Why This Salad Feels Like a Hug
- It’s incredibly fresh and light, a total departure from heavy, mayo-based salads.
- The lemon and sumac dressing is so bright and zesty it wakes everything up.
- It's naturally vegan and gluten-free, so it’s easy to share with everyone.
- The combination of warm potatoes and fresh herbs is just… pure comfort.
This has completely changed my mind about potato salad. I never liked the heavy mayo versions, but this is so light and flavorful. It’s become a weekly staple in our house!
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Waxy Potatoes: Yukon Golds or red potatoes are perfect here. They hold their shape beautifully after boiling and have a lovely creamy texture. Starchy potatoes like Russets tend to fall apart, so try to avoid those if you can.
- Sumac: This is the secret ingredient, I think. It has this wonderful tangy, almost lemony flavor that is just so unique. It adds a beautiful deep red color and a complexity that you can't get from anything else.
- Aleppo Pepper: It provides a mild, fruity heat that's more about flavor than fire. If you can't find it, a small pinch of regular red pepper flakes will work, but start with less as it's usually spicier.
Complete Cooking Process
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Bringing the Salad Together:
- **Cook the Potatoes:** Start by boiling your potatoes until they're fork-tender. The skin-on approach adds a nice, earthy texture.
- **Prep the Fresh Ingredients:** While the potatoes cook, slice your onion and chop all the herbs. This is the heart of the salad's freshness.
- **Whisk the Dressing:** Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, and spices. This simple vinaigrette is what makes the salad sing.
- **Combine and Rest:** Gently toss the warm, diced potatoes with the herbs, onion, and dressing. Letting it rest allows the potatoes to absorb all that delicious flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can! It's actually wonderful made a few hours ahead, as the flavors have more time to mingle. I'd just recommend adding the fresh herbs right before serving to keep them from wilting too much.
→ What if I don't have sumac?
If you can't find sumac, you can add a little extra lemon zest to the dressing to mimic some of that tangy flavor. It won't be exactly the same, but it will still be delicious.
→ What should I serve this with?
Oh, it's so versatile! It's perfect alongside grilled fish, chicken kebabs, or lamb koftas. It's also substantial enough to be a light lunch on its own with some good bread.
Chef's Tips
If the red onion is too strong for you, you can soak the thin slices in cold water for 10 minutes and then drain them. This mellows out the sharp flavor.,Feel free to add other things! Some chopped cucumber or bell pepper would be a lovely, crunchy addition.
Turkish Potato Salad: Vibrant Recipe
Try this vibrant Turkish potato salad recipe! Boiled potatoes, herbs, and a tangy dressing without mayo. Perfect as a side or appetizer.
Timing
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 01 2 lbs (about 1 kg) waxy potatoes, like Yukon Gold or red potatoes
- 02 1 small red onion, very thinly sliced
- 03 1 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 04 1/2 bunch fresh dill, finely chopped
- 05 4-5 scallions, thinly sliced
- 06 Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
For the Dressing
- 01 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 02 Juice of 1 large lemon
- 03 1 teaspoon sumac
- 04 1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper flakes (or a pinch of red pepper flakes)
- 05 Salt to taste
- 06 Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Wash the potatoes well, but leave the skins on for a more rustic feel. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they're tender when pierced with a fork. You want them cooked through, but not falling apart.
While the potatoes are boiling, you can get everything else ready. Thinly slice your red onion and chop all those lovely herbs—the parsley, dill, scallions, and mint if you’re using it. Just the smell is amazing.
In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, whisk or shake together the dressing ingredients: the olive oil, lemon juice, sumac, Aleppo pepper, salt, and pepper. Give it a taste. Does it need more lemon? More salt? This is your moment to adjust it perfectly.
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and let them cool just enough so you can handle them. I like to dress them while they're still warm, they just seem to soak up the flavor better. Cut them into bite-sized cubes or thick slices, whatever feels right to you.
In a large, beautiful bowl, gently combine the warm potatoes, sliced red onion, and all the fresh herbs. Pour that beautiful dressing over everything.
Toss it all together, gently, gently. You don’t want to mash the potatoes. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes for the flavors to meld together. It's even better after an hour, honestly. Serve it warm or at room temperature.
Notes & Tips
- 1 If the red onion is too strong for you, you can soak the thin slices in cold water for 10 minutes and then drain them. This mellows out the sharp flavor.
- 2 Feel free to add other things! Some chopped cucumber or bell pepper would be a lovely, crunchy addition.
Tools You'll Need
-
Large Pot
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Cutting Board
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Sharp Knife
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Large Mixing Bowl
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Small Bowl or Jar for dressing
Must-Know Tips
- Dress the potatoes while they're still warm. They act like little sponges and will soak up the dressing beautifully.
- Don't be shy with the herbs! The freshness is what makes this salad so special.
- Slice the red onion as thinly as you possibly can. A mandoline is great for this if you have one. It mellows the flavor and helps it blend in.
Professional Secrets
- For a deeper flavor, let the sliced red onions sit in the lemon juice for about 10 minutes before you add the olive oil. This slightly 'cooks' them and softens their bite.
- A final drizzle of really good quality olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving can elevate the whole dish.
Recipe by
Noah Bennett“I believe lunch should never be boring — quick, colorful, and satisfying meals to power through your day!” 🌯🥗
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