Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Very Veggie Potato Salad

This year will be the second annual Father's Day picnic at my house, and it doesn't get much more retro than potato salad for this celebration. I've never really liked mayonnaise-based potato salads for a variety of reasons: they're devoid of much nutritional value; they need refrigerated; and they're so... expected.



Oh my feta cheese! Super yum!


So this year, I'll be making this colorful Very Veggie Potato Salad! It's full of Vitamin C and can easily be made vegan by leaving out the feta cheese. This makes a lot -- enough to serve 10-12 people comfortably. Here's what you'll need:

Salad:
  • 2 1/2-3 pounds red potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 bell peppers, chopped (I used half of a red pepper, half of an orange pepper, and a whole yellow pepper)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 green onions (green parts only), sliced thin
  • 1/4 cup sliced kalamata olives (use 1/3 to 1/2 cup if not using feta)
  • 2 tbs. fresh oregano, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 ounces crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Dressing:
  • 2 small shallots, minced
  • 2-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp. lemon zest
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 tsp. ground red pepper (or to taste, depending on how spicy you like your taters)
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • paprika and additional basil for garnish, optional
Directions:
  • Scrub and chop red potatoes and place them in a large pot. Cover with water and boil 15 minutes or until fork tender. Drain and cool to room temperature.
  • Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients and set aside.
  • Chop bell peppers and place them in a large bowl. Add tomatoes, green onions, and kalamata olives. If not using feta cheese, extra kalamata olives will give this salad a briny decicious.  Add cooled potatoes.
  • Pour dressing over veggies and potatoes and mix.
  • Chop oregano, basil, and parsley. Add to the potato salad with feta cheese and mix well. Sprinkle with optional paprika.
  • Refrigerate for at least an hour to let flavors develop.
What are you making for Father's Day? What do you buy for your dad? Where can I find a Father's Day card that doesn't make dads seem like helpless idiots whose only hobbies are grilling, golfing, or passing gas? Share in the comments section!

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