Mediterranean Potato Salad
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
Elevate your Thanksgiving feast with a delightful Mediterranean Potato Salad that combines tender potatoes, vibrant veggies, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing. This refreshing side dish is not only full of flavor but also packed with nutritious ingredients, making it the perfect complement to any turkey or roast. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a crowd-pleasing addition to your holiday table.
This Mediterranean Potato Salad is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, bringing a refreshing twist to traditional potato salad.
Why Mediterranean Potato Salad is Perfect for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones, sharing stories, and indulging in sumptuous meals. The Mediterranean Potato Salad fits seamlessly into this festive occasion with its vibrant colors and tantalizing flavors. This dish stands out among typical holiday sides, offering a refreshing alternative that appeals to a variety of palates. Its unique blend of ingredients brings a Mediterranean flair, making your Thanksgiving table not only visually appealing but also a culinary adventure.
Moreover, the combination of tender potatoes with fresh vegetables creates a satisfying yet light dish that complements heavier main courses like turkey and stuffing. The inclusion of olives and herbs adds a savory depth, while the zesty lemon dressing enlivens the overall flavor. Whether your guests are vegetarians or meat-lovers, this salad is an excellent choice that everyone can enjoy.
Another reason to love this Mediterranean Potato Salad is its versatility. It can be prepared ahead of time and served chilled or at room temperature, making it a hassle-free addition to your holiday preparation. The leftovers, if any, taste just as delicious, encouraging you to experiment with new meals throughout the week.
Nutritional Benefits of Your Mediterranean Potato Salad
In addition to its delightful taste, this Mediterranean Potato Salad boasts an impressive nutritional profile. Potatoes are a great source of vitamins C and B6, as well as potassium, which is essential for heart health. The fresh veggies like cucumbers and tomatoes contribute antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation, making this salad not only delicious but also good for you.
Kalamata olives, another star ingredient, are rich in healthy fats and help in lowering cholesterol levels. They also add a unique, briny flavor that pairs beautifully with the fresh herbs and lemon dressing. By incorporating these ingredients, you’re serving a dish that not only satisfies cravings but also nourishes the body, promoting overall well-being.
Lastly, the Mediterranean diet is widely recognized for its health benefits, including heart health and reduced risk of chronic diseases. By adding this salad to your Thanksgiving feast, you're not only flavoring your meal but also aligning with a diet celebrated for its balanced and nutritious components.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients for your Mediterranean Potato Salad.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of potatoes, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to wash all the vegetables before you start preparing your salad.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your Mediterranean Potato Salad.
Boil the Potatoes
In a large pot, cover the diced potatoes with water and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and let cool.
Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooled potatoes, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Serve
Transfer the salad to a serving dish and enjoy! It can be served chilled or at room temperature.
Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas
When it comes to serving Mediterranean Potato Salad, the possibilities are endless. This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, seafood, or plant-based proteins, making it an adaptable choice for various dietary preferences. Consider offering it alongside roasted vegetables or a light protein dish to create a balanced meal that is pleasing to the eye and the palate.
For an elevated dining experience, garnish the salad with a sprinkle of feta cheese or additional fresh herbs just before serving. These small touches can enhance both the flavor and presentation, making your Thanksgiving feast even more memorable. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding some roasted red peppers or artichokes for an extra Mediterranean twist.
How to Store Leftover Mediterranean Potato Salad
If you find yourself with any leftover Mediterranean Potato Salad, storing it properly is key to maintaining its freshness. Place the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it can be enjoyed for up to three days. This makes it an excellent option for meal prepping and enjoying throughout the week.
When ready to eat, simply give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and flavors. If it seems a bit dry, a quick drizzle of lemon juice or olive oil can help revive the dish. You can also add fresh veggies or herbs to refresh its taste, keeping your meals exciting even after the holidays.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
→ What can I substitute for olives?
If you do not like olives, you can leave them out or replace them with capers.
Mediterranean Potato Salad
Elevate your Thanksgiving feast with a delightful Mediterranean Potato Salad that combines tender potatoes, vibrant veggies, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing. This refreshing side dish is not only full of flavor but also packed with nutritious ingredients, making it the perfect complement to any turkey or roast. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a crowd-pleasing addition to your holiday table.
Created by: Violet Hart
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: easy
Final Quantity: 6.0
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of potatoes, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large pot, cover the diced potatoes with water and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and let cool.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled potatoes, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Transfer the salad to a serving dish and enjoy! It can be served chilled or at room temperature.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Total Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Protein: 4g