Potato Salad Recipe _ Sorted Food
### Classic Potato Salad Recipe: A Fresh and Easy-to-Make Version
Potato salad is one of those classic side dishes that is so easy to make, yet so many people insist on buying it pre-made. Why? It’s simple, fresh, and delicious when made from scratch. This is our version of the classic potato salad, incorporating loads of input from viewers, and it starts with a very simple process: boiling potatoes.
#### Step 1: Preparing the Potatoes
Start by washing and scrubbing your new potatoes. Cut them into roughly uniform sizes—about the size of a large walnut or small golf ball. Place them in a saucepan, cover them with just enough cold water to barely submerge them, and season with salt.
Unlike boiling pasta, where you want a rolling boil with plenty of water, for potatoes, you only need enough water to cover them. Heat the pot over medium-low heat, place the lid on top, and let it simmer gently. This will cook the potatoes faster and help maintain their shape.
For an extra touch of flavor, add a sprig of fresh mint (if you have it growing in your garden) to the water. The mint will infuse a subtle, refreshing aroma into the potatoes. Simmer for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. You’ll know they’re done when you can easily stab them with a sharp knife and they fall off without resistance.
#### Step 2: Preparing the Onions and Spinach
While the potatoes are cooking, prepare your red onion. Peel it, halve it, and slice it into thin wedges. Red onions add a nice pop of color and a mild sweetness to the dish, making them a better choice than white onions for this recipe.
Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the heat. While they’re still hot, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a bowl. Keep the hot water in the pot, as it will be used to blanch the red onion and spinach.
Add the sliced red onion to the hot potato water. Let it cook for about 30 seconds to take the edge off its sharpness while still maintaining its crunch. Then, add the spinach and stir until it wilts completely. Both the onions and spinach will need just about a minute of cooking time.
#### Step 3: Making the Dressing
Now that the potatoes, onions, and spinach are ready, it’s time to make the dressing. Store-bought potato salad dressings can often be claggy and overly rich, but this homemade version is light, fresh, and flavorful.
In a bowl, mix together twice as much cream fresh (or sour cream) as mayonnaise. For example, if you use 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, add 1 cup of cream fresh. This ratio creates a lighter, tangier dressing that’s perfect for this recipe.
Add a splash of white wine vinegar, a few capers, and the zest of one lemon to the mixture. These ingredients will brighten up the flavors and add a nice zesty kick. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
#### Step 4: Combining Everything
Once the dressing is ready, combine it with the cooled potatoes, blanched onions, and wilted spinach in a large bowl. Gently mix everything together until well-coated.
For an extra burst of freshness, chop up some mint and parsley and toss them into the salad. These herbs will add a vibrant color and fresh flavor to the dish.
#### Step 5: Serving
Transfer the potato salad to a serving bowl and garnish it with additional fresh herbs if desired. Serve it alongside crisp watercress for an elegant presentation, or simply enjoy it as is.
### Conclusion
This classic potato salad is anything but ordinary. It’s fresh, light, and packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of cream fresh, lemon zest, capers, and fresh herbs. The gentle simmering process ensures the potatoes stay tender and flavorful, while the red onion adds a nice touch of color and sweetness.
Next time you’re at the grocery store, skip the pre-made potato salad aisle and give this homemade version a try. It’s so much better than anything you can buy—and it’s surprisingly easy to make!