Name: Italian Potato Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: For Potato Salad:; 2½ lb Yukon gold; 2 handfuls fresh baby arugula; 2 cups baby mozzarella balls; 2 cups cherry tomatoes; 12 oz artichoke hearts; 1 cup Italian salami; ½ cup black olives; ½ small red onion; ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves; parmesan cheese; For Italian Vinaigrette:; ⅓ cup olive oil; 3 tbsp red wine vinegar; 2 tsp dijon mustard; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp fine sea salt; ½ tsp black pepper

This Italian potato salad is a delightful twist on the classic, blending hearty Yukon gold potatoes with vibrant, fresh ingredients like baby arugula, mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and more. The Italian vinaigrette ties it all together, creating a dish that's perfect for any occasion.

Photos of Italian Potato Salad Recipe

When preparing this Italian potato salad, you might encounter a few ingredients that aren't commonly found in every pantry. Fresh baby arugula, baby mozzarella balls, and artichoke hearts may require a special trip to the supermarket. Additionally, Italian salami and fresh basil leaves add authentic flavors that elevate this dish.

Ingredients for Italian Potato Salad

Yukon gold potatoes: Versatile and buttery, these potatoes hold their shape well in salads.

Baby arugula: Adds a peppery, fresh flavor and a vibrant green color.

Baby mozzarella balls: Soft, creamy, and perfect for adding a mild, milky flavor.

Cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they add a burst of color and flavor.

Artichoke hearts: Tender and slightly tangy, they provide a unique texture.

Italian salami: Rich and savory, it introduces a delightful meaty element.

Black olives: Briny and bold, these olives add depth to the salad.

Red onion: Adds sharpness and a bit of crunch.

Fresh basil leaves: Fragrant and aromatic, they enhance the Italian essence.

Parmesan cheese: Finely grated, it offers a nutty, salty finish.

Olive oil: The base for the vinaigrette, providing richness and smoothness.

Red wine vinegar: Adds acidity and balance to the vinaigrette.

Dijon mustard: Provides a tangy kick and helps emulsify the dressing.

Dried thyme: Aromatic and earthy, it complements other flavors.

Sea salt: Enhances the overall taste of the salad.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and seasoning.

One reader, Ferdinanda Evans says:

This Italian potato salad recipe is a delightful twist on the classic. The fresh arugula and basil add a vibrant touch, while the mozzarella and salami provide a rich, savory flavor. The homemade vinaigrette ties everything together beautifully. Perfect for any gathering!

Ferdinanda Evans

Key Techniques for Crafting Italian Potato Salad

How to cook potatoes: Place diced potatoes in a large stockpot, cover with water, bring to a boil, then simmer until tender. How to make vinaigrette: Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, mustard, thyme, sea salt, and black pepper until combined. How to assemble salad: Combine cooked potatoes with dressing, arugula, mozzarella, tomatoes, artichokes, olives, onion, salami, and basil, then toss gently.

How To Make Italian Potato Salad

This potato salad is an explosion of earthy flavors from a variety of herbs and vegetables that will remind you of a good Italian cuisine.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 20 minutes

Chill Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Total: 3 hours 10 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For Potato Salad:

2½lbYukon gold,or red potatoes
2handfulsfresh baby arugula,(large handfuls)
2cupsbaby mozzarella balls
2cupscherry tomatoes,or grape tomatoes, halved
12ozartichoke hearts,(1 jar), drained, halved
1cupItalian salami,diced, optional
½cupblack olives,sliced
½small red onion,thinly sliced
⅓cupfresh basil leaves,finely chopped
Parmesan cheese,grated, for serving, optional

For Italian Vinaigrette:

⅓cupolive oil
3tbspred wine vinegar
2tspDijon mustard
1tspdried thyme
1tspfine sea salt
½tspblack pepper,freshly cracked

Instructions

Place the diced potatoes in a large stockpot and add enough water so that the potatoes are covered by 1 inch. Cook over medium-high heat until the water reaches a boil.
Reduce the heat to medium to maintain the simmer, and continue cooking the potatoes for 5 to 8 minutes or until the potatoes pierce easily with a fork.
Drain the potatoes in a colander and let cool for 20 to 30 minutes.

