Discover the Best Balsamic Potato Salad for Your Next Gathering

Balsamic Potato Salad is a refreshing and flavorful twist on the classic picnic staple. With its tangy balsamic dressing, fresh herbs, and vibrant veggies, this salad is a delightful addition to any summer gathering. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, packing a picnic basket, or looking for a hearty side dish, Balsamic Potato Salad is sure to impress.

Table of Contents

What Makes Balsamic Potato Salad Special

The key to this Balsamic Potato Salad’s unique flavor profile is the tangy balsamic vinegar dressing. Rather than the traditional mayonnaise-based dressing, this salad showcases the bold, slightly sweet, and wonderfully acidic notes of balsamic vinegar. The dressing perfectly complements the tender, fluffy potatoes and is enhanced by a medley of fresh herbs, crisp red onion, and juicy cherry tomatoes.

Perfect Occasions for Serving This Salad

Balsamic Potato Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed year-round. It’s an excellent choice for summer barbecues, picnics, and potlucks, where its refreshing flavors and vibrant appearance will be a hit. But this salad also makes a satisfying and healthy side dish for any weeknight dinner or holiday gathering. Serve it warm, at room temperature, or chilled – it’s delicious no matter how you enjoy it!

Ingredients for Balsamic Potato Salad

Detailed List of Ingredients

To make this Balsamic Potato Salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Health Benefits of Each Ingredient

This Balsamic Potato Salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. The baby potatoes provide complex carbohydrates, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. The balsamic vinegar is rich in antioxidants and may help support heart health. Olive oil is a source of healthy monounsaturated fats, while the fresh herbs, onions, and tomatoes contribute a variety of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals.

Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have baby potatoes on hand, you can use regular-sized potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes. For a creamier texture, you can add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the dressing. To switch up the flavors, try substituting the balsamic vinegar with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as dill, chives, or oregano, to complement the other ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Potatoes

Start by placing the halved baby potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes for 12-15 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.

Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.

Toss the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooked potatoes, chopped red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, fresh parsley, and fresh basil. Drizzle the balsamic dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated.

Mix and Serve

Give the salad a final taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the Balsamic Potato Salad warm, at room temperature, or chilled, depending on your preference.

Tips for the Perfect Balsamic Potato Salad

Choosing the Right Potatoes

When making Balsamic Potato Salad, opt for baby potatoes or new potatoes. These varieties have a thin, delicate skin and a creamy, tender texture that holds up well in the salad. Avoid using starchy, old potatoes, as they can become mushy when cooked and dressed.

How to Enhance Flavor

To really amplify the flavors in this Balsamic Potato Salad, try roasting the potatoes instead of boiling them. The roasting process will caramelize the natural sugars in the potatoes, adding a delightful depth of flavor. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as fresh thyme or rosemary, to complement the balsamic dressing.

Serving Suggestions

Balsamic Potato Salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, burgers, or barbecued chicken. It also makes a fantastic side dish for fish, roasted vegetables, or hearty sandwiches. For a complete meal, serve the salad alongside a green salad or a fresh fruit platter.

Pairing Suggestions

Best Dishes to Serve with Balsamic Potato Salad

Balsamic Potato Salad is a versatile side dish that complements a wide variety of main courses. It pairs excellently with grilled or roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or fish. For a vegetarian-friendly meal, serve the salad alongside roasted vegetables, lentil stew, or a grain-based dish like quinoa or farro.

Wine Pairings to Consider

When it comes to wine pairings, Balsamic Potato Salad lends itself well to light, crisp white wines, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling. The acidity in these wines helps to balance the tanginess of the balsamic dressing. For a bolder pairing, consider a medium-bodied red wine, like a Pinot Noir or a Sangiovese, which can stand up to the salad’s robust flavors.

Nutritional Information

Calories and Macronutrients

One serving of Balsamic Potato Salad (approximately 1 cup) contains approximately 220 calories, 10 grams of fat, 30 grams of carbohydrates, and 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and Minerals in the Salad

This Balsamic Potato Salad is a good source of several important nutrients, including vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin B6. The baby potatoes, fresh herbs, and vegetables provide a variety of antioxidants and phytochemicals that can support overall health and well-being.

FAQs About Balsamic Potato Salad

Why does my potato salad get mushy?

Overcooked or overly starchy potatoes can lead to a mushy potato salad. To avoid this, be sure to cook the potatoes until they are just tender, not falling apart. Additionally, cooling the potatoes properly before tossing them in the dressing can help them retain their texture.

Can you put balsamic vinegar in potato salad?

Absolutely! Balsamic vinegar is a fantastic addition to potato salad, providing a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that complements the earthy potatoes and other vegetables. The balsamic dressing in this recipe is what sets this Balsamic Potato Salad apart from traditional mayonnaise-based versions.

How do you keep potato salad from spoiling?

To prevent your Balsamic Potato Salad from spoiling, be sure to refrigerate it as soon as it has cooled to room temperature. Store the salad in an airtight container and keep it chilled at 40°F or below. Avoid letting the salad sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F).

How long is it safe to keep homemade potato salad?

Properly stored, homemade Balsamic Potato Salad will typically last 3-5 days in the refrigerator. For the best quality and food safety, consume the salad within 3-4 days of making it. Keep an eye on the texture and appearance, and discard the salad if it develops an off smell, color, or texture.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Cowboy Caviar
• Creamy Potato Salad
• Loaded Potato Salad
• Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Conclusion

Balsamic Potato Salad is a delightful, flavor-packed twist on the classic potato salad. With its tangy balsamic dressing, fresh herbs, and vibrant vegetables, this salad is sure to impress your family and friends at your next summer gathering. Give this recipe a try and experience the perfect balance of flavors and textures that make Balsamic Potato Salad a must-have side dish.

Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.

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