.
How To Reheat Leftover Greek Potato Salad
To reheat leftover greek potato salad, start by letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to take the chill off. This will help the salad reheat more evenly and prevent it from becoming watery.
For best results, reheat the potato salad in the microwave. Place the desired amount in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring gently between each interval, until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the yogurt and mayonnaise to separate and become greasy.
If you prefer not to use the microwave, you can reheat the greek potato salad in a double boiler. Place the salad in a heat-safe bowl and set it over a pot of simmering water. Stir the salad occasionally until it's heated through, being careful not to let the water boil, as this can cause the dressing to break.
Another option is to reheat the potato salad in a skillet over low heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan to prevent sticking, then add the salad and stir gently until it's heated through. This method can help crisp up the potatoes slightly and add a nice texture to the dish.
Regardless of the method you choose, be sure to taste the greek potato salad before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may find that the flavors have mellowed slightly after being refrigerated, so a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a pinch of salt and pepper can help brighten things up.
Interesting Fact About Greek Potato Salad
Greek potato salad is a popular dish in Greece and is often served as a side dish at barbecues and picnics. It is a healthier alternative to traditional potato salad, as it uses Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, providing a lighter and tangier flavor. The addition of dill and lemon gives the salad a refreshing and zesty taste, making it a perfect dish for the summer.
Is Greek Potato Salad Budget-Friendly for Home Cooking?
This Greek potato salad recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as potatoes, cucumbers, and Greek yogurt, are affordable and readily available. The recipe offers a refreshing twist on a classic potato salad, making it a versatile and budget-friendly option for any meal. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, depending on the availability and quality of the ingredients. Overall Verdict: 9/10.
Is Greek Potato Salad Healthy or Unhealthy?
This Greek potato salad recipe offers a healthier twist on the classic dish. Here's why:
- Nutrient-dense ingredients: The recipe incorporates nutritious ingredients like red potatoes (rich in vitamin C and potassium), Greek yogurt (high in protein and probiotics), and fresh herbs (packed with antioxidants and flavor).
- Lower fat content: By using a combination of Greek yogurt and a smaller amount of mayonnaise, the recipe reduces the overall fat content compared to traditional potato salads that rely heavily on mayo.
- Fiber-rich vegetables: The inclusion of cucumber and red onion adds fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the dish, enhancing its nutritional value.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt to further reduce the fat content without compromising on the creamy texture
- Increase the proportion of vegetables by adding more cucumber or introducing other nutrient-dense options like bell peppers, carrots, or celery
- Experiment with using mashed avocado as a partial substitute for mayonnaise, adding healthy fats and a unique flavor profile
- Boost the protein content by incorporating cooked, diced chicken breast or chickpeas for a vegetarian option
- Enhance the flavor and nutritional value by adding a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese, which is lower in calories compared to many other cheeses
Editor's Opinion on Greek Potato Salad
This Greek potato salad recipe is a delightful twist on the classic dish. The combination of creamy Greek yogurt, zesty lemon, and fresh herbs creates a refreshing and flavorful dressing. The addition of crisp cucumber adds a lovely crunch, while the red onion provides a subtle bite. The method of boiling the potatoes ensures a perfect texture, and the chilling process allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it a perfect side dish for any occasion.
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Why trust this Greek Potato Salad Recipe:
This Greek potato salad recipe is a trusty favorite, featuring fresh and wholesome ingredients. The combination of creamy Greek yogurt and zesty lemon juice creates a delightful dressing, while the addition of fresh dill and parsley infuses the dish with vibrant flavors. The use of red potatoes and English cucumber ensures a satisfying and hearty texture. With a perfect balance of flavors and textures, this recipe is a reliable choice for a delicious and nutritious potato salad.
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