Italian Vinaigrette:

Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, mustard, thyme, sea salt, and black pepper in a bowl until evenly combined.

To Assemble:

Once the potatoes are ready, combine them in a large serving bowl with the dressing, arugula, mozzarella, tomatoes, artichokes, olives, onion, salami, and basil. Toss gently until evenly combined. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed, to taste.
Serve immediately, sprinkled with Parmesan cheese, and enjoy!*

Recipe Notes

*Or cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours and then serve the potato salad chilled.
Refrigerate any leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 365.66kcal
Fat: 21.27g
Saturated Fat: 5.89g
Trans Fat: 0.14g
Monounsaturated Fat: 12.05g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.62g
Carbohydrates: 32.59g
Fiber: 6.44g
Sugar: 3.05g
Protein: 12.90g
Cholesterol: 37.88mg
Sodium: 687.72mg
Calcium: 108.89mg
Potassium: 985.80mg
Iron: 2.78mg
Vitamin A: 43.53µg
Vitamin C: 39.60mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Italian Potato Salad Success

To ensure your potatoes are perfectly cooked for the salad, start them in cold water and bring to a boil gradually. This helps them cook evenly and prevents the outside from becoming mushy before the inside is tender.

Time-Saving Tips for Italian Potato Salad Recipe

Pre-cook the potatoes: Boil the yukon gold potatoes in advance and store them in the fridge to save time on the day of preparation.

Use pre-chopped ingredients: Buy pre-chopped artichoke hearts, black olives, and red onion to cut down on prep time.

Ready-made vinaigrette: Use a store-bought Italian vinaigrette if you're in a hurry, instead of making it from scratch.

Batch preparation: Prepare larger quantities of salami, mozzarella balls, and cherry tomatoes for multiple meals throughout the week.

Substitute Ingredients For Italian Potato Salad Recipe

Yukon gold - Substitute with red potatoes: Red potatoes have a similar texture and hold their shape well when cooked, making them a good alternative.
Fresh baby arugula - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach has a similar tender texture and slightly peppery flavor.
Baby mozzarella balls - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta cheese adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes are similar in size and sweetness, making them an excellent substitute.
Artichoke hearts - Substitute with hearts of palm: Hearts of palm have a similar texture and mild flavor, making them a good alternative.
Italian salami - Substitute with prosciutto: Prosciutto offers a similar savory flavor and can be thinly sliced for a comparable texture.
Black olives - Substitute with kalamata olives: Kalamata olives have a similar briny flavor and can add a bit more depth to the dish.
Red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can be used in smaller quantities for a similar effect.
Fresh basil leaves - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley provides a bright, fresh flavor that can complement the other ingredients well.
Parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar hard texture and a slightly saltier flavor that works well in the salad.
Olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a mild flavor that won't overpower the vinaigrette.
Red wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a similar acidity and can add a slightly fruity note to the dressing.
Dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard has a similar tangy flavor and can add a bit of texture to the vinaigrette.
Dried thyme - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano has a similar earthy flavor and can complement the other herbs in the vinaigrette.
Fine sea salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has a similar flavor and can be used in the same quantity for seasoning.
Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat and can be used to maintain the seasoning profile of the vinaigrette.

How to Beautifully Present Italian Potato Salad

Use a large, white plate: Choose a pristine, white plate to allow the vibrant colors of the potato salad to stand out, creating a visually appealing contrast.
Layer the ingredients: Start by placing a bed of arugula on the plate. Arrange the potatoes in a circular pattern on top, followed by the mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and artichoke hearts in a visually pleasing manner.
Add height and texture: Create height by stacking some of the ingredients, such as the salami slices, in a slight mound. This adds dimension and makes the dish more dynamic.
Drizzle the vinaigrette: Lightly drizzle the Italian vinaigrette over the salad in a zigzag pattern. This not only adds flavor but also enhances the visual appeal with a glossy finish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Scatter fresh basil leaves and a few extra arugula leaves on top for a pop of green and a touch of elegance.
Add a touch of cheese: Finish with a delicate sprinkle of parmesan cheese over the entire dish. The cheese should be finely grated to avoid overpowering the other ingredients.
Use microgreens for decoration: Place a small bunch of microgreens on the side of the plate to add a sophisticated touch and a burst of freshness.
Serve with precision: Ensure that each element is placed with care and precision, reflecting the meticulous nature expected in a 3-Michelin-star presentation.

