Lebanese Potato Salad is a true gem in Mediterranean cuisine. It’s a dish that celebrates simplicity while delivering a burst of flavor with every bite.
This salad is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious, making it a perfect addition to your table. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients That Make a Difference
Before we dive into the step-by-step recipe, let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that set Lebanese Potato Salad apart:
- Potatoes: The star of the show, potatoes are cooked to perfection, offering a delightful texture.
- Fresh Vegetables: Cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions add a refreshing crunch to the salad.
- Olive Oil: A generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil enhances the salad’s flavor and richness.
- Fresh Herbs: A combination of fresh parsley and mint gives this dish its vibrant, aromatic quality.
- Lemon Juice: The zesty acidity of lemon juice provides the perfect balance to the dish.
- Spices: A pinch of salt, black pepper, and sumac elevate the flavors to new heights.
Lebanese Potato Salad Recipe
Here are the quantities of ingredients you’ll need to make delicious Lebanese Potato Salad:
Potatoes: Approximately 4 medium-sized waxy potatoes (about 2 pounds).
Cucumbers: 2 cucumbers.
Tomatoes: 3 ripe tomatoes.
Red Onions: 1 small red onion.
Olive Oil: 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
Fresh Parsley: 1/2 cup of fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped.
Fresh Mint: 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves, finely chopped.
Lemon Juice: Juice of 2 lemons.
Spices: Salt, black pepper, and sumac to taste (usually about 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and a pinch of sumac).
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Potatoes
Begin by boiling your potatoes until they are tender but not mushy. Once cooked, let them cool before peeling and cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Chopping the Fresh Vegetables
While your potatoes cool, chop the cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions. It’s essential to ensure uniformity in size for a visually appealing salad.
Step 3: The Magic of Fresh Herbs
The combination of fresh parsley and mint is what gives this salad its Mediterranean charm. Finely chop these herbs and set them aside.
Step 4: The Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sumac. Mix them well to create the dressing that will tie all the ingredients together.
Step 5: Bringing It All Together
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the potatoes, chopped vegetables, and fresh herbs. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until each ingredient is coated with the delectable dressing.
Step 6: The Final Touch
To add that extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some sumac on top of the salad. This not only enhances the taste but also gives your Lebanese Potato Salad a beautiful, reddish hue.
Lebanese Potato Salad
This salad is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious, making it a perfect addition to your table. Whether you're planning a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress.
- 4 medium-sized waxy potatoes (about 2 pounds: Potatoes)
- 2 cucumbers: Cucumbers
- 3 ripe tomatoes: Tomatoes
- 1 small red onion: Red Onions
- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil: Olive Oil
- 1/2 cup of fresh parsley leaves (finely chopped: Fresh Parsley)
- 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves (finely chopped: Fresh Mint)
- Juice of 2 lemons: Lemon Juice
- Spices to taste (usually about 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and a pinch of sumac: Salt, Black Pepper, and Sumac)
- Begin by boiling your potatoes until they are tender but not mushy. Once cooked, let them cool before peeling and cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
- While your potatoes cool, chop the cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions. It’s essential to ensure uniformity in size for a visually appealing salad.
- The combination of fresh parsley and mint is what gives this salad its Mediterranean charm. Finely chop these herbs and set them aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sumac. Mix them well to create the dressing that will tie all the ingredients together.
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the potatoes, chopped vegetables, and fresh herbs. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until each ingredient is coated with the delectable dressing.
- To add that extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some sumac on top of the salad. This not only enhances the taste but also gives your Lebanese Potato Salad a beautiful, reddish hue.
FAQs
Can I use any type of potato for this salad?
While you can use various types of potatoes, waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best as they hold their shape well.
Is sumac necessary for the salad?
Sumac adds a unique tangy flavor, but if you can’t find it, you can skip it or substitute it with a bit of paprika.
How long can I store Lebanese Potato Salad?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate it for up to two days. However, the texture may change slightly.
Can I customize the salad with additional ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to add ingredients like olives or feta cheese to make it your own.
Is this salad vegan-friendly?
Yes, this Lebanese Potato Salad is vegan and plant-based.
What’s the ideal occasion to serve this salad?
It’s a versatile dish that complements various meals, from casual picnics to formal gatherings.
Final Thoughts
Lebanese Potato Salad is more than just a dish; it’s a delightful experience of Mediterranean flavors that will leave you craving more. With its simplicity and freshness, it’s a testament to how a few basic ingredients can create something extraordinary.
So, gather your ingredients, follow our easy-to-follow recipe, and savor the taste of the Mediterranean with every forkful of Lebanese Potato Salad. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a culinary novice, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your repertoire.
Remember, the key to its deliciousness lies in the quality of your ingredients, so opt for the freshest produce and the finest olive oil you can find. Bon appétit!
