As I tossed the potatoes into the pot, the warmth of familiarity wrapped around me like a favorite blanket. This Greek Potato Salad with Feta, Olives & Zesty Herb Vinaigrette is more than just food; it’s a delightful nod to my culinary adventures in the Mediterranean. Perfect for those busy weeknights or laughter-filled gatherings, this quick and easy recipe brings a refreshing flavor that’s both healthy and satisfying. With golden baby potatoes and briny olives dancing together, it’s a vibrant dish that captures the essence of home-cooked love. Plus, I love how easily it adapts to different tastes—feel free to swap out feta for a vegan cheese or toss in some spicy jalapeños if you’re feeling adventurous! Ready to create a colorful, crowd-pleasing salad that everyone will rave about? Let’s dive in!
Why is Greek Potato Salad Amazing?
Vibrant, Flavor-Packed Dish: This Greek Potato Salad combines creamy feta, briny olives, and zesty herbs, ensuring each bite bursts with flavor.
Quick & Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, you’ll have this dish ready in no time—great for busy weeknights!
Customizable Options: Want something different? Swap feta for vegan options or add jalapeños for that extra kick.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a barbecue with friends, this salad is sure to steal the spotlight.
Health-Friendly Choice: Packed with nutrients from baby yellow potatoes and healthy fats from olives, it’s a dish you can feel good about serving.
Pair it with grilled meats for a complete meal, or check out my Potato Egg Cheese for another delicious option.
Greek Potato Salad Ingredients
For the Salad
• Baby Yellow Potatoes – Provide structure and creaminess; substitute with red potatoes if desired for a different texture.
• Feta Cheese – Adds a creamy, tangy flavor; swap for vegan cheese or goat cheese for a unique twist.
• Kalamata Olives – Contribute a salty kick and healthy fats; replace with your preferred olives for varied taste.
• Fresh Dill – Offers refreshing flavor and herbal aroma; can be substituted with fresh parsley if you prefer.
• Fresh Parsley – Adds brightness and nutrition; optional, depending on your taste preferences.
For the Vinaigrette
• Olive Oil – The base for the vinaigrette that ensures richness; choose extra virgin for a more robust flavor.
• Red Wine Vinegar – Provides the necessary acidity and tang; lemon juice can be used as a fresh alternative.
• Garlic – Enhances the depth of flavor; fresh minced garlic is best, but powdered can work in a pinch.
• Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your dietary preferences.
This delightful Greek Potato Salad with Feta, Olives & Zesty Herb Vinaigrette is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and satisfying texture!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Greek Potato Salad with Feta, Olives & Zesty Herb Vinaigrette
Step 1: Boil Potatoes
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the baby yellow potatoes, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Cook for approximately 15-20 minutes until fork-tender but not falling apart. Once ready, drain the potatoes in a colander and let them cool completely, allowing their flavors to enhance as they rest.
Step 2: Prepare Veggies
While the potatoes are cooling, take out your cutting board and sharp knife. Chop the kalamata olives, fresh dill, and parsley into small, bite-sized pieces, releasing their aromatic fragrances. This mix of vibrant colors and textures will elevate your Greek Potato Salad with Feta, Olives & Zesty Herb Vinaigrette, providing delightful flavors throughout.
Step 3: Make Vinaigrette
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk together vigorously for about 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This zesty herb vinaigrette will infuse your salad with tanginess, balancing beautifully with the creaminess of feta and the saltiness of olives.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Transfer the cooled potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Gently fold in the chopped olives, fresh dill, and parsley. Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over this mixture, stirring carefully to coat everything evenly without breaking the potatoes. This step is crucial for making sure every bite of your Greek Potato Salad is flavor-packed and delicious.
Step 5: Chill
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors of the Greek Potato Salad with Feta, Olives & Zesty Herb Vinaigrette to meld together. This chilling step enhances the dish significantly, ensuring it’s refreshing when served.
Greek Potato Salad with Feta Variations
Feel free to make this Greek Potato Salad your own with these delightful twists and swaps!
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Dairy-Free: Replace feta with a vegan cheese option for a creamy, plant-based delight. This way, everyone can enjoy the salad, regardless of dietary restriction.
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños to the mix for an exciting burst of heat that complements the creamy feta beautifully. This variation takes your potato salad to a whole new level!
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Alternative Herbs: Instead of dill, try fresh basil or cilantro for a different yet equally vibrant herbaceous note. Each herb can give the salad a personality of its own.
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Protein Boost: Toss in some chickpeas or grilled chicken to turn this side dish into a hearty main course. You’ll find that it balances perfectly with the flavors already present.
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Olive Options: Switch up the kalamata olives for green or black olives, depending on your taste preference. This small swap can subtly change the flavor profile.
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Zesty Twist: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salad right before serving for an extra layer of brightness. This added zing can truly elevate the overall taste.
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Nutty Flavor: Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top for added crunch and a delightful nutty flavor. This twist adds not only texture but also richness.
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Mediterranean Mix: Add roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts to blend in even more Mediterranean charm. These ingredients can add both color and deliciousness to your salad.
Customizing your Greek Potato Salad with Feta, Olives & Zesty Herb Vinaigrette opens the door to delightful new flavors and exciting textures! And if you’re looking for more dressings to create flavor explosions, my Cheeseburger Salad Sauce provides a tantalizing option for adding a kick to your salads!
