Authentic Spanish Potato Salad with Idaho® Potatoes: A Flavorful, Mayo-Free Mediterranean Delight
Prepare to be transported to the sunny landscapes of Spain with this vibrant and utterly delicious Spanish Potato Salad. Far from your average picnic side, this salad bursts with Mediterranean flavors and is crafted without a speck of mayonnaise, making it a refreshing and robust choice perfect for any gathering, especially outdoor parties. At its core are the finest Red Idaho® Potatoes, celebrated for their ideal texture that holds up beautifully in salads.
This recipe is a celebration of classic Spanish ingredients: succulent roasted red peppers, juicy cherry tomatoes, savory Spanish cured chorizo, and briny Spanish Manzanilla olives with pimientos. Fresh green onions and a sprinkle of chopped parsley add a final flourish of freshness. But the true star, tying all these components together, is a remarkably flavorful dressing. This piquant vinaigrette features Spanish Sherry Vinegar, premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil, pungent garlic, a touch of Dijon mustard, and a harmonious blend of both sweet and hot Spanish smoked paprika. The result is a smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy dressing that elevates every bite.
I proudly partnered with the Idaho® Potatoes Commission to bring you this exceptional Spanish Potato Salad recipe, ensuring we use only the highest quality Idaho® Potatoes for an unparalleled culinary experience.
Choosing the Perfect Potatoes: Red Idaho® Varieties for Your Spanish Salad
For this authentic Spanish Potato Salad, the selection of potatoes is paramount, and Red Idaho® Potatoes truly shine. Specifically, Red Cal varieties are often considered the best due to their waxy texture, which allows them to retain their shape beautifully after boiling without becoming mushy. However, other Red Idaho® Potato varieties will also perform exceptionally well in this recipe. Their firm, white flesh interior and naturally excellent taste make them an effortless and superior choice for any potato salad where structure and flavor are key.
The unique growing conditions in Idaho – rich volcanic soil, ideal climate, and pure mountain water – contribute to the distinctive quality of Idaho® Potatoes. They are known for their consistent texture and flavor, which is crucial for a dish like this where the potato is the main ingredient. You can explore the diverse varieties of Idaho® Potatoes here to understand their distinct characteristics.
Should Red Idaho® Potatoes be unavailable, Idaho® Yukon Gold Potatoes offer a commendable alternative. While they might impart a slightly different flavor profile and visual appeal to your Spanish Potato Salad, their buttery texture and robust flavor still make them a great option. They hold their shape well, making them suitable for this type of salad.
For those interested in exploring more recipes featuring the versatility of Idaho® Potatoes, consider these other delightful dishes: Greek Lemon Potatoes, where I utilize the fluffy texture of Russet Idaho® Potatoes, and Potatoes Boulangere, a savory French classic where Idaho® Yukon Gold Potatoes lend their rich flavor and texture.
Key Ingredients for an Authentic Spanish Potato Salad
This Spanish Potato Salad stands apart from traditional American versions not just because it contains absolutely NO MAYO, but also due to its vibrant array of quintessential Spanish ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating a symphony of flavors that genuinely transports your palate to the heart of Spain. Here’s a detailed look at the ingredients you’ll need to gather:
- Red Idaho® Potatoes: As discussed, these are the foundation, providing a firm, satisfying texture and excellent flavor.
- Spanish Cured Chorizo: This iconic Spanish sausage brings a deeply savory, smoky, and slightly spicy kick. Its cured nature means it’s ready to eat and adds incredible depth without any cooking needed for the salad itself.
- Roasted Red Peppers: Sweet, smoky, and tender, roasted red peppers add a wonderful burst of color and a subtly sweet, complex flavor that complements the other bold ingredients.
- Cherry Tomatoes: These small, juicy tomatoes offer a delightful pop of freshness and acidity, balancing the richness of the chorizo and the earthiness of the potatoes.
- Green Spanish Manzanilla Olives with Pimiento: Manzanilla olives are a staple in Spanish cuisine, known for their slightly nutty, briny flavor. The pimiento stuffing adds a hint of sweetness and an extra visual appeal.
- Scallions (Green and White Parts): Also known as green onions, these provide a mild oniony bite and a crisp texture, adding a fresh contrast to the other ingredients. Using both white and green parts ensures a spectrum of flavor and color.
- Fresh Parsley: A final sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley not only brightens the salad with its vibrant green color but also adds a herbaceous, clean note that enhances the overall freshness.
The dressing is where much of the magic happens:
- Sherry Vinegar: A cornerstone of Spanish cuisine, sherry vinegar (Vinagre de Jerez) offers a unique tangy, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor that regular vinegars simply cannot replicate. It’s essential for that authentic Spanish zest.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: High-quality Spanish extra virgin olive oil is crucial for the dressing. It provides a rich, fruity base that emulsifies beautifully with the vinegar and other ingredients, adding a smooth, luxurious texture.
