Name: How to Make the Best Vibrant Greek Potato Salad with Herby Lemon Vinaigrette
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped; ; 1/4 cup olive oil; 3 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1 tsp lemon zest; 1 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp dried oregano; Salt and black pepper to taste

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Are you tired of bringing the same boring potato salad to every gathering? If your potato salad usually sits untouched at potlucks or family dinners, I completely understand your frustration. I’ve been there too!

As a Mediterranean food enthusiast who has spent years perfecting vibrant salad recipes, I’m thrilled to share my Greek potato salad with herby lemon vinaigrette that will completely transform your potato salad game.

This Greek potato salad bursts with fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and classic Mediterranean ingredients that create a perfect balance of flavors in every bite. It’s light, refreshing, and nothing like those heavy, mayo-laden versions you might be used to.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the perfect potatoes, creating a zingy vinaigrette that brings everything together, and assembling a showstopping salad that will have everyone asking for your recipe.

I’ll also share my time-saving prep tips, storage recommendations, and delicious variations to suit different dietary needs.

Why This Greek Potato Salad Recipe Works

Uses budget-friendly, readily available ingredients found in most grocery stores
Comes together in just 30 minutes (perfect for last-minute gatherings)
Can be made ahead and actually tastes better after the flavors meld
Offers a lighter, healthier alternative to mayo-based potato salads
Travels well for picnics, potlucks, and outdoor gatherings
Complements grilled dishes perfectly as a vibrant side

Choosing the Right Potatoes for Greek Potato Salad

Best Potato Varieties for This Recipe

For the perfect Greek potato salad, waxy potatoes are your best friend. These varieties hold their shape after boiling and won’t turn mushy when tossed with the vinaigrette. My top recommendations:

Red potatoes: Their thin skins don’t need peeling and they maintain a firm texture
Yukon Gold: Offer a buttery flavor with the perfect balance of starch and waxiness
Fingerling potatoes: Their small size means quicker cooking and a beautiful presentation

Avoid russet or Idaho potatoes, which are too starchy and will fall apart when mixed.

Buying Tips

Look for potatoes that are firm to the touch with smooth skin and no green discoloration. For the most consistent cooking, choose potatoes of similar size, or cut larger ones to match smaller ones before boiling.

Substitutions

If you can’t find the ideal potatoes, new potatoes or baby potatoes work well too. In a pinch, you could even use purple potatoes for a stunning color contrast in your Greek potato salad!

Greek Potato Salad Ingredients & Prep

How to Make the Best Vibrant Greek Potato Salad with Herby Lemon Vinaigrette

Potato Prep Essentials

Wash potatoes thoroughly but don’t peel them the skins add color, nutrition, and texture
Cut potatoes into even, bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes) for consistent cooking
Boil potatoes in generously salted water this seasons them from within

Herby Lemon Vinaigrette Ingredients

⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil (use the highest quality you can find)
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (approximately 1-2 lemons)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh Add-Ins for Authentic Greek Flavor

1 English cucumber, diced
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons capers (optional)

Want to expand your Greek cooking repertoire? Check out my Greek-Style Lemon Potatoes recipe for another delicious potato dish with Mediterranean flair!

Step-by-Step Greek Potato Salad Cooking Instructions

Pre-Cooking Potato Prep

Place potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water (starting with cold water ensures even cooking)
Add 1 tablespoon salt to the water
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat
Reduce heat to maintain a gentle boil

Cooking Potatoes for Perfect Salad Texture

Boil potatoes for 12-15 minutes, or until just fork-tender
Be careful not to overcook – you want them to hold their shape
Drain thoroughly in a colander
For the best flavor absorption, toss the hot potatoes with half the vinaigrette right away

Doneness Check for Potato Salad

Test doneness by inserting a fork or knife into a potato piece:

Perfect doneness: The utensil slides in easily but the potato doesn’t fall apart
Undercooked: You feel resistance when inserting the fork
Overcooked: The potato breaks apart easily (try to avoid this stage)

Resting and Cooling the Potato Salad

After tossing hot potatoes with half the vinaigrette, spread them on a baking sheet to cool faster
Let potatoes cool to room temperature (about 20-30 minutes) before adding the remaining ingredients
This cooling period allows the potatoes to absorb the dressing flavors without becoming soggy

Looking for a sweet treat after your savory Greek potato salad? My Baked Pears recipe makes a lovely Mediterranean-inspired dessert to complete your meal!