Essential Tools for Making Italian Potato Salad

Large stockpot: Used to cook the diced potatoes until they are tender.
Colander: Essential for draining the cooked potatoes after boiling.
Mixing bowl: Needed to whisk together the ingredients for the Italian vinaigrette.
Whisk: Used to combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, mustard, thyme, sea salt, and black pepper into a smooth vinaigrette.
Large serving bowl: For mixing the cooled potatoes with the dressing and other salad ingredients.
Knife: Necessary for dicing the potatoes, slicing the red onion, and cutting the salami if it's not pre-sliced.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping and slicing ingredients.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the baby mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and other ingredients.
Measuring spoons: For accurately measuring the mustard, thyme, sea salt, and black pepper.
Fork: To test the doneness of the potatoes by piercing them.
Tongs or large spoon: Useful for tossing the salad gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined.
Cheese grater: For grating fresh parmesan cheese over the salad before serving.

Storing and Freezing Italian Potato Salad

To store leftover italian potato salad, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together and intensify over time, making it even more delicious the next day!
If you want to prepare the salad ahead of time, you can cook the potatoes and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Combine the cooled potatoes with the remaining ingredients and dressing just before serving to ensure the salad stays fresh and crisp.
It's not recommended to freeze italian potato salad as the texture of the potatoes and vegetables will become mushy and unappetizing once thawed. The dressing may also separate and lose its consistency after freezing.
If you have an excess of ingredients, consider preparing a smaller batch of the salad or inviting friends and family over to enjoy it together. This vibrant and flavorful salad is best enjoyed fresh and shared with loved ones!

Fascinating Facts About Italian Potato Salad

A unique aspect of this Italian potato salad recipe is the inclusion of baby mozzarella balls and artichoke hearts, which add a delightful Mediterranean twist to the traditional potato salad.

Is Making Italian Potato Salad at Home Cost-Effective?

The Italian potato salad recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of Yukon gold potatoes, baby arugula, baby mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, Italian salami, and fresh basil leaves adds a gourmet touch but can be pricey. However, these ingredients provide a rich, flavorful dish that can serve as a complete meal. Overall Verdict: 7/10. Approximate cost: $25-$30 for a household of 4 people.

Is Italian Potato Salad Healthy or Unhealthy?

This Italian potato salad recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional potato salads, which often contain high amounts of mayonnaise. The use of olive oil and red wine vinegar in the dressing provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. The inclusion of arugula, tomatoes, and basil adds vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the dish. However, the salad also contains processed meats like salami, which are high in sodium and saturated fats. The mozzarella and parmesan cheeses also contribute to the overall fat and calorie content of the dish.

To make this recipe even healthier:

Replace the salami with grilled chicken or turkey for a leaner protein source
Use reduced-fat mozzarella and parmesan cheeses to lower the overall fat content
Increase the amount of arugula and basil to boost the nutrient density of the salad
Add other colorful vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for additional vitamins and minerals
Reduce the amount of salt in the dressing and rely on herbs and spices for flavor instead

Editor's Opinion on Italian Potato Salad Recipe

This Italian potato salad recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The creamy Yukon gold potatoes pair beautifully with the fresh arugula and basil, while the baby mozzarella and cherry tomatoes add a burst of freshness. The artichoke hearts and black olives introduce a savory depth, complemented by the tangy Italian vinaigrette. The inclusion of Italian salami adds a satisfying, meaty element. Topped with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, this dish is both visually appealing and delicious. It's a perfect side for any meal, offering a sophisticated twist on a classic potato salad.

