Spicy Potato Salad

Spicy Potato Salad Recipe with Tomato, Cilantro, and Jalapeño Pepper

| Servings: 6

Introduction

Spicy Potato Salad is a flavorful and zesty side dish that is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any summer gathering. This dish combines tender potatoes with a spicy tomato and pepper mixture for a unique twist on traditional potato salad.

History

Potato salad is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The addition of spicy ingredients like jalapeño peppers and garlic adds a modern twist to this traditional recipe, giving it a bold and exciting flavor profile.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) all-purpose potatoes (about 6 medium), peeled
1 medium tomato, diced (1 cup)
1 medium yellow tomato, diced (1 cup)
0.5 cup diced yellow or green bell pepper
0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro
0.25 cup finely chopped red onion
0.5 to 1 tbsp seeded, minced fresh jalapeño pepper
1 small clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp red wine vinegar
3 scallions (white and light green parts), thinly sliced; reserve green tops for garnish

How to prepare

Place the potatoes in a large saucepan filled with salted water.
Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan.
Simmer the potatoes until they are tender, which should take around 20 to 25 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a medium glass bowl, combine the tomatoes, bell pepper, cilantro, onion, jalapeño, garlic, oil, vinegar, and salt to taste. Toss the ingredients together to mix well.
Cover the bowl and let it stand at room temperature until you are ready to serve.
Drain the cooked potatoes, rinse them under cold running water, and drain them again.
Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut each one in half lengthwise, and then slice each half into strips or slices that are approximately 0.5 inches thick.
Add the sliced potatoes to the tomato mixture and gently toss them together to mix.
Garnish the dish with scallion tops.
Serve the dish at room temperature.

Variations

Add diced avocado for a creamy texture.
Mix in cooked bacon or chorizo for added flavor.
Substitute red bell peppers for the yellow or green peppers for a different color and flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- For extra heat, leave the seeds in the jalapeño pepper. For a milder flavor, remove the seeds before mincing.

- Let the potato salad sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Spicy Potato Salad alongside grilled meats or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. It also makes a great addition to a picnic or potluck spread.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the potatoes until tender ensures that they are cooked through and ready to absorb the flavors of the spicy tomato mixture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh jalapeño peppers, you can use pickled jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. You can also substitute red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the spicy tomato mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to mix with the potatoes. The salad can be made up to a day in advance.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Spicy Potato Salad with additional cilantro leaves or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color. Serve it in a decorative bowl or platter for an eye-catching presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with grilled chicken, steak, or fish. It also complements dishes like tacos, burgers, or sandwiches.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Spicy Potato Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the salad in the microwave or enjoy it cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spicy Potato Salad contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Spicy Potato Salad contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Spicy Potato Salad contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Spicy Potato Salad contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber from the tomatoes, bell peppers, and potatoes.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens, but be sure to check for any specific allergies to ingredients such as garlic or peppers.

Summary

Spicy Potato Salad is a nutritious side dish that is low in calories and fat, while providing a good source of carbohydrates and vitamins.

Summary

Spicy Potato Salad is a delicious and vibrant side dish that is sure to impress your guests. With its bold flavors and easy preparation, this recipe is a must-try for any food lover.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a warm summer day, much like today, when I stumbled upon it in an old, dusty cookbook at a yard sale. The title caught my eye immediately: Spicy Potato Salad. As a lover of all things spicy, I knew I had to give it a try.

I took the cookbook home and poured over the pages, reading through the ingredients and instructions carefully. The recipe called for all the usual suspects - potatoes, mayonnaise, mustard - but what really intrigued me was the addition of jalapenos and cayenne pepper. This was no ordinary potato salad, this was going to be a flavor explosion in my mouth.

I gathered up all the necessary ingredients and got to work in the kitchen. I boiled the potatoes until they were fork-tender, then let them cool before chopping them into bite-sized pieces. In a separate bowl, I mixed together the mayonnaise, mustard, and spices, adjusting the heat levels to my liking. The scent of the cayenne pepper wafted through the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Once everything was mixed together, I added in the jalapenos, their vibrant green color standing out against the creamy potatoes. I took a cautious taste test, the heat hitting the back of my throat in a satisfying burn. This was it - the perfect spicy potato salad.

I brought the dish to a family barbecue that weekend, eager to share my newfound creation with my loved ones. As they took their first bites, their eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected kick of heat. But soon, they were all reaching for second helpings, unable to resist the addictive combination of flavors.

From that day on, Spicy Potato Salad became a staple at family gatherings and potlucks. It was requested so often that I soon committed the recipe to memory, no longer needing to consult the old cookbook. Over the years, I've made some tweaks and adjustments to suit my tastes, but the core of the recipe remains the same.

I've shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing it on to anyone who expresses an interest in trying something new and exciting. It brings me joy to see others enjoy the same delight that I felt when I first discovered it.

As I sit here now, preparing a batch of Spicy Potato Salad for an upcoming picnic, I can't help but feel grateful for that chance encounter at the yard sale all those years ago. It's amazing how a single recipe can bring so much joy and connection to those around us.

So here's to Spicy Potato Salad - a dish that holds a special place in my heart and will continue to be passed down through the generations. May it bring as much happiness to others as it has to me. Cheers!