Storage Tips for Greek Potato Salad
Fridge: Store your Greek Potato Salad with Feta, Olives & Zesty Herb Vinaigrette in an airtight container for up to 2 days. This helps maintain freshness and flavor.
Make-Ahead: If you’re prepping ahead of time, feel free to assemble the salad without the vinaigrette up to 1 day in advance. Add the dressing right before serving for the best taste.
Freezer: While not recommended for the best texture, if necessary, the salad can be frozen for up to 1 month. Separate components (potatoes, olives) if possible and thaw before serving.
Reheating: For optimal flavor, serve the salad chilled. If you prefer it warm, briefly reheat the potatoes in the microwave, but avoid reheating the entire salad to retain the crispness of the herbs.
Make Ahead Options
These Greek Potato Salad with Feta, Olives & Zesty Herb Vinaigrette are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the potatoes and vinaigrette up to 24 hours in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain quality. Simply boil the baby yellow potatoes until fork-tender and let them cool, then mix the vinaigrette ingredients together. You can also chop the olives and herbs ahead of time to save on prep during busy moments. When you’re ready to serve, combine everything just before serving to ensure the flavors are vibrant and fresh, making your meal planning a breeze!
Expert Tips for Greek Potato Salad
Perfect Potato Texture: Ensure the baby yellow potatoes are fork-tender but not mushy to maintain the satisfying texture in your Greek Potato Salad with Feta, Olives & Zesty Herb Vinaigrette.
Chill for Flavor: Letting the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld, ensuring a refreshing and tasty experience.
Customize Wisely: Feel free to experiment with ingredient swaps; just remember that substitutions like vegan cheese or adding jalapeños may alter the overall flavor.
Seasoning Matters: Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before chilling. This step guarantees that the salad is perfectly seasoned for everyone’s palate.
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh herbs and quality olive oil for the vinaigrette. Freshness will elevate your Greek Potato Salad’s vibrant flavors to new heights.
What to Serve with Greek Potato Salad with Feta, Olives & Zesty Herb Vinaigrette
Add delightful accompaniments to create a full-flavored meal your family will love.
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Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy and smoky, these skewers bring a savory contrast to the salad’s freshness. A perfect pairing for summer nights.
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Roasted Vegetables: The caramelized edges of seasonal veggies provide a sweet touch that balances the tangy dressing beautifully. Their vibrant colors will make your table shine!
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Herbed Quinoa: Light and fluffy, quinoa adds a nutritious boost and absorbs the zesty flavors of the salad, enhancing each bite into something spectacular.
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Garlic Bread: Golden, crispy slices of garlic bread are irresistible when dipped into the salad’s vinaigrette. It’s comfort food at its finest!
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Mediterranean Pita Chips: These crunchy chips add a delightful texture, perfect for scooping up salad or pairing with creamy hummus on the side.
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Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing beverages like homemade lemonade or iced tea offer a cool reprieve, enhancing the overall taste experience with their citrusy notes.
Elevate your Greek Potato Salad with these delicious pairings for a meal that truly sings!
Greek Potato Salad with Feta, Olives & Zesty Herb Vinaigrette Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right potatoes for this salad?
Absolutely! When selecting baby yellow potatoes, look for firm potatoes without dark spots or blemishes. They should feel heavy for their size and have a smooth, unwrinkled skin. If baby yellow potatoes aren’t available, red potatoes can be a fantastic alternative, providing slightly different flavors while maintaining that creamy texture.
What’s the best way to store leftovers of Greek Potato Salad?
To keep your Greek Potato Salad with Feta, Olives & Zesty Herb Vinaigrette fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure it’s properly sealed to prevent it from absorbing other flavors in the fridge. It’s ideal to consume it within this timeframe so you can enjoy its fresh taste!
Can I freeze Greek Potato Salad?
Very! While freezing isn’t the best for maintaining texture, if you need to store it longer, you can freeze the salad for up to 1 month. To do this, assemble the potato salad without the dressing and place it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before adding the vinaigrette and giving it a good mix.
What if my potatoes turn mushy while boiling?
Oh no! If the potatoes become overcooked and mushy, they might break down when mixed with other ingredients. Always check for doneness at 15 minutes—poke one with a fork; if it slides in easily but still has some firmness, they are ready to drain. For the best texture, take them off the heat promptly and let them cool fully before combining with other ingredients.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! Swap out regular feta for a vegan feta option to keep your Greek Potato Salad delicious while adhering to a vegan lifestyle. You can also omit the feta entirely if you prefer a lighter version, and still enjoy the vibrant mix of olives and herbs that give it fantastic flavor. Adding a hint of crushed red pepper can also provide a delightful kick!
Is this salad safe for pets?
While some ingredients in Greek Potato Salad are safe for pets, like potatoes and certain herbs, avoid giving them olives and garlic. Garlic, in particular, is toxic to dogs and cats, so it’s best to keep this salad for human enjoyment only. Always be cautious with what you share from your kitchen with your furry friends!
Greek Potato Salad with Feta, Olives & Zesty Herb Vinaigrette Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil the Baby Yellow Potatoes in a large pot of salted water for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and let cool.
- Chop the Kalamata Olives, Fresh Dill, and Fresh Parsley into small pieces.
- Combine the Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar, minced Garlic, Salt, and Pepper in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, fold together cooled potatoes, chopped Olives, Dill, and Parsley. Drizzle with Vinaigrette and stir to coat.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
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