Embrace the flavors of summer with this refreshing and tangy potato salad. This recipe combines the earthy taste of potatoes with the sweet crunch of apples, providing a delightful contrast. The addition of red onions, celery, and chives adds a savory depth, while the dressing made from dijon mustard, olive oil, vinegar, and mayonnaise ties all the flavors together perfectly. Ideal for picnics, backyard gatherings, or a simple family lunch, this salad is sure to impress anyone who tastes it.
This recipe uses common ingredients that can be easily found in any supermarket. However, it's worth mentioning that the use of baby red or yukon gold potatoes contributes to a more buttery and creamy texture in the salad. When shopping for apples, choose Gala apples for their sweet and crisp flavor that complements the other ingredients well. Dijon mustard can be found in most condiment aisles and offers a tangy, sophisticated flavor that elevates the dressing.
Ingredients for Summer Potato Salad with Apples
Baby red or yukon gold potatoes: They are small, round, and have a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture.
Celery: Gives a nice crunch and refreshing taste to the salad.
Red onion: Adds a bit of sharpness and color to the mix.
Gala apples: They are sweet, crisp, and adds a lovely texture contrast.
Chives: These will give a delicate onion flavor that is not overpowering.
Dijon mustard: A robust and tangy flavor that helps to balance out the sweetness of the apples.
Extra virgin olive oil: It has a fruity, bitter, and slightly spicy flavor.
Red wine vinegar: Adds acidity to the dressing, balancing the oil and mustard.
Reduced fat mayonnaise: It will provide creaminess to the dressing without too much fat.
Salt and fresh pepper: To enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
One reader, Gweneth Hawthorne says:
This summer potato salad with apples recipe is a game-changer! The combination of tender potatoes, crisp apples, and zesty dressing creates a refreshing and satisfying dish. It's a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a hit at any gathering. I highly recommend trying it out!
Key Techniques for Crafting Summer Potato Salad with Apples
How to boil potatoes: Boil the potatoes in salted water until soft, approximately 10-14 minutes, or until they can be easily pierced with a fork. Drain and let them cool.
How to mix the dressing: Combine red onion, celery, mustard, olive oil, vinegar, and mayonnaise in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper, then mix well and let the flavors marinate while the potatoes cook.
How to incorporate the potatoes: Once the potatoes are done and cooled, mix them into the bowl with the dressing. Add chives and apples, and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
How to serve: Serve the potato salad at room temperature or refrigerate it until ready to serve.
How To Make Summer Potato Salad with Apples
Perfect for to pair the heat of the summer air, this summer potato salad is your usual potato salad recipe but with the added sweet crunch of apples.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4cupsgold potatoes,baby red or yukon, cut in quarters
- 2tbspcelery,minced
- ¼cupred onion,finely diced
- 1gala apples,peeled and diced into ½-inch chunks
- 2tbspchives,minced
- 1tspdijon mustard
- 1tbspextra virgin olive oil
- 1tbspred wine vinegar
- 1tbspreduced fat mayonnaise
- salt and fresh pepper
Instructions
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Boil potatoes in salted water until soft for approximately 10 to 14 minutes or until soft if pierced with a fork. Drain and let cool.
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While the potatoes are boiling, combine red onion, celery, mustard, olive oil, vinegar, and mayonnaise and season with salt and pepper.
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Mix well and let the flavors marinate while the potatoes cook.
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Once the potatoes are done and cool, mix into the bowl and add chives and apples, additional salt, and pepper to taste.
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Serve room temperature or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 109.36kcal
- Fat: 2.78g
- Saturated Fat: 0.40g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.59g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.66g
- Carbohydrates: 19.57g
- Fiber: 2.76g
- Sugar: 3.73g
- Protein: 1.99g
- Sodium: 296.37mg
- Calcium: 17.50mg
- Potassium: 413.60mg
- Iron: 0.80mg
- Vitamin A: 2.74µg
- Vitamin C: 17.89mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting This Potato Salad Recipe
When boiling your potatoes, ensure you start with cold water and then bring it to a boil. This allows the potatoes to cook evenly, preventing the outside from becoming mushy before the inside is fully cooked. Also, remember to cut your apples just before adding them to the salad to prevent them from browning. If you need to cut them in advance, toss them in a little lemon juice to keep them fresh and vibrant.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Summer Side Dish
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare ingredients the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that can be cooked in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup and save time.
Batch cooking: Prepare larger quantities and freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals on busy days.
Kitchen organization: Keep your kitchen well-organized to easily locate ingredients and cooking tools, saving time during meal preparation.
Time-saving gadgets: Invest in kitchen gadgets like food processors or slow cookers to streamline cooking processes and save time.
Substitute Ingredients For Summer Potato Salad with Apples Recipe
baby red or yukon gold potatoes - Substitute with fingerling potatoes: Fingerling potatoes have a similar waxy texture and a buttery flavor, making them a great substitute for baby red or Yukon gold potatoes in this salad.
celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a similar crunchy texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor that can work well as a substitute for celery in this recipe.
red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to red onions, making them a suitable substitute for adding a subtle onion flavor to the salad.
gala apples - Substitute with honeycrisp apples: Honeycrisp apples have a sweet and crisp texture similar to Gala apples, making them a great substitute for adding a refreshing sweetness to the potato salad.
chives - Substitute with green onions (scallions): Green onions can provide a similar mild onion flavor and a pop of green color, making them a suitable substitute for chives in this recipe.
dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard can provide a similar tangy flavor and texture to the salad dressing, making it a good substitute for Dijon mustard.
