Sicilian potato salad with green beans, tomatoes and red onion is a fresh dish that embodies the flavors of the Mediterranean. This salad is light, healthy and perfect as a side dish or a light meal on its own. The combination of tender potatoes, crisp green beans, juicy tomatoes and zesty red onion, all dressed in olive oil and vinegar, makes it a perfect addition to any meal.
Ingredients
2 pounds (about 1 kg) waxy potatoes (Yukon Gold or Red Bliss)
1/2 pound (about 250g) green beans, trimmed and halved
1 pint (about 2 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2-3 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the Potatoes: Wash the potatoes and place them in a large pot. Cover with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes depending on the size of the potatoes.
Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, peel the potatoes if desired, and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Blanch the Green Beans: While the potatoes are cooking, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are just tender but still crisp. Drain the green beans and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their bright green color. After a few minutes, drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, chopped and basil (if using).
Add the blanched green beans to the bowl.
4. Dress the Salad: Add the warm potato pieces to the salad bowl with the prepared vegetables.
Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar over the salad. Gently toss everything together to coat the vegetables and potatoes evenly.
Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning or add more vinegar if desired.
5. Let the Flavors Marinate: Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for at least 15-20 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together. For even better flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight. Bring it back to room temperature before serving.
6. Serve: Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss to ensure all ingredients are well combined and coated with the dressing. Serve the Sicilian potato salad as a side dish with grilled meats, fish, or as part of a Mediterranean-style meal.
This Sicilian potato salad with green beans, tomatoes and red onion is a perfect example of how simple, fresh ingredients can create a delicious and satisfying dish. The combination of flavors and textures—from the tender potatoes and crisp green beans to the juicy tomatoes and sharp red onion—makes this salad a delightful addition to any table. Enjoy it as a refreshing side dish or a light meal, bringing the taste of Sicily to your home. Buon appetito!
