Description
Patates Salatası is a vibrant and flavorful Turkish-style potato salad featuring tender boiled potatoes mixed with fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and a tangy olive oil and lemon dressing. This light and zesty salad is a perfect side dish for grilled meats, mezze platters, or picnics, offering a refreshing alternative to creamy Western potato salads.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes (Yukon Gold or red, peeled if desired)
- 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- 1 small cucumber (diced, optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon sumac (optional but traditional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- Paprika
- Sliced olives
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain them well and let cool slightly before cutting into bite-sized cubes to maintain their structure in the salad.
- Combine Vegetables and Herbs: In a large bowl, mix the cubed potatoes with thinly sliced red onion, chopped fresh parsley, chopped dill, sliced green onions, and diced cucumber if using, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and optional sumac until well emulsified to provide a tangy, aromatic dressing.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the potato mixture and gently toss to combine, taking care not to mash the potatoes to preserve texture and appearance.
- Let Flavors Meld: Allow the salad to sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature or chilled to let the flavors fully blend and develop a harmonious balance.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or sliced olives if desired. Serve the salad at room temperature or chilled as a refreshing side dish.
Notes
- Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for best results, as they hold their shape well after boiling.
- Adjust the amount of fresh herbs and lemon juice according to your taste preferences.
- For enhanced flavor, prepare the salad a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
- This salad pairs excellently with grilled meats and can be included in mezze platters.