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for extra virgin olive oil in this recipe.
red wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can provide a slightly sweet and fruity flavor similar to red wine vinegar, making it a good substitute for dressing the potato salad.
reduced fat mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can add creaminess and tanginess to the salad dressing, making it a healthier substitute for reduced-fat mayonnaise.
Elevate Your Potato Salad Presentation
Elevate the plating: Present the summer potato salad in a visually appealing manner, using edible flowers and microgreens to add color and texture to the dish.
Incorporate artistic elements: Utilize a drizzle of balsamic reduction on the plate to create an artistic and visually stunning presentation.
Focus on precision: Arrange the potato salad using a ring mold to create a perfectly shaped and structured presentation, ensuring each component is meticulously placed.
Emphasize contrast: Pair the salad with a vibrant arugula and radicchio salad to provide a visual contrast and balance on the plate.
Highlight the apples: Thinly slice the Gala apples and fan them out on top of the potato salad to showcase their freshness and add a touch of elegance to the dish.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Present the salad in a sophisticated and modern dish, such as a porcelain platter or a slate board, to enhance the overall presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Recipe
- Boiling pot: A large pot used for boiling the potatoes in salted water.
- Mixing bowl: Used to combine the ingredients for the dressing and to mix the salad.
- Whisk: Used to mix the dressing ingredients together.
- Knife: Used to chop the celery, red onion, chives, and apples.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping the ingredients.
- Colander: Used to drain the boiled potatoes.
- Measuring spoons: Used to measure the mustard, olive oil, vinegar, and mayonnaise.
- Serving bowl: Used to serve the potato salad.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Summer Potato Salad
- This potato salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To keep the apples from browning, toss them with a little bit of lemon juice before adding them to the salad.
- If you plan to make this salad ahead of time, it's best to add the apples and chives just before serving to maintain their freshness and crispness.
- Unfortunately, this potato salad does not freeze well due to the mayonnaise and fresh vegetables. The texture and flavor of the salad will be compromised upon thawing.
- If you have leftovers that you don't think you'll consume within 3-4 days, consider sharing them with friends or family, or repurposing the salad into a different dish, such as a filling for wraps or a topping for grilled meats.
How To Reheat Leftover Potato Salad
- The best way to reheat leftover summer potato salad with apples is to let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the potatoes to soften slightly.
- If you prefer a slightly warmer potato salad, place the desired amount in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds at a time, stirring gently between intervals, until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the mayonnaise to separate and the potatoes to become mushy.
- Another option is to place the potato salad in a sealed container and submerge it in a bowl of warm water for 5-10 minutes. This method gently warms the salad without altering its texture or flavor.
- If you have a large amount of leftover potato salad, you can reheat it in a covered casserole dish in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Stir gently halfway through the reheating process to ensure even warming.
- Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to taste the potato salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed, as the flavors may have mellowed during storage.
Surprising Trivia About Potato Salad
Potato salad is a popular dish in many countries and is often served as a side dish at barbecues and picnics. It is believed to have originated in Germany and has since become a staple in many different cuisines around the world.
Budget-Friendly: Making Summer Potato Salad at Home
This summer potato salad with apples recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as potatoes, apples, and onions, are generally affordable and readily available. The addition of celery and chives enhances the flavor without significantly increasing the cost. The use of simple pantry items like mustard, olive oil, and mayonnaise is economical. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful dish without breaking the bank. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and delicious outcome. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12.
Is This Summer Side Dish Healthy or Not?
The summer potato salad with apples recipe is a healthier take on the classic potato salad. It incorporates nutrient-rich ingredients like potatoes, apples, celery, and chives, which provide a good balance of carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The use of reduced-fat mayonnaise helps to lower the overall calorie and fat content of the dish. Additionally, the inclusion of Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil adds flavor while keeping the dressing light and tangy.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this potato salad, consider the following suggestions:
- Increase the amount of celery and apples to boost the fiber content and add more crunch to the salad
- Include other colorful vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to provide a wider range of vitamins and antioxidants
- Experiment with using Greek yogurt in place of the mayonnaise for a protein boost and a creamy texture with less fat
- Sprinkle some toasted nuts or seeds, such as almonds or pumpkin seeds, on top for added healthy fats and a satisfying crunch
- Use a mix of different potato varieties, such as purple potatoes or sweet potatoes, to introduce more diverse nutrients and appealing colors to the dish
Editor's Take: Summer Potato Salad with Apples Recipe
This summer potato salad with apples recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The creamy potatoes, crisp apples, and tangy dressing create a refreshing and satisfying dish. The addition of chives adds a subtle onion flavor, while the mustard and vinegar provide a zesty kick. The balance of sweetness from the apples and the savory elements makes this salad a perfect side dish for any summer gathering. It's a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled, making it a great option for picnics or barbecues. Overall, it's a simple yet delicious dish that is sure to impress!
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Why trust this Summer Potato Salad with Apples Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of baby red or yukon gold potatoes, gala apples, and chives, creating a refreshing and flavorful summer salad. The addition of celery and red onion provides a satisfying crunch, while the dressing, made with dijon mustard, extra virgin olive oil, and red wine vinegar, adds a zesty kick. The inclusion of reduced fat mayonnaise ensures a creamy texture without compromising on flavor. Trust in the harmonious blend of fresh ingredients and well-balanced flavors to elevate your summer dining experience.
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