Pro Tips for Perfect Greek Potato Salad

Avoiding Common Potato Salad Mistakes

Don’t overcook the potatoes: Test frequently during cooking to catch them at the perfect consistency
Dress warm potatoes: Applying half the vinaigrette while potatoes are still warm helps them absorb maximum flavor
Season generously: Potatoes need plenty of salt to shine – taste and adjust as needed
Prevent watery salad: Make sure potatoes are well-drained and cucumbers are seeded if they’re very juicy

Tool Recommendations

Spider strainer or large slotted spoon: For removing potato pieces individually to test doneness
Sharp chef’s knife: For clean cuts through potatoes and vegetables
Glass bowl for mixing: Allows you to see if ingredients are evenly distributed
Citrus juicer: For extracting maximum juice from lemons

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Store leftover Greek potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
The flavors actually improve after a few hours of marinating together
For meal prep, prepare all components separately and combine just before serving
If making ahead, reserve some fresh herbs to sprinkle on top just before serving for vibrant color

Curious about my Pinterest recipe collection? Find more Mediterranean-inspired dishes on my Pinterest board where I share weekly meal inspiration and cooking tips!

Greek Potato Salad Flavor Variations

Mediterranean Twist

Add roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and a sprinkle of za’atar for a more complex Mediterranean flavor profile.

Dairy-Free Option

Skip the feta and add extra olives and capers for briny flavor. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheese-like umami taste.

Herb Variations

Experiment with different herb combinations:

Mint and basil for a summery twist
Rosemary and thyme for an earthier profile
Cilantro and mint for a fusion approach

Variation	Key Ingredients	Perfect For
Classic Greek	Feta, kalamata olives, cucumber	Traditional Mediterranean meals
Herb Lover’s	Double herbs, lemon zest	Spring gatherings
Spicy Greek	Add crushed red pepper, pickled pepperoncini	Complementing grilled meats
Garden Fresh	Extra vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini)	Summer produce celebration

For dessert lovers, try my Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies to continue the Mediterranean citrus theme after enjoying your Greek potato salad!

Serving Suggestions for Greek Potato Salad

Pair with grilled chicken, lamb souvlaki, or fish for a complete Mediterranean meal
Serve alongside other mezze dishes like hummus, tzatziki, and stuffed grape leaves
Offer as part of a vegetarian spread with Greek salad and spanakopita
Include on a buffet table for outdoor gatherings it doesn’t spoil as quickly as mayo-based salads

FAQs About Greek Potato Salad

Can I make this Greek potato salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to develop even more. Just reserve some fresh herbs to sprinkle on top right before serving for bright color and flavor.

How long will Greek potato salad keep in the refrigerator?

This salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The vinaigrette helps preserve the ingredients longer than mayo-based salads.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

While fresh herbs provide the best flavor and color, you can substitute dried herbs in a pinch. Use about 1/3 the amount called for in the recipe, as dried herbs are more concentrated.

Why did my potatoes fall apart?

This typically happens when the potatoes are overcooked or if you used a starchy variety like russets. Next time, cook waxy potatoes for a shorter period and test frequently for doneness.

Is this Greek potato salad gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Conclusion

There’s something magical about how a few simple, fresh ingredients can transform humble potatoes into a vibrant Greek potato salad that steals the show at any gathering. The bright lemon vinaigrette, aromatic herbs, and classic Mediterranean mix-ins create a refreshing side dish that’s miles away from heavy, conventional potato salads.

How to Make the Best Vibrant Greek Potato Salad with Herby Lemon Vinaigrette