Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of crisp cucumbers, green peppers, and red onions adds a refreshing crunch, while feta cheese provides a savory depth.
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Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, this salad is easy to prepare, making it ideal for both casual meals and special occasions.
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Versatile Side Dish: This salad pairs well with a variety of main courses, from grilled meats to vegetarian dishes, enhancing any meal with its vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ½ cup Italian-style salad dressing
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Cook the Potatoes: Place the diced potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain and allow to cool.
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Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the chopped green bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
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Mix the Salad: Add the cooled potatoes to the bowl with the vegetables and cheese.
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Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and Italian-style salad dressing. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
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Combine and Serve: Pour the dressing over the potato mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Servings and Timing
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Yield: This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
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Preparation Time: 15 minutes
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Cooking Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Herb Enhancements: Add fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, or basil to introduce additional flavors and aromas.
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Protein Addition: Incorporate grilled chicken, tuna, or chickpeas to transform the salad into a hearty main dish.
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Olive Inclusion: Mix in a handful of sliced Kalamata olives for a briny depth that complements the other ingredients.
Storage and Reheating
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Refrigeration: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Serving: This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If refrigerated, allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
FAQs
What type of potatoes work best for this salad?
Waxy potatoes like red or Yukon Gold hold their shape well after cooking, making them ideal for this salad.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can make it a day ahead. The flavors meld together nicely when it sits overnight in the refrigerator.
Is there a substitute for feta cheese?
Goat cheese or a dairy-free feta alternative can be used if you prefer or need a substitute.
How can I make this salad vegan?
Omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative, and ensure the salad dressing is vegan-friendly.
How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy?
Avoid overcooking the potatoes; they should be tender yet firm. After boiling, drain and let them cool to maintain their texture.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely. Cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers make great additions.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the salad dressing used is gluten-free, the salad itself contains no gluten.
How long can this salad sit out at room temperature?
For food safety, it’s best not to leave the salad out for more than two hours.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Potato Salad offers a refreshing and flavorful alternative to traditional potato salads. Its combination of fresh vegetables, tangy dressing, and savory feta makes it a versatile dish suitable for various occasions. Easy to prepare and adaptable to different tastes, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Mediterranean Potato Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Mediterranean Potato Salad is a refreshing twist on the classic, featuring tender potatoes, crisp vegetables, and a tangy lemon dressing. With crumbled feta and a flavorful Italian-style dressing, this vibrant side dish is perfect for picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ½ cup Italian-style salad dressing
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Potatoes: Boil diced potatoes in salted water over medium-high heat for about 15 minutes, until tender but firm. Drain and let cool.
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine chopped bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and crumbled feta.
- Mix the Salad: Add the cooled potatoes to the bowl and gently toss with the vegetables and cheese.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and Italian dressing. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the dressing over the potato mixture and toss to coat. Serve immediately or refrigerate for an hour for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Best Potatoes: Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes to maintain texture.
- Serving Tip: Let the salad sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best flavor.
- Customization: Add Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, or fresh herbs like dill or basil for extra Mediterranean flair.
