When the sun shines bright and the days grow longer, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing dish that captures the essence of summer. I was inspired to make this Greek Potato Salad during one of those sunny afternoons when the vibrant colors of fresh produce at the market drew me in. The thought of tender potatoes mingling with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and tangy feta made my taste buds tingle with anticipation.
This recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures, perfect for those warm evenings or casual gatherings. It’s quick to whip up and has that fantastic ability to impress friends while remaining simple enough for a weeknight meal – a win-win for anyone tired of the fast food rut. Plus, it only takes about 35 minutes from start to chill, allowing you to enjoy the delicious Mediterranean flair in no time. Let’s dive into making this delightful, crowd-pleasing Greek Potato Salad that you’ll want to prepare again and again!
Why You'll Love This Greek Potato Salad
- This Greek Potato Salad is incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal option for both busy weeknights and relaxed gatherings.
- The vibrant flavors of fresh ingredients bring a burst of Mediterranean goodness that tantalizes your taste buds with every bite.
- Its versatility allows you to serve it as a side dish or a light main course, making it perfect for any occasion.
- Visually appealing with its colorful mix of vegetables and feta, this salad is sure to impress your guests and elevate any meal.
Greek Potato Salad Ingredients
For the Salad
• 2 pounds potatoes – Choose waxy potatoes for a creamy texture that holds up well.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – Use vine-ripened tomatoes for the sweetest flavor.
• 1 cucumber, diced – A crisp cucumber adds refreshing crunch to the mix.
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped – Red onion offers a mild, slightly sweet bite.
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled – Feta brings that quintessential salty and tangy flavor to the salad.
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced – These olives add a rich, briny depth that pairs wonderfully with the potatoes.
For the Dressing
• 1/4 cup olive oil – High-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the overall taste of the salad.
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar – This vinegar complements the ingredients with its zesty acidity.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano – Oregano gives the salad a classic Mediterranean touch.
• Salt to taste – Adjust the salt based on your preference and feta’s saltiness.
• Pepper to taste – Freshly cracked pepper relishes the flavors and adds a subtle kick.
How to Make Greek Potato Salad
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Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly before handling.
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Cut the cooled potatoes into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they’re not too small so they maintain their shape in the salad.
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Combine the potatoes, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives in a large mixing bowl. Toss gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
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Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well-blended. This dressing will infuse your salad with delightful flavor.
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Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently yet thoroughly, ensuring every ingredient is coated with the zesty goodness.
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Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will help the flavors meld beautifully together for that refreshing taste.
Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of additional oregano before serving for a touch of color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Greek Potato Salad Variations
Feel free to get creative with this Greek Potato Salad recipe and try out these delightful variations to suit your tastes!
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Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a burst of freshness that’s aromatic and fragrant. You’ll be amazed at how a simple herb addition transforms the overall flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Toss in diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to elevate the heat level. This adds a delightful surprise with every bite, perfect for those who enjoy a little fiery touch!
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Creamy Version: Replace the feta with creamy avocado slices for a luscious and healthy twist. Avocado adds richness and pairs beautifully with the other fresh ingredients while providing a satisfying creaminess.
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Mediterranean Medley: Add roasted red peppers and artichoke hearts for an extra depth of flavor and texture. These ingredients offer a sweet and tangy note that complements the tanginess of the dressing wonderfully.
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Vegan Delight: Omit the feta and olives, then replace with marinated tofu or chickpeas for a protein-packed vegan version. This swap still delivers hearty satisfaction without compromising taste.
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Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top just before serving for added crunch and a nutty flavor profile. This will give your salad a delightful texture contrast to the tender potatoes.
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Citrusy Burst: Drizzle a bit of lemon juice or zest along with the dressing to brighten the dish with a burst of citrus. This refreshing note makes the salad even more invigorating and perfect for summertime.
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Smashed Style: Crush the potatoes slightly instead of cutting them. This results in a more rustic salad that’s hearty and inviting, allowing the dressing to cling beautifully to every piece.
What to Serve with Greek Potato Salad?
When gathering around the table, complementing flavors and textures can truly elevate your mealtime experience.
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Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy and smoky, these skewers bring a savory protein that balances the salad’s freshness. Marinating the chicken beforehand infuses it with extra flavor.
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Pita Bread: Soft, warm pita is perfect for scooping up the potato salad and adding a delightful chewiness. It’s a fantastic way to embrace Mediterranean vibes.
