Balsamic Potato Salad Recipe

If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor, this Balsamic Potato Salad is exactly what your kitchen needs. It takes humble baby potatoes and elevates them with a zesty balsamic dressing, combined with crisp veggies and fragrant herbs that dance together beautifully. Whether you’re bringing it to a summer picnic or enjoying it as a side for dinner, this salad strikes that perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory that never gets old.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Balsamic Potato Salad lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s the creamy texture of perfectly cooked baby potatoes or the fresh pop of herbs and tomatoes adding color and brightness.

• 2 pounds baby potatoes: Small potatoes cook quickly and hold their shape wonderfully in salads.
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar: Adds a rich tangy sweetness that’s the heart of our dressing.
• 1/4 cup olive oil: Balances acidity while bringing a silky mouthfeel.
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Gives a subtle sharpness and helps emulsify the dressing.
• 1 teaspoon honey: Sweetens the vinaigrette for perfect harmony with the vinegar.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped: Offers a slight bite and crunch.
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursts of juicy sweetness that brighten every bite.
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Brings a fresh, earthy note to the salad.
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped: Adds aromatic depth and a hint of sweetness.

How to Make Balsamic Potato Salad

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

Start by placing the halved baby potatoes in a large pot filled with cold water and a generous pinch of salt. Bringing them to a boil over medium-high heat ensures they cook evenly from the inside out. When the water simmers, reduce the heat and let the potatoes gently cook until fork-tender, usually about 15 to 20 minutes. This slow simmer is key to maintaining their creamy interior and firm exterior. Once done, drain the potatoes and set them aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

While the potatoes are cooking, mix together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisking these ingredients until they’re well combined creates a luscious dressing that’s tangy with just the right touch of sweetness. This mixture is what will bring the potatoes and veggies to life with bold flavor.

Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients

Once the potatoes have cooled but are still slightly warm, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add the finely chopped red onion and halved cherry tomatoes for texture and fresh bursts of color. Pour the balsamic dressing over everything and gently toss the salad, ensuring every potato is coated with that irresistible tangy glaze.

Step 4: Add Herbs and Adjust Seasoning

The final touch is folding in the freshly chopped parsley and basil. These herbs infuse the salad with bright, garden-fresh flavors that make every forkful vibrant and aromatic. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with a little more salt and pepper if needed. The salad is delicious warm, but letting it chill for at least 30 minutes lets the flavors deepen beautifully.

How to Serve Balsamic Potato Salad

Garnishes

Sprinkling a bit more fresh chopped parsley or basil just before serving adds a pop of color and freshness. You can also consider thin slices of radish or a few crumbles of feta cheese to complement the tangy dressing, adding texture and creaminess to the salad.

Side Dishes

This Balsamic Potato Salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or steak, and it’s also fantastic alongside fresh seafood. For a vegetarian feast, serve it with a hearty grain bowl or alongside roasted vegetables to balance flavors and textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve the salad in a rustic wooden bowl or a bright ceramic dish that highlights its colorful ingredients. You can also portion it into individual small jars for picnics or gatherings, making it easy and convenient to enjoy on the go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Balsamic Potato Salad keeps well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. As the salad sits, the potatoes soak up more of the glaze, and the flavors intensify warmth or chilled, it remains delicious.

Freezing

Freezing this salad is not recommended due to the delicate texture of the potatoes and fresh vegetables, which may become watery and mushy upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

If you prefer to enjoy the salad warm, gently reheat it in a microwave-safe dish for short bursts of 20-30 seconds. Give it a gentle toss afterward to redistribute the dressing evenly, keeping those vibrant flavors intact.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Yes, you can use regular potatoes, but baby potatoes hold their shape better and have a creamier texture that makes the salad more enjoyable. If using larger potatoes, cut them into uniform bite-sized pieces.

Is it necessary to let the salad chill before serving?

While you can serve it warm, chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making the dish more flavorful and refreshing.

Can I substitute balsamic vinegar with another type of vinegar?

You can experiment with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, but balsamic vinegar provides a unique sweetness and depth that’s crucial to this salad’s character.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

The recipe is naturally vegan, as it uses plant-based ingredients. Just be sure your honey is substituted with maple syrup or agave if you avoid honey for vegan reasons.

What salads or dishes pair well with Balsamic Potato Salad?

This salad complements grilled or roasted proteins superbly and pairs perfectly with light leafy green salads or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a bowl of this Balsamic Potato Salad with friends and family. It’s comfort food with a sophisticated twist that never fails to impress. Whether you’re making it for a casual lunch or a festive gathering, I hope you enjoy every tangy, herby bite as much as I do. Give it a try and watch it become an instant favorite in your recipe collection!

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