Sumac Potato Salad Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sumac Potato Salad is a delightful departure from typical potato salads. The sumac gives it a tangy, lemony flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich potatoes and the briny olives, capers, and pickles. The balsamic vinegar adds a subtle sweetness, while the chili flakes offer a touch of heat. The best part is that this salad is incredibly easy to make, and the ingredients come together to create a dish that’s fresh, light, and full of Mediterranean flair.

Ingredients

• 4-5 medium potatoes (Yukon gold or red potatoes work well)

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

• ½ cup black olives, chopped

• 3 small pickles, chopped

• ¼ cup capers

• ⅓ cup chopped parsley

• 5-6 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1 tbsp sumac

• ½ tsp chili flakes

• Salt to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Boil the Potatoes:
   Begin by boiling the whole, unpeeled potatoes in salted water until they are just tender but not mushy, about 20 minutes. Drain and let them cool slightly. Once cooled, peel the potatoes and chop them into bite-sized cubes.

2. Prepare the Salad:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the boiled potatoes with the sliced red onion, chopped parsley, pickles, black olives, capers, and sun-dried tomatoes. Mix gently to combine.

3. Dress the Salad:
   Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad. Sprinkle in the sumac, chili flakes, and salt, then toss everything gently. Be careful not to break up the potatoes too much.

4. Adjust Seasoning:
   Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more balsamic vinegar, salt, or chili flakes.

5. Serve:
   Serve the Sumac Potato Salad immediately or chill it in the fridge for a few hours for even more flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add protein: To turn this salad into a complete meal, consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or feta cheese.

• Herb options: Experiment with different herbs like mint or dill to add more fresh flavors.

• Spicy kick: For extra heat, increase the amount of chili flakes or add fresh chopped jalapeños.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld even more after sitting for a few hours or overnight.

• Reheating: While this salad is typically served cold or at room temperature, if you prefer it warm, simply reheat the potatoes gently before mixing with the other ingredients.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use other types of potatoes, such as red or russet, but Yukon Gold potatoes work particularly well due to their creamy texture.

2. Is this potato salad vegan?

Yes, this recipe is completely vegan and free from dairy or eggs.

3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, Sumac Potato Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. The flavors actually improve after sitting for a few hours or overnight.

4. Can I add more vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, or tomatoes for extra crunch and color.

5. Can I substitute sumac with another spice?

If you can’t find sumac, you can substitute it with a mixture of lemon zest and a bit of salt for a similar tangy flavor.

6. How can I make this salad spicier?

If you prefer a spicier salad, increase the amount of chili flakes or add fresh diced chili peppers.

7. Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Balsamic vinegar adds a rich sweetness, but you can substitute it with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile.

8. Can I add protein to this salad?

Yes, you can add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even feta cheese to turn this salad into a more substantial meal.

9. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for gluten-sensitive guests.

10. Can I freeze this salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the potatoes and other ingredients may lose their texture when thawed.

Conclusion

Sumac Potato Salad is a refreshing and unique take on the classic potato salad. With its tangy sumac, briny olives and capers, and fresh herbs, it’s a dish that’s perfect for warm weather gatherings, picnics, or as a light main course. Easy to prepare, full of vibrant flavors, and naturally vegan, this Mediterranean-inspired salad will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

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