- Dijon Mustard: A small amount of Dijon mustard acts as an emulsifier, helping to bind the oil and vinegar, and adds a subtle sharpness that enhances the dressing’s complexity.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a pungent, aromatic foundation for the dressing, contributing depth and a characteristic Mediterranean aroma.
- Sweet Spanish Smoked Paprika (Pimentón de la Vera, Dulce): This is a must-have! Sweet smoked paprika imparts a deep, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor that is truly distinctive and iconic in Spanish cooking.
- Hot Spanish Smoked Paprika (Pimentón de la Vera, Picante): For those who appreciate a touch of heat, hot smoked paprika adds a gentle warmth and an extra layer of smoky complexity without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance all the magnificent flavors.
Smart Substitutions for When Ingredients Are Hard to Find:
While the goal is an authentic Spanish Potato Salad, sometimes specific ingredients can be elusive. Don’t let that stop you from making this delicious dish! Here are some practical substitutes and how they might affect the final flavor and texture:
- Potatoes: As previously mentioned, if Red Idaho® Potatoes aren’t available, Idaho® Yukon Gold Potatoes are an excellent alternative. They share a similar waxy texture that holds up well, though their slight yellow hue and buttery flavor will give the salad a subtly different character.
- Chorizo: Cured Spanish Chorizo is unique, but a good quality cured salami can stand in if absolutely necessary. Choose one that has a robust, peppery, and perhaps slightly smoky flavor to best approximate chorizo’s depth. Be aware that the distinctive paprika notes of Spanish chorizo will be absent.
- Olives: While Spanish Manzanilla olives are traditional, any good quality green olive, or even a mix of green and black olives, can be used. Kalamata olives, for instance, would offer a fruitier, more intense briny flavor, shifting the profile slightly but still creating a delicious salad.
- Sherry Vinegar: The distinct nutty and complex notes of sherry vinegar are hard to perfectly replicate. However, white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar can serve as a suitable substitute. White wine vinegar will offer a crisper tang, while red wine vinegar will be slightly bolder. Start with a bit less and adjust to taste.
- Sweet Spanish Smoked Paprika: This paprika is a cornerstone of the smoky flavor. If you can’t find the Spanish variety, regular smoked paprika will work, though it might lack some of the nuanced sweetness and depth. Avoid unsmoked paprika, as the smokiness is key.
- Hot Spanish Smoked Paprika: For the spicy kick, Cayenne pepper can be used as a substitute for hot smoked paprika. It will provide the heat but not the smoky undertone. If you prefer a milder salad, you can simply omit the hot paprika or cayenne pepper altogether.
Crafting Your Smoky Spanish Potato Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide
Despite its rich and complex flavors, this Spanish Potato Salad is surprisingly straightforward to prepare. Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping side dish:
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Potatoes.
Begin by thoroughly washing your Red Idaho® Potatoes. Once clean, cut them into approximately 1-inch pieces. The size of the potato pieces is largely a personal preference; you can opt for slightly larger chunks for more texture and a rustic feel, or cut them smaller for a more bite-sized experience. Place the cut potatoes into a large pot, cover them with cold water, and add a generous tablespoon of salt. Bringing the water to a boil with the potatoes already in it ensures they cook more evenly. Boil the potatoes until they are fork-tender but not mushy – usually about 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of your pieces. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly and allow them to cool completely. Cooling is crucial to prevent the dressing from being absorbed too quickly and to maintain a good salad texture.
Note: Keep an eye on your potatoes, especially if you’ve cut them smaller, as they will cook faster. You want them tender enough to eat, but firm enough to hold their shape in the salad. A perfect potato salad starts with perfectly cooked potatoes!
Step 2: Chop and Prepare the Remaining Ingredients.
While your potatoes are cooling, you can prepare the rest of your fresh and flavorful additions. Cut your roasted red peppers into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are manageable in the salad. Slice your cherry tomatoes in half to release their juices and integrate them better. Cut the Spanish Manzanilla olives in half as well. Dice your Spanish cured chorizo into small, even squares – this ensures a piece of that savory goodness in every forkful. Finally, finely chop both the white and green parts of your scallions, as they add different levels of mild onion flavor, and chop your fresh parsley for a burst of herbaceous freshness.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Flavorful Dressing.
The dressing is the heart and soul of this Spanish potato salad. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the Spanish sherry vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, extra virgin olive oil, sweet Spanish smoked paprika, hot Spanish smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until all the ingredients are well combined and the dressing is emulsified. This method ensures a well-mixed and consistent dressing, or you can whisk it thoroughly in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed – you might want a little more salt, pepper, or a touch more vinegar depending on your preference.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve Your Spanish Potato Salad.
