Balsamic Potato Salad: 1 Amazing Twist

Balsamic potato salad has completely changed my summer cookouts. Forget those heavy, mayo-laden versions; this dish is a revelation! I remember the first time I tried making it, I was looking for a lighter picnic option and stumbled upon this gem. The aroma of the potatoes roasting with garlic and herbs, then being tossed with that tangy, sweet balsamic vinaigrette, is pure bliss. It’s so simple to put together, making it the perfect “easy balsamic potato salad recipe” for busy weeknights or effortless entertaining. This potato salad with balsamic dressing is so flavorful, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for anything less. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Balsamic Potato Salad

• It boasts a wonderfully tangy and savory flavor profile that’s a refreshing change from traditional potato salads.
• The prep time is a breeze, making it an ideal choice for quick weeknight meals or last-minute gatherings.
• This healthy balsamic potato salad is packed with good-for-you ingredients, offering a lighter option.
• It’s incredibly budget-friendly, utilizing simple pantry staples for maximum flavor.
• This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, appealing to both picky eaters and adventurous foodies alike.
• As a healthy balsamic potato salad, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a classic favorite with a nutritious twist.
• It’s versatile enough to be a star side dish for barbecues, picnics, or even a light lunch.

Ingredients for Balsamic Potato Salad

Gather these simple ingredients for a truly delightful potato salad with balsamic dressing. The beauty of this balsamic vinegar potato salad lies in its fresh components, creating a vibrant flavor profile. You’ll need:

• 2½ pounds small red-skinned potatoes, scrubbed and quartered – these hold their shape beautifully and roast up perfectly.
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil – for roasting the potatoes to a golden tenderness.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste – essential for seasoning at every stage.
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped – adds a sweet, mellow garlic flavor when roasted with the potatoes.
• 4 scallions, thinly sliced – for a fresh, oniony bite that brightens the salad.
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley – brings a burst of herbaceous freshness.
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil – the base for our zesty vinaigrette.
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar – the star that gives this salad its signature tang and depth.
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard – emulsifies the dressing and adds a subtle spicy kick.
• 1 clove garlic, minced – for a more potent garlic punch in the dressing.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste – to season the dressing perfectly.

How to Make Balsamic Potato Salad

Follow these simple steps to create the best balsamic potato salad you’ve ever tasted. This recipe for how to make balsamic potato salad is straightforward and yields fantastic results.

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Step 2: Take your scrubbed and quartered red potatoes and toss them generously with 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Spread them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, cut-side down. This ensures they get beautifully golden and tender. Roast for 30–40 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and have lovely caramelized edges. The kitchen will start to smell amazing!
3. Step 3: While the potatoes are roasting, prepare the tangy balsamic vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1 minced clove of garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until it’s well combined and slightly emulsified. This dressing is key to the overall flavor of your balsamic potato salad.
4. Step 4: Once the potatoes are perfectly roasted, carefully transfer them to a large mixing bowl while they are still warm. This is when the magic happens for how to make balsamic potato salad that truly absorbs flavor. Add the finely chopped garlic (the roasted kind!), the thinly sliced scallions, and the chopped fresh parsley to the warm potatoes.
5. Step 5: Pour that incredible balsamic vinaigrette you just made over the warm potatoes and the other ingredients. Gently toss everything together with a spatula or large spoon, ensuring each potato piece is coated in the dressing.
6. Step 6: Allow the salad to rest for at least 15–20 minutes before serving. This resting period is crucial for how to make balsamic potato salad where the flavors meld together beautifully. You can serve it warm, at room temperature, or even chilled, though I find room temperature is ideal for this balsamic potato salad.

Pro Tips for the Best Balsamic Potato Salad

Elevate your balsamic potato salad with these easy tricks:

• Don’t overcrowd your baking sheet; give those potatoes space to roast and get beautifully golden, not steamed.
• Toss the warm potatoes with the dressing as soon as they come out of the oven. This helps them absorb all that amazing flavor.
• If you don’t have red potatoes, Yukon Golds or fingerling potatoes are fantastic substitutes in this recipe.
• For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding some roasted garlic cloves to the salad or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

What’s the secret to perfect Balsamic Potato Salad?

