Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite summer dish: Potato Feta Salad! It’s fresh, vibrant, and loaded with flavor. Whenever I make this salad, it transports me to sun-drenched picnics and laughter-filled barbecues with friends. The creamy feta cheese pairs perfectly with tender potatoes, and the crunch of red onion and juicy cherry tomatoes just takes it to the next level. I love how easy it is to whip up, making it the perfect side for any meal or a light lunch on its own. Trust me, once you try this Potato Feta Salad, you’ll be making it on repeat all season long!
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds potatoes, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled for that creamy goodness
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped finely for a touch of zing
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved to add sweetness and color
- 1/4 cup olive oil, extra virgin for the best flavor
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed for brightness
- Salt and pepper, to taste for seasoning
How to Prepare Potato Feta Salad
Alright, let’s dive into making this delicious Potato Feta Salad! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll be amazed by how quickly it comes together. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, you’ll want to boil the potatoes. Place the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold, salted water. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, and let them cook for about 15 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender. Don’t overdo it—nobody likes mushy potatoes!
- Once they’re tender, drain the potatoes in a colander and let them cool down for a bit. It’s super important that they’re cool before mixing in the other ingredients, or you’ll end up with a melty feta mess!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine those cooled potatoes, crumbled feta, chopped red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes. The colors are just so vibrant; it’s a feast for the eyes already!
- Now, let’s whip up the dressing! In a smaller bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This dressing is where all the magic happens!
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently. You want to coat the potatoes without breaking them apart. Oops, I’ve done that before—just be careful!
- Finally, serve your Potato Feta Salad chilled or at room temperature. It’s perfect for outdoor gatherings or a light lunch at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Potato Feta Salad comes together in just about 35 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute side dish!
- Flavorful: The combination of creamy feta, zesty lemon, and fresh veggies creates a burst of Mediterranean flavors that you’ll crave.
- Healthy: Packed with nutritious ingredients, this salad is a great way to enjoy wholesome flavors without any guilt.
- Versatile: It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can stand alone as a delightful vegetarian meal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it a day in advance, which means less stress on the day of your gathering!
- Customizable: Feel free to throw in your favorite veggies or herbs to make it uniquely yours!
Tips for Success
Let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure your Potato Feta Salad turns out absolutely perfect every time!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always go for the freshest potatoes, feta cheese, and vegetables. They make a huge difference in flavor and texture! If you can, pick up local produce—it just tastes better!
- Seasoning Matters: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Season your water when boiling the potatoes, and adjust the dressing to your taste. A little extra lemon juice can brighten things up if you like a tangy kick.
- Cooling Tip: Make sure the potatoes are completely cool before adding the feta. If they’re still warm, they’ll melt the cheese, and we want those lovely crumbles to stay intact!
- Storage Secrets: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This Potato Feta Salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together, but try to consume it within 2-3 days for the best taste.
- Don’t Overmix: When you toss the salad, be gentle. You want everything mixed together without turning your potatoes into mash. A light hand will keep everything looking beautiful!
Variations of Potato Feta Salad
One of the things I love most about this Potato Feta Salad is how easy it is to customize! You can really make it your own with just a few tweaks. Here are some of my favorite variations that I think you’ll enjoy:
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or basil to give your salad that extra burst of freshness. I particularly love a handful of chopped dill—it’s so fragrant!
- Veggie Boost: Toss in some diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or even steamed peas for added crunch and color. Each of these veggies adds its own unique flavor, making the salad even more delightful!
- Olive Medley: For an extra Mediterranean touch, add some sliced Kalamata olives or green olives. They bring a briny flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy feta.
- Different Dressings: Swap the lemon dressing for a balsamic vinaigrette or a yogurt-based dressing if you want a creamier option. A splash of balsamic can turn this salad into a whole new experience!
- Grains Galore: Mix in some cooked quinoa or farro for a heartier salad that’s packed with protein. This makes it a fantastic main dish for lunch or dinner!
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the dressing. It adds a fun twist that will wake up your taste buds!
Feel free to experiment and find your perfect combination. That’s the beauty of this Potato Feta Salad—it’s as versatile as it is delicious!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional values for my delightful Potato Feta Salad. Keep in mind that these values are an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But this should give you a good idea of what you’re getting in each serving!
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 300mg
This Potato Feta Salad is not only delicious but also a wholesome choice to complement any meal. Enjoy it knowing it’s packed with flavor and nutrients!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Potato Feta Salad properly is key to keeping it fresh and tasty! If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), just scoop the salad into an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well before popping it in the fridge. This way, it’ll stay good for about 2-3 days. I love how the flavors get even better as they meld together overnight!
Now, if you happen to have some salad left after a few days, just take a quick sniff and look for any signs of spoilage. If it smells fine and looks good, go ahead and enjoy it! But if you’re ever in doubt, it’s better to err on the side of caution and toss it.
As for reheating, there’s really no need for that with this salad! It’s best served chilled or at room temperature, which makes it perfect for those hot summer days. If you do want to enjoy it warm, you can gently warm the potatoes on the stove, but I really recommend savoring it as is to appreciate all those fresh flavors. So, just keep it cool, and you’ll be all set to enjoy that delightful Potato Feta Salad whenever you want!
FAQ Section
Can I make Potato Feta Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it a day in advance. This way, the flavors have time to meld together beautifully, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about on the day of your gathering.
What type of potatoes work best for this salad?
I love using waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes because they hold their shape well after boiling. However, you can also use Russets if that’s what you have on hand—just be sure not to overcook them!
Can I add other ingredients to my Potato Feta Salad?
Definitely! This salad is super versatile. Feel free to mix in other vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, or even olives for some extra flavor. Just remember to keep the balance so that the feta and dressing still shine through!
How long does Potato Feta Salad last in the fridge?
If stored in an airtight container, it should last about 2-3 days in the fridge. Just be sure to check for any signs of spoilage before enjoying it.
Is Potato Feta Salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this Potato Feta Salad is completely vegetarian! It’s packed with wholesome ingredients, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a delicious meat-free option.
Can I use low-fat feta cheese?
You can, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor might be slightly different. I personally love the creaminess of regular feta cheese, but it’s all about your preference!
What’s the best way to serve Potato Feta Salad?
I think it’s best served chilled or at room temperature. It’s perfect for barbecues, picnics, or as a refreshing side dish for any meal. Just make sure to give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute those yummy flavors!
Potato Feta Salad: 5 Reasons to Love This Fresh Dish
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and tasty potato salad with feta cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes, diced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and let them cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled potatoes, feta, red onion, and cherry tomatoes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- This salad can be made a day in advance.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers.
- Adjust the amount of feta to your taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Potato Feta Salad, salad recipe, Mediterranean salad