Once the potatoes are completely cooled, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the freshly prepared dressing over the potatoes and gently mix, ensuring every potato piece is lightly coated. Be careful not to mash the potatoes. Next, add all the remaining chopped ingredients – the roasted red peppers, cherry tomatoes, olives, chorizo, and scallions – to the bowl. Gently mix everything again until all components are evenly distributed throughout the salad. Transfer the salad to a beautiful serving platter, and just before serving, sprinkle generously with the chopped fresh parsley for that final touch of vibrant color and fresh aroma. Serve it immediately or let it chill for a short while for the flavors to meld. Enjoy your exquisite, mayo-free Spanish Potato Salad!
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with This Versatile Potato Salad
One of the many charms of this Spanish Potato Salad is its incredible versatility, especially given that it’s made without mayonnaise. This makes it an ideal accompaniment for almost any meal, particularly well-suited for outdoor gatherings, barbecues, and potlucks where it can hold up wonderfully in warmer temperatures without worry. Its bold, smoky, and zesty flavors pair beautifully with a wide range of grilled meats, seafood, and even other vegetarian dishes.
Imagine serving this vibrant salad alongside succulent grilled chicken, a juicy burger, or perfectly seared fish. The tanginess of the sherry vinaigrette and the smoky notes of the paprika provide a refreshing contrast to rich grilled flavors, making every bite an exciting experience. Here are a few specific suggestions from my kitchen that would create a truly memorable meal:
- Honey BBQ Pork Souvlaki: The sweetness and char of the pork skewers would be perfectly balanced by the savory and tangy potato salad.
- Smoky BBQ Burger with Fried Egg: The robust flavors of a smoky burger, especially with a fried egg, will find a refreshing counterpart in this bright potato salad.
- Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs: The herbal and bright notes of Mediterranean chicken would harmonize wonderfully with the Spanish flavors of the potato salad.
- Honey Harrisa Chicken Skewers: The spicy-sweet chicken skewers would be beautifully complemented by the cooling yet flavorful potato salad.
- Grilled Chicken Shawarma: The aromatic spices of chicken shawarma would pair excellently with the distinct profile of this Spanish side dish.
This salad also makes a fantastic light lunch on its own or as part of a tapas spread. Its rich medley of flavors ensures it’s satisfying and hearty, making it a truly flexible dish for various culinary occasions.
Explore More Spanish Flavors:
If you’ve enjoyed this taste of Spain, I highly recommend diving into more traditional Spanish recipes that capture the essence of Mediterranean cooking. Here are a few more authentic Spanish dishes to add to your repertoire:
- Andalucian Gazpacho: A refreshing, chilled tomato and vegetable soup, perfect for hot days.
- Salmorejo (Cold Tomato Soup): A thicker, creamier version of cold tomato soup, often garnished with ham and egg.
- Romesco Sauce: A vibrant, nutty, and peppery sauce, fantastic with grilled vegetables, fish, or chicken.
- Spanish Tuna Stew: A hearty and flavorful stew featuring tuna, potatoes, and a rich tomato base.
Here is your Printable Recipe for Spanish Potato Salad:
Spanish Potato Salad
Print
Pin
Rate
Ingredients
- 8 Medium Red Idaho® Potatoes washed and cut into 1” sized pieces;
- 1/2 cup Cherry Tomatoes cut in half;
- 1/3 cup Spanish Manzanilla Green Olives with Pimentos;
- 1/3 cup Roasted Red Peppers chopped;
- ¼ cup Spanish Cured Chorizo cubed;
- 2 tablespoon Scallions white and green parts, chopped;
- 2 tablespoon Fresh Parsley chopped;
- 3 cloves Garlic minced;
- 3 tablespoons Sherry Vinegar;
- 2 teaspoons Dijon Mustard;
- 5 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil;
- 1 teaspoon Sweet Smoked Paprika;
- ¼ teaspoon Hot Spanish Smoked Paprika;
- ¼ teaspoon Salt;
- ¼ teaspoon Fresh Black Pepper
Instructions
-
Place your cut up Red Idaho® Potatoes into a pot, cover with water, and add 1 tablespoon of table salt. Boil for about 20-25 minutes, until the potatoes are fork tender. Drain and cool off.
-
Cut your roasted peppers into bite-size pieces. Cut your tomatoes and olives in half. Cut your chorizo into little squares. Chop scallions, both white and green parts, and chop your parsley.
-
Prepare the dressing. In a jar mix together: vinegar, garlic, mustard, olive oil, both types of paprika, and salt & pepper. Shake to combine.
-
Assemble the salad: place cooled potatoes into a mixing bowl, pour over the dressing and gently mix. Add all the remaining ingredients and mix again. Move the salad onto a serving platter and sprinkle with parsley. Serve it up!
Notes
Nutrition
I hope you thoroughly enjoy preparing and tasting this authentic Spanish Potato Salad! It’s a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can create an unforgettable dish. For more delicious European-inspired recipes and culinary adventures, learn about the author Edyta here. You can also stay connected and discover new recipes by following Eating European on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.