The real secret to a perfect balsamic potato salad is dressing the potatoes while they’re still warm. This allows them to soak up all the delicious tangy vinaigrette, ensuring every bite is full of flavor. It’s how you achieve the best balsamic potato salad experience!

Can I make Balsamic Potato Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! I often make this ahead of time. Prepare the salad, let it cool, and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Balsamic Potato Salad?

A common pitfall is overcooking the potatoes, leading to a mushy salad. Watch them closely! Also, make sure to dress the potatoes while they’re warm for maximum flavor absorption. Following these steps ensures your potato salad with balsamic dressing is perfectly textured and delicious.

Best Ways to Serve Balsamic Potato Salad

This versatile balsamic potato salad is a fantastic addition to any meal. It shines as a vibrant balsamic potato salad side dish at summer barbecues, perfectly complementing grilled chicken, burgers, or ribs. For a lighter lunch, serve it alongside a fresh green salad or some crusty bread. It also makes a great accompaniment to roasted salmon or a hearty lentil soup. The tangy vinaigrette cuts through richer flavors beautifully, making it a welcome addition to any potluck or picnic spread.

Nutrition Facts for Balsamic Potato Salad

This healthy balsamic potato salad offers a delicious and lighter alternative to traditional versions. Here’s a nutritional breakdown per serving (approximately 1/8 of the recipe):

• Calories: 250-300 kcal (estimated)
• Fat: 15-20g (estimated)
• Saturated Fat: 2-3g (estimated)
• Protein: 3-4g (estimated)
• Carbohydrates: 25-30g (estimated)
• Fiber: 3-4g (estimated)
• Sugar: 3-5g (estimated)
• Sodium: 200-300mg (estimated)

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on the specific ingredients and salt added during preparation.

How to Store and Reheat Balsamic Potato Salad

Properly storing your delicious balsamic potato salad ensures it stays fresh and flavorful. After letting it cool down completely, I like to transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. This helps keep that lovely tangy flavor intact, making it a great option for meal prep. This balsamic potato salad no mayo version keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. While you can freeze it for up to 3 months, I find the texture is best when it’s not frozen, so I usually just stick to the fridge.

To reheat, you can gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave it for a minute or two until heated through. Alternatively, many people enjoy this balsamic potato salad served at room temperature, which is perfect if you’re taking it to a picnic or potluck and don’t have access to a microwave or stove.

Frequently Asked Questions About Balsamic Potato Salad

What is balsamic potato salad?

Balsamic potato salad is a delicious and lighter take on the classic potato salad. Instead of a heavy mayonnaise-based dressing, it features a tangy, flavorful vinaigrette made with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and seasonings. It often incorporates roasted potatoes and fresh herbs for a vibrant taste and texture.

Why use balsamic in potato salad?

Using balsamic vinegar in potato salad offers a wonderful tangy and slightly sweet flavor profile that’s a refreshing change from traditional dressings. It adds depth and complexity, while also being a healthier alternative to mayonnaise, making it a fantastic choice for those seeking a lighter side dish. It truly elevates the humble potato!

Can I use different potatoes for balsamic potato salad?

Absolutely! While small red-skinned potatoes are my favorite because they hold their shape well and roast beautifully, you can certainly use other varieties. Yukon Golds or fingerling potatoes are excellent substitutes. Just ensure they are cut into uniform pieces for even cooking, and they will absorb that delicious balsamic dressing wonderfully.

How do I make a creamy balsamic potato salad?

To achieve a creamy balsamic potato salad, you can whisk a tablespoon or two of Dijon mustard into the balsamic vinaigrette, as the recipe calls for. For an even creamier texture, you could also add a small amount of Greek yogurt or tahini to the dressing. Just be sure to incorporate it gently so you don’t mash the potatoes.

Variations of Balsamic Potato Salad You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to get creative with your balsamic potato salad! Here are a few ideas to mix things up.

• For a creamy balsamic potato salad, add a dollop of Greek yogurt or a spoonful of tahini to the vinaigrette. It adds a lovely richness without being heavy.
• Looking for a vegan balsamic potato salad? This recipe is already naturally vegan, but you can enhance it with additions like roasted chickpeas for extra protein or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Experiment with different herbs! Fresh dill, chives, or even a touch of rosemary can add new dimensions to the flavor profile.
• Try a different cooking method by grilling the potatoes after tossing them with the dressing for a smoky char.

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