Mediterranean Potato Salad

Name: Mediterranean Potato Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced; 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I love making Mediterranean Potato Salad as a refreshing side dish for any meal. The combination of tender potatoes, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and tangy feta cheese dances on the palate, bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to my table. It’s a great way to use up fresh ingredients from my garden or local market. Plus, the vibrant colors and flavors make it a showstopper at gatherings. Simply toss everything together, and you have a delicious salad that's perfect for warm weather or as a comforting side in cooler seasons.

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2026-01-30T22:34:28.003Z

When I first tried Mediterranean Potato Salad at a friend's barbecue, I knew I had to recreate it. The fresh herbs and the crunch of the vegetables made it an instant favorite. To elevate the dish, I ensure that I let the potatoes cool slightly before mixing in the other ingredients, allowing them to absorb the dressing without becoming mushy.

This salad not only satisfies my cravings but also teaches me the beauty of balancing flavors and textures. I often experiment with additional ingredients like capers or chickpeas for added nutrition and flavor. It’s a versatile dish that never disappoints!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Vibrant combination of flavors and textures
Refreshing and filling, perfect for any occasion
Easy to make and packed with healthy ingredients

The Role of Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Mediterranean Potato Salad plays a crucial role in balancing flavors and textures. The baby potatoes provide a creamy, tender base that absorbs the dressing beautifully. Opting for baby potatoes not only enhances the salad's visual appeal with their colorful skins, but also requires less time to cook than larger varieties. Make sure to cut them in half for even cooking, aiming to reach a fork-tender consistency without becoming mushy, typically around 15 minutes of boiling.

Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and acidity that complements the richness of feta cheese. Choose ripe, colorful tomatoes for the best flavor, and remember to halve them to maximize their juicy goodness throughout the salad. Kalamata olives contribute a briny depth; their bold flavor is essential in creating that classic Mediterranean profile. If you prefer a milder taste, green olives can be substituted, but they may shift the overall flavor dynamics.

Dressing and Technique Tips

Creating the perfect dressing is all about balancing acidity and richness. The olive oil provides a silky mouthfeel, while red wine vinegar introduces a tangy brightness. When whisking them together, I recommend using room temperature ingredients for a smoother emulsion; cold oil can cause the ingredients to separate. Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad—consider adjusting the vinegar to olive oil ratio based on your preference for tanginess.

When mixing the salad, it's important to be gentle. Over-tossing can break apart the potatoes and feta, leading to an unappealing mushy texture. Instead, carefully fold the ingredients together to keep the integrity of each piece intact. If you're preparing this salad ahead of time, layer the ingredients in the bowl, starting with the potatoes and ending with the dressing, which will help prevent sogginess until you're ready to serve.

Serving and Storing Suggestions

For an impressive presentation, serve your Mediterranean Potato Salad in a large, shallow bowl, scattering some extra parsley and feta on top for a pop of color. This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or fish, making it a versatile choice for summer barbecues and cozy dinners alike. You can also explore variations by adding diced cucumbers or artichoke hearts to introduce even more Mediterranean flair.

If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will meld beautifully over time. However, keep in mind that the potatoes may absorb some dressing overnight, so consider adding a splash of olive oil and vinegar before serving to rejuvenate the flavors. This recipe also holds well for meal prep, making it an excellent choice for busy weeks ahead.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before starting the preparation. Here’s what you need for the Mediterranean Potato Salad:

Ingredients

2 lbs baby potatoes, halved
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Once everything is prepared, you can start assembling your salad for a delicious meal.

Instructions

Let’s walk through the steps to make this Mediterranean Potato Salad:

Cook the Potatoes

Place the halved baby potatoes in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for about 15 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain and set aside to cool.

Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper until combined.

Mix the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooled potatoes, cherry tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, red onion, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.

Chill and Serve

For best flavor, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

This potato salad is best served chilled, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite Mediterranean ingredients such as artichokes or roasted red peppers. Adding chickpeas will enhance the protein content and give it an extra crunch.

Customization Options

This Mediterranean Potato Salad is highly customizable based on available ingredients or dietary preferences. For a lower-calorie option, you might reduce the amount of feta and replace it with crumbled goat cheese, which still offers a creamy element with a slightly tangy flavor. Vegetarian or vegan eaters can omit cheese altogether and add extra herbs like basil or dill to enhance the freshness.

For those looking to amp up the protein content, consider adding canned chickpeas or grilled chicken. Just be sure to adjust the dressing to balance the additional ingredients if necessary. You can also experiment with adding different vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for added crunch and nutrition.

Make-Ahead Advice

If you're preparing the Mediterranean Potato Salad for an event or a meal prep, you can get a head start by cooking the potatoes a day in advance. Store them in the fridge and toss them in the dressing just before serving to keep their textures intact. This method allows flavors to develop further without compromising the dish’s freshness.

In addition, you can pre-chop the other ingredients like tomatoes, olives, and onions the night before. Store them separately and combine everything just before serving to maintain their crispness. This is key for ensuring the salad tastes fresh, especially if you're making it for a larger gathering.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you're ready to serve.

→ What can I substitute for feta cheese?

If you're not a fan of feta, try using goat cheese or a dairy-free cheese alternative.

→ How can I make this salad vegan?

Simply omit the feta cheese and ensure that your olives and condiments are vegan-friendly.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

You can add cucumbers, bell peppers, or even arugula for added freshness and crunch.