Greek-Style Potato Salad

07

If you’ve followed this blog, you know of my deep-seated hatred for mayonnaise. I literally have to look away when I find myself at a place like Subway and the person in front of me orders mayo on their sub. Sometimes, the sandwich preparer will automatically pick up the squeeze bottle of mayonnaise when it’s my turn to pick out my condiments and I get a look of panic on my face, hands flying up into stop signs. Nooooooo! No mayo, please!

So, it’s safe to say that I am not a huge fan of the traditional summer salads, like chicken, potato and pasta. And it’s sometimes a shame because these things are everywhere, to the point where I often find myself side dish-less at summer parties and barbecues.

When I was about 9 years old, my stepmom (then just my dad’s girlfriend) asked if I would like some potato salad with my meal. I debated. Do I try this just to be polite since this could be my future stepmother? Certainly writhing in fear and disgust was not an appropriate reaction. But then, I peeked into the bowl she was pointing to. Hmm. It sure didn’t look like mayonnaise. It looked pretty good, really. So, I scooped some onto my plate.

And, I fell in love. This Greek-style potato salad quickly became one of my favorite side dishes. I don’t know that you can really refer to it  as a “salad” but why not? My stepmother is also a first-generation Greek, but I had never seen this particular dish before growing up because of the differences in Greek regional cuisine. It has the same flavors, though, as those roasted potatoes everyone loves: lemon, olive oil, oregano. A trifecta of awesomeness.

This dish is best served at room temperature or just slightly warm, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, and barbecues. It’s incredibly easy to throw together and it’s so, so tasty. This is one of the few dishes where I really enjoy raw onion (I love them cooked, but I have never been big on them raw). I do use a milder red onion, though. My stepmom doesn’t add parsley to this, and whether I add it or not depends on my laziness, but I do find it’s a good addition to sprinkle just a little on top for more freshness. I like  lemon quite a bit so if you want a more muted flavor, just reduce the lemon juice by a little and add more olive oil.

Greek-Style Potato Salad

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7 thoughts on “Greek-Style Potato Salad

  1. elly, it’s just amazing that although i live in greece (mind you i have lived in london for 30 years) i discover that whatever recipe of yours i read i have come to the same conclusuin: no, no mayonese and this is how i make my potato salad. it’s delicious. the same goes for a few of your greek recipes, keftedes, pastichio, moussaka. i ove what you write and your photos. did you have training to produce these ‘professional but not fake’ amazing photos? please tell
    efi

  2. Thank you for helping to spread awareness of traditional Greek food. Almost every other cuisine in the world now has been bastardized into some format or other but thankfully Greek food remains what it is – simple, wholesome, appetizing and above all enjoyable!

    Although I’m British (and now living in Brazil) Greece was my second home whenever I could steal a couple of weeks or more away from the UK. Thankfully this was several times a year which allowed me to explore the Islands especially. The beaches and tavernas seem like a lifetime away now but hopefully I’ll get the chance to go back again, especially to Kefalonia, my favorite of all.

    Thanks again.
    Glyn

  3. LOL! I also have a deep-seated hatred for mayonnaise. If I have to spread some on my husband’s sandwich and any touches my hand I get all grossed out. And the squishy noise it makes- ew!!!

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