Summer Country Salad With Basil
A vibrant summer salad featuring tender red potatoes tossed in a tangy balsamic and basil dressing, perfect for outdoor gatherings and warm-weather occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lb. new red potatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 c. balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon-style mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped fresh basil leaves ⓘ
- 1/4 c. olive oil ⓘ
- coarse salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. finely chopped shallots ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. coarsely chopped Italian parsley ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. slivered fresh basil ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook potatoes in boiling water for 15 to 20 minutes, or until done.
- Drain; place in a bowl.
- While potatoes are cooking, combine vinegar, mustard, and the chopped basil in a food processor. Process for 15 seconds.
- With the motor running, add the olive oil slowly through the feed tube.
- Pour the dressing over the cooked potatoes.
- Add salt and freshly ground black pepper, and toss well to coat.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dressing, consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise. If fresh basil isn't available, substitute with dried basil, using about one-third of the amount. This salad is also delicious with a mix of herbs; try adding dill or chives for extra flavor. Ensure potatoes are tender but firm to hold their shape in the salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics or barbecues. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats like Lamb Chops With Eggplant or can be a hearty side alongside fish. For a complete meal, consider adding a protein such as grilled chicken or chickpeas, making it a satisfying option for vegan recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Before serving again, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to enhance the flavors. You can also reheat the potato salad gently in the microwave, but be cautious to avoid overheating, which can alter the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Summer Country Salad With Basil contains roughly 853 calories, with 32g protein, 198g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (270% of the Daily Value), iron (178% of the Daily Value), and calcium (106% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1819mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of potatoes for this salad?
Yes, you can substitute new red potatoes with Yukon Gold or fingerling potatoes, which also offer good texture and flavor. Just ensure they are cut to similar sizes for even cooking. Avoid starchy potatoes like russets, as they may become mushy.
How can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the salad a day in advance, but it's best to dress it just before serving to keep the potatoes from becoming too soft. Store the dressing separately in the fridge and combine it with the potatoes when ready to serve for the freshest taste.
What can I add for extra crunch?
To add crunch, consider incorporating diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or even toasted nuts like walnuts or pine nuts. These additions will enhance the texture and provide a delightful contrast to the tender potatoes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).