Italian Potato Salad
This recipe for Italian Potato Salad, mayo free, a starter or side recipe, is simple, delicious and an all time favorite. Perfect for a potluck or a picnic, it's the salad you'll always be craving.
Servings: 4
Calories: 395kcal
Ingredients
- 2 pound potatoes cubed
- 6 slices bacon fried and chopped
- 1 stalk celery chopped
- 5 green onions chopped
- ½ cup Italian dressing
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Place the potato cubes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, letting the potatoes simmer until they're fork-tender, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes depending on their size.
- Once cooked, drain the potatoes in a colander. Let them sit for a while to cool down and to allow any excess moisture to evaporate. You want them to be warm but not hot when mixing with the other ingredients to ensure the best texture and flavor absorption.
- In a large bowl, add all ingredients together and gently toss.
- Serve salad with additional grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Potato Choice: Waxy potatoes like red or Yukon gold are ideal for salads as they hold their shape well after boiling.
- Dressing Absorption: For a flavor-packed punch, consider dressing the potatoes while they are still warm. They'll absorb the dressing better, enhancing the overall taste.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often meld and intensify after a day, so it might taste even better!
- Bacon Alternatives: If you're looking for a vegetarian option, skip the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon bits.
- Cheese Variation: While Parmesan offers a nice sharpness to the salad, feel free to experiment with other hard Italian cheeses, such as Pecorino Romano.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 395kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 743mg | Potassium: 1105mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 290IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 235mg | Iron: 7.9mg