Enhance Your Italian Potato Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Complement the vibrant flavors of the Italian potato salad with a side of grilled asparagus drizzled with a touch of lemon zest. The slight char from the grill and the citrusy zing will elevate your meal to a whole new level.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon: Add a touch of sweetness and sophistication with prosciutto-wrapped melon. The salty prosciutto pairs beautifully with the juicy melon, creating a delightful contrast that will make your taste buds dance.

Roasted Bell Pepper Soup: A warm bowl of roasted bell pepper soup can be a comforting and flavorful addition. The smoky, sweet bell peppers blended into a creamy soup will harmonize perfectly with the fresh ingredients in the salad.

Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks: Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic parmesan breadsticks are the perfect accompaniment. The garlic and parmesan flavors will complement the Italian theme of your meal.

Caprese Skewers: For a light and refreshing side, try caprese skewers. Alternating cherry tomatoes, baby mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves, these skewers are a bite-sized burst of flavor that will echo the ingredients in your main dish.

Delicious Alternatives to Italian Potato Salad

Caprese Salad: A delightful salad featuring fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil, drizzled with a balsamic reduction and extra virgin olive oil.

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: A vibrant quinoa salad packed with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing.

Greek Pasta Salad: A hearty pasta salad loaded with cucumbers, bell peppers, red onions, kalamata olives, and feta cheese, tossed in a tangy Greek dressing.

Antipasto Platter: An assortment of Italian cured meats, cheeses, marinated vegetables, olives, and artichoke hearts, perfect for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Tuscan Bean Salad: A rustic bean salad featuring cannellini beans, cherry tomatoes, red onions, parsley, and a simple lemon vinaigrette.

Appetizers and Desserts That Complement Italian Potato Salad

Appetizers:

Bruschetta: Elevate your bruschetta game by topping toasted baguette slices with a vibrant mix of heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy burrata. Drizzle with a balsamic reduction and finish with a sprinkle of sea salt and cracked black pepper. This delightful combination of flavors and textures will leave your guests craving more.

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a crowd-pleasing stuffed mushrooms dish by filling baby bella mushrooms with a savory blend of cream cheese, garlic, parmesan, and herbs. Bake until golden and bubbly, then garnish with fresh parsley. These bite-sized delights are perfect for any gathering and will surely impress your guests.

Desserts:

Tiramisu: Indulge in a classic Italian delight with layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and a rich mascarpone cream. The cocoa powder dusting on top adds a touch of bitterness that perfectly balances the sweetness. This dessert is best served chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Panna Cotta: Experience the silky smoothness of this creamy dessert, which is delicately flavored with vanilla and topped with a vibrant berry compote. The contrast between the rich, creamy base and the tart, fruity topping creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is both refreshing and indulgent.

Why trust this Italian Potato Salad Recipe:

This Italian potato salad recipe is a must-try for any food lover. The combination of Yukon gold potatoes, fresh baby arugula, creamy baby mozzarella balls, and juicy cherry tomatoes creates a delightful medley of flavors. The addition of artichoke hearts, Italian salami, and black olives adds a savory depth, while the homemade Italian vinaigrette ties everything together perfectly. Trust this recipe for its balance of textures and authentic Italian taste.

Share your thoughts and experiences with this Italian Potato Salad recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section. Let's discuss any variations or tips you may have!

FAQ:

How do I know when the potatoes are done cooking?

I usually pierce them with a fork. If the fork goes in easily, they’re done. It typically takes about 5 to 8 minutes after the water starts simmering.

Can I make this potato salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a few hours in advance. Just keep it in the fridge and add the arugula and basil right before serving to keep them fresh.

What can I use instead of baby mozzarella balls?

If you can’t find baby mozzarella balls, you can use regular mozzarella and cut it into small cubes. It works just as well.

Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, you can use other types of potatoes like red potatoes or fingerlings. Just make sure they’re waxy potatoes so they hold their shape well.

How long does this potato salad last in the fridge?

It should last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Just keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.