Olive Greek Potato Salad

If you’re looking for a refreshing dish that brings the flavors of Greece to your table, look no further than Olive Greek Potato Salad. This vibrant salad is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or even as a side for your weeknight dinners. Its combination of tender potatoes, zesty olives, and aromatic herbs makes it a standout choice that is sure to please everyone. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Combination: The blend of kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs creates an explosion of Mediterranean flavors in every bite.
• Easy Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this delightful dish with minimal effort.
• Versatile Side Dish: Whether served alongside grilled chicken or as part of a vegetarian feast, this salad pairs well with many main courses.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and let the flavors meld together—perfect for busy days or entertaining guests.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients like potatoes and fresh herbs, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Olive Greek Potato Salad, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. These will help streamline the preparation process and ensure your salad comes out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for boiling potatoes evenly and ensuring they cook through without falling apart.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all the ingredients while allowing room to toss everything together without spilling.
• Whisk: Essential for blending the dressing smoothly without any lumps for an even flavor throughout.

Ingredients

For the Potatoes

• 2 lb petite white or red potatoes
• 1-2 tsp kosher salt, for boiling

For the Dressing

• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup red apple vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
• 2 tsp dry mustard
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper

For the Salad Mix-ins

• 1 cup pitted kalamata olives
• 7 oz oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 4 oz capers, brine reserved
• 1 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/2 cup rough chopped fresh dill
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

How to Make Olive Greek Potato Salad

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Begin by washing the potatoes thoroughly. Place them in a large pot filled with water. Add kosher salt to taste.
1. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender but still firm, about 15 minutes.
3. Drain using a colander and let them cool slightly before cutting into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

While the potatoes are cooling, prepare your dressing in a mixing bowl:
1. Combine extra-virgin olive oil, red apple vinegar, minced garlic, dry mustard, dried thyme, dried oregano, kosher salt, and ground black pepper.
2. Whisk together until smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl,
1. Add the cooled potato pieces.
2. Pour the dressing over them while gently tossing to coat all potatoes evenly.
3. Incorporate kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, capers (reserving some brine), red onion slices, fresh dill, and crumbled feta cheese into the mix.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Once everything is well mixed,
1. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld together.
2. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a delightful side dish.

Enjoy your Olive Greek Potato Salad at your next meal!

How to Serve Olive Greek Potato Salad

Olive Greek Potato Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that can elevate any meal. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this delightful salad.

As a Standalone Dish

• Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing and satisfying meal on its own.

With Grilled Chicken

• Pair it with grilled chicken breasts for a protein-rich option that complements the salad’s tangy flavors.

Alongside Roasted Vegetables

• Serve it next to a platter of roasted seasonal vegetables to enhance the Mediterranean experience.

In a Wrap

• Use it as a filling for wraps, adding some fresh greens for extra crunch and color.

At Potlucks or Gatherings

• Bring this dish to potlucks; its vibrant colors and bold taste will surely impress guests.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve it alongside rustic bread for soaking up the delicious dressing, making every bite delightful.

How to Perfect Olive Greek Potato Salad

To ensure your Olive Greek Potato Salad turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh herbs and high-quality olives to enhance flavor.
• Cut Potatoes Evenly: Cut potatoes into uniform pieces for even cooking and consistent texture.
• Season the Water: Add kosher salt to the boiling water to infuse flavor into the potatoes as they cook.
• Cool Before Mixing: Allow potatoes to cool before mixing with other ingredients; this helps retain their texture.
• Taste Before Serving: Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving, ensuring it’s perfectly balanced.
• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Greek Potato Salad

Olive Greek Potato Salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Lemon Chicken
   A juicy grilled chicken marinated in lemon adds zest that complements the salad’s flavors.

2. Roasted Asparagus
   Tender roasted asparagus drizzled with olive oil brings an earthy balance to the meal.

3. Mediterranean Hummus
   Creamy hummus served with pita chips or vegetables offers a creamy contrast to the salad’s texture.

4. Quinoa Tabbouleh
   A light tabbouleh made from quinoa is refreshing and rich in nutrients, perfect alongside the salad.

5. Stuffed Bell Peppers
   Colorful stuffed bell peppers filled with rice and vegetables add a hearty touch to your dining experience.

6. Grilled Eggplant Slices
   Smoky grilled eggplant slices provide depth of flavor and pair beautifully with the tangy potato salad.

7. Tomato Cucumber Salad
   A simple tomato cucumber salad adds freshness and crunch, enhancing the overall meal appeal.

8. Zucchini Fritters
   Crispy zucchini fritters are a delightful side that offers texture contrast while being light and flavorful.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Olive Greek Potato Salad, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Using the wrong potatoes – Using starchy potatoes instead of waxy ones can result in a mushy salad. Stick with petite white or red potatoes for the best texture.
• Skipping the salt in boiling water – Not salting the water can leave your potatoes bland. Always add 1-2 teaspoons of kosher salt to enhance flavor during cooking.
• Overcooking the potatoes – Cooking too long can make the potatoes fall apart. Aim for fork-tender but still firm potatoes, about 15 minutes of boiling should do.
• Not letting the salad chill – Serving right after mixing can miss out on flavor development. Letting it chill for at least an hour allows the ingredients to meld beautifully.
• Forgetting about freshness – Fresh herbs and vegetables make a difference. Use freshly chopped dill and quality olives for vibrant flavors in your Olive Greek Potato Salad.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Olive Greek Potato Salad in an airtight container.
• It can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Olive Greek Potato Salad

• Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in the potatoes and vegetables.
• If you must freeze, do so without any dressing and consume within a month.

Reheating Olive Greek Potato Salad

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm covered for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat on medium power in short bursts, stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop – Gently reheat on low heat, stirring occasionally until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Olive Greek Potato Salad:

Can I use other types of olives?

Yes, while kalamata olives are traditional, you can substitute them with green or black olives based on your preference.

How do I customize my Olive Greek Potato Salad?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers, or even swap out herbs for basil or parsley.

Is Olive Greek Potato Salad vegan?

Yes, this recipe is entirely plant-based unless you choose to include cheese, which can be omitted for a vegan version.

What dishes pair well with Olive Greek Potato Salad?

This salad complements grilled chicken, lamb skewers, or even roasted vegetables beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Olive Greek Potato Salad is a delightful dish that brings together fresh flavors and hearty ingredients. Its versatility makes it perfect as a side dish for various meals or as a cold potluck option. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or herbs!