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Tzatziki Sauce: This cool, creamy yogurt-based sauce enhances your meal with a refreshing tang that complements the salad’s flavors beautifully. Just the right amount of zest!
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Roasted Vegetables: The caramelized sweetness of seasonal veggies brings a satisfying contrast to the lightness of the Greek Potato Salad. Think eggplant, bell peppers, and zucchini for a colorful twist.
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Hummus: Creamy and nutty, hummus offers a rich dip that pairs wonderfully with the fresh ingredients. Spread it on pita or enjoy it straight from the bowl.
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Lemonade or Iced Tea: These refreshing drinks cut through the richness of the salad, keeping your palate clean and ready for the next delightful bite.
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Baklava: For dessert, this sweet, flaky pastry drizzled in honey and nuts is the perfect way to end on a high note, harmonizing with the Mediterranean theme.
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Wine Pairing: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Rosé beautifully complements the dish’s vibrant flavors, making every sip a celebration.
How to Store and Freeze Greek Potato Salad
Fridge: Keep the Greek Potato Salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to deepen while ensuring freshness.
Freezer: While freezing is not generally recommended, if needed, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. The texture may change slightly after thawing.
Reheating: If you choose to eat it warm, gently reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of olive oil to restore moisture.
Serving Suggestions: Serve chilled or at room temperature after storage for the best taste and texture experience.
Make Ahead Options
These Greek Potato Salad preparations are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can boil and cut the potatoes up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. The vegetables, like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion, can also be diced and prepared ahead of time; however, it’s best to add the feta cheese and olives just before serving to ensure they retain their texture and flavor. For optimal taste, combine the dressing ingredients up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply toss everything together in a bowl, and you’ll have a delicious, refreshing salad ready with minimal effort!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the Greek Potato Salad, choose waxy potatoes as they create a creamy texture and hold their shape well.
- When cutting the potatoes, ensure they are not too small to maintain their presence in the salad.
- Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes, as this time lets the flavors meld and enhances the overall taste.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the dressing to elevate the flavor profile significantly.
Greek Potato Salad Recipe FAQs
What type of potatoes should I use for Greek Potato Salad?
Absolutely! For the best results, choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. They have a creamy texture that holds up beautifully in the salad, avoiding the mushy consistency that starchy potatoes can create.
How can I store leftover Greek Potato Salad?
Very simply! To keep your Greek Potato Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to meld even further while maintaining its crunch. Just give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute any settled ingredients.
Can I freeze Greek Potato Salad?
While I recommend enjoying the salad fresh, you can freeze it if necessary. Place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion, and it will keep for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and stir in a splash of olive oil to help regain its texture.
What should I do if my potatoes break apart while boiling?
Don’t worry; it happens sometimes! To avoid this, make sure to boil the potatoes until they’re just tender, and test them with a fork around the 15-minute mark. If they’re slightly undercooked, drain them immediately to stop the cooking process. If they do break apart, just embrace the rustic charm—your salad will still be delicious!
Are there any dietary considerations for Greek Potato Salad?
Absolutely! If you’re serving guests with dietary restrictions, you can adapt this salad by omitting feta for a dairy-free option or replacing it with a vegan feta alternative. For those avoiding gluten, rest assured this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Always check the labels of any packaged ingredients, like olives and dressing, to ensure they meet dietary needs.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- small bowl
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes Choose waxy potatoes for a creamy texture that holds up well.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes Use vine-ripened tomatoes for the sweetest flavor.
- 1 cucumber A crisp cucumber adds refreshing crunch to the mix.
- 1/2 red onion Red onion offers a mild, slightly sweet bite.
- 1 cup feta cheese Feta brings that quintessential salty and tangy flavor to the salad.
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives These olives add a rich, briny depth that pairs wonderfully with the potatoes.
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil High-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the overall taste of the salad.
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar This vinegar complements the ingredients with its zesty acidity.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano Oregano gives the salad a classic Mediterranean touch.
- salt Adjust the salt based on your preference and feta’s saltiness.
- pepper Freshly cracked pepper relishes the flavors and adds a subtle kick.
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly before handling.
- Cut the cooled potatoes into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they’re not too small so they maintain their shape in the salad.
- Combine the potatoes, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives in a large mixing bowl. Toss gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well-blended. This dressing will infuse your salad with delightful flavor.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently yet thoroughly, ensuring every ingredient is coated with the zesty goodness.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will help the flavors meld beautifully together for that refreshing taste.
