Greek potato salad with herbs

A Greek potato salad made with fresh herbs and a light lemon vinaigrette.

A Greek potato salad made with fresh herbs and a light lemon vinaigrette.


We were well into our teenage years before we realized that North American potato salads were typically rich with mayonnaise. Our parents used mayonnaise quite sparingly in their cooking, and in fact one of the only recipes we remember which used lots of mayo was the classic Russian salad. Beyond that, mayonnaise was something we saw spread on pieces of white toast sandwiching a slice or two of bologna at our non-Greek friends’ homes.

We grew up with potato salads, like this Greek potato salad with herbs, which were fresh tasting, light, mayonnaise-less and easy to bring along to a picnic. With the warmer weather fast approaching and our herb gardens growing, now is the perfect time to make this family favourite.


A Greek potato salad made with fresh herbs and a light lemon vinaigrette.

What potatoes are best to use in potato salad?

We love using yellow fleshed potatoes in our Greek potato salad with herbs. Yukon Gold happen to be our favourites, but the truth is you can use any variety of potato you desire. Stay away from sweet potatoes however – they would be weird in this recipe.

What herbs are best for potato salad?

You can use any fresh herbs you like, in the quantities we have indicated. Traditionally, we have always had this potato salad with fresh parsley and dill. Mint would work well too, as would chives and even some basil. Tarragon would also be lovely – let your palate be your guide, and if you’re uncertain of what you would like, stick to our choices of parsley and dill!

What makes this a Greek potato salad with herbs?

Potato salads such as this one are popular in various parts of Greece where fresh ingredients and simple but fresh flavours are the basis of most recipes. Don’t be fooled however – this Greek potato salad with herbs recipe has no feta, and no olives!

A Greek potato salad made with fresh herbs and a light lemon vinaigrette.
A Greek potato salad made with fresh herbs and a light lemon vinaigrette.
A Greek potato salad made with fresh herbs and a light lemon vinaigrette.

Looking for more great potato salad recipes? Check these out:

Potato salad with smoked herring

Potato Salad (Πατατοσαλάτα)

Maniatiki Salad (Potato salad with oranges and fennel) (Μανιάτικη σαλάτα)

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A Greek potato salad made with fresh herbs and a light lemon vinaigrette.
A Greek potato salad made with fresh herbs and a light lemon vinaigrette.

Greek Potato salad with herbs

A Greek potato salad made with fresh herbs and a light lemon vinaigrette.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Light meal, Salad
Cuisine: Greek
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 333kcal
Author: Mia Kouppa

Equipment

  • 1 large sauce pot
  • 1 Colander
  • 1 cutting board

Ingredients

  • 5-6 medium size potatoes about 2 lbs
  • 2 tsp salt divided
  • 3 green onions chopped white and green part
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
  • 1/4 tsp pepper

For the dressing

  • ¼ cup (60 mL) olive oil
  • 2 tbsp (30 mL) fresh lemon juice or juice of half a lemon
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) white wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp mustard Dijon or regular yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp dry oregano
  • ½ tsp grated lemon zest

Instructions

  • Peel and cube your potatoes into 1 inch pieces. Place in a large pot and add enough water to cover the potatoes by about 3 inches. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water and bring to a boil over high heat.. Lower the heat and cook, uncovered over medium heat for approximately 8-10 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender.
    5-6 medium size potatoes
  • While your potatoes are cooking prepare your dressing by combining all ingredients into a covered jar and shake until well combined. Alternatively you can place all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until emulsified. Set aside.
    ¼ cup (60 mL) olive oil, 2 tbsp (30 mL) fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp (15 mL) white wine vinegar, 1 tsp mustard, 1 tsp dry oregano, ½ tsp grated lemon zest
  • Drain the potatoes and immediately place them back into your hot pot. Turn the heat on to the lowest setting possible and allow the heat to dry out your potatoes. This can take anywhere from 3 - 5 minutes. Check your potatoes frequently to make sure they don't burn and shake your pot gently during this time. Take care not to burn your potatoes.
  • Transfer your potatoes into a large bowl and immediately add the green onion, the fresh herbs and the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and toss gently.
    3 green onions, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill, 1/4 tsp pepper
  • Serve immediately/room temperature or cold.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

We like to use Yukon Gold (or another yellow-fleshed potato) in this recipe, but any potato variety will work.

Nutrition

Calories: 333kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 1198mg | Potassium: 1201mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 640IU | Vitamin C: 65mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 3mg

Thanks for sharing!

2 Comments

  1. Charles MacDonald says:

    We had baby potatoes — red, yellow, and purple — so I used them. The purple ones looked a bit incongruous but the flavour was just fine.

    That’s a lovely, summery dressing. The absence of mayonnaise is another point in its favour, especially for hot weather picnics. This is definitely a recipe we’ll make often.

    1. miakouppa says:

      Thank you so much Charles! Yes, we love that this potato salad doesn’t have mayonnaise – it’s not an ingredient we grew up with at all! xoxo Helen & Billie

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