Spanish Potato Salad

Spanish Potato Salad Recipe - Authentic Taste of Spain

Region / culture: Spain | Servings: 6

Introduction

Spanish Potato Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish for any meal. This salad is made with tender potatoes, cherry tomatoes, sweet onion, and green olives, all tossed in a tangy dressing made with extra virgin olive oil and white wine vinegar.

History

Potato salad is a popular dish in many cultures around the world, and the Spanish version is known for its simple yet flavorful ingredients. The combination of potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and olives in a tangy dressing is a classic recipe that has been enjoyed for generations in Spain.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) potatoes (not baking potatoes)
0.33 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
7 oz (198 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
0.5 cup purple onion, chopped or other sweet onion
0.5 cup green olives, pitted

How to prepare

Scrub the potatoes and cook them in a large pot of boiling salted water for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are just tender.
If your potatoes vary in size, remove them individually as they reach this stage and allow the larger ones to continue cooking until they are also tender.
Drain the potatoes and set them aside until they are cool enough to handle.
In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper until they are well combined.
Add the tomatoes and onion to the mixture and mix well.
Remove the skin from the potatoes and cut them into 0.5 inch pieces.
Add the potatoes to the bowl of other ingredients and mix well.
Serve the dish well chilled.

Variations

Add cooked shrimp or chicken for a protein boost.
Substitute red wine vinegar for the white wine vinegar for a different flavor profile.
Add diced bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the potatoes just until they are tender, as overcooking can result in mushy potatoes.

- For extra flavor, you can add fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro to the salad.

- To save time, you can prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the salad.

Serving Suggestions

Spanish Potato Salad can be served as a side dish with grilled meats, seafood, or as a standalone dish for a light lunch or dinner.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the potatoes until just tender ensures that they hold their shape in the salad.

- Whisking the dressing ingredients together helps emulsify the oil and vinegar for a smooth dressing.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use red potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes instead of russet potatoes.

- If you don't have white wine vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

Spanish Potato Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Spanish Potato Salad pairs well with grilled chicken, steak, or seafood. It also goes well with a glass of crisp white wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply let the salad come to room temperature or enjoy it cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spanish Potato Salad contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Spanish Potato Salad contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Spanish Potato Salad contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Spanish Potato Salad contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Spanish Potato Salad is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains olives, which may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Spanish Potato Salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that is rich in carbohydrates, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Spanish Potato Salad is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its tangy dressing and fresh ingredients, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Spanish Potato Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her quaint little village in Spain. Maria was known for her incredible cooking skills, and I had always admired the way she effortlessly whipped up delicious meals for her family and friends.

On this particular day, Maria invited me into her kitchen to help her prepare a meal for a gathering of neighbors. As we worked side by side, she shared stories of her family's culinary traditions and the recipes that had been passed down through generations. I was mesmerized by her passion for cooking and her knowledge of flavors and techniques.

As we chopped, stirred, and sautéed our way through the afternoon, Maria suddenly pulled out a handwritten recipe card from a tattered old recipe book. She explained that this particular dish was a family favorite - Spanish Potato Salad. The ingredients were simple yet vibrant, and the method was straightforward yet full of love and care.

I watched intently as Maria guided me through each step of the recipe, from boiling the potatoes to dressing them with a tangy vinaigrette. The flavors of the fresh herbs, olives, and roasted peppers mingled together in a harmonious dance of taste and texture. I could hardly wait to taste the finished dish.

As we sat down to enjoy our creation with a glass of chilled sangria, Maria shared the story behind the recipe. She explained that her grandmother had taught her how to make Spanish Potato Salad when she was just a young girl. The recipe had been passed down through the generations, with each family member adding their own twist to make it their own.

I was touched by the sense of tradition and history that surrounded this simple yet delicious dish. I could feel the love and care that had gone into its creation, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it for myself.

Upon returning home from my trip to Spain, I set out to recreate the Spanish Potato Salad recipe that Maria had so generously shared with me. I gathered the ingredients - potatoes, red onions, olives, roasted red peppers, parsley, and a few key spices - and set to work in my own kitchen.

As I boiled the potatoes and prepared the dressing, I thought back to my time with Maria and her family. I remembered the laughter, the stories, and the shared moments of joy in the kitchen. I felt a deep connection to my friend and her heritage as I mixed the ingredients together in a bowl.

When I finally took a bite of the finished dish, I was transported back to that sunny afternoon in Maria's kitchen. The flavors were bold and bright, the textures were satisfying and comforting. I could taste the love and tradition that had gone into every bite, and I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire.

Over the years, I have continued to make Spanish Potato Salad for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions. Each time I prepare it, I am reminded of my dear friend Maria and the culinary traditions that she so generously shared with me.

As I pass the recipe on to my own grandchildren, I hope that they will feel the same sense of connection and joy that I have experienced in making this dish. I hope that they will appreciate the flavors, the history, and the love that go into every bowl of Spanish Potato Salad.

And I hope that they will carry on the tradition of sharing good food and good company with those they love, just as Maria and her family have done for generations. For in the end, it is not just the recipe that matters, but the memories and the stories that it holds. And for that, I am forever grateful.