There’s something about a vibrant potato salad that perfectly complements warm summer days, and this Fresh Sumac Potato Salad is a standout. Light, tangy, and bursting with bright flavors, it’s a dish that elevates the classic potato salad into something refreshing and memorable. The unique addition of sumac adds a lemony, slightly tart flavor that pairs beautifully with tender potatoes and crisp herbs, making it a summer favorite for picnics, barbecues, or family dinners.

Inspired by Mediterranean flavors, this salad balances creamy textures with tangy, herbaceous notes. It’s simple to prepare yet offers a sophisticated flavor profile that everyone will crave. Whether served alongside grilled meats, seafood, or on its own, this potato salad brings freshness, color, and irresistible flavor to your summer table.

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Why Sumac Makes This Potato Salad Special

Sumac is a spice widely used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, known for its tangy, citrus-like flavor. In this potato salad, it brightens the creamy potatoes and complements the fresh herbs, onions, and a light vinaigrette. The result is a dish that is refreshing, flavorful, and far from ordinary.

Unlike traditional heavy mayonnaise-based potato salads, this version is lighter, making it perfect for warm weather when you want something both satisfying and crisp. It’s a dish that feels fresh, vibrant, and inviting—ideal for summer gatherings and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients for Fresh Sumac Potato Salad

• 2 lbs (900 g) baby potatoes, halved or quartered

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil

• 1 small red onion, finely diced

• 2 tablespoons (10 g) fresh parsley, chopped

• 2 tablespoons (10 g) fresh dill, chopped

• 1 teaspoon (2 g) salt, adjust to taste

• 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) black pepper

• 2 teaspoons (4 g) ground sumac

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) red wine vinegar

• Optional: 1/4 cup (40 g) crumbled feta cheese

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Begin by preparing the potatoes, which form the base of this vibrant salad. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. The salt seasons the potatoes from the inside as they cook, enhancing their natural flavor. Once the water is boiling, add the potatoes. Depending on your preference, you can use baby potatoes, Yukon Golds, or red potatoes, either halved or quartered so they cook evenly. Boil the potatoes for 12–15 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. Be careful not to overcook them, as overcooked potatoes can fall apart and turn mushy, which affects the texture of the salad. Once cooked, drain the potatoes thoroughly and allow them to cool slightly so they are easier to handle and can absorb the dressing more effectively.

While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the dressing, which gives the salad its bright, tangy flavor. In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, salt, black pepper, and ground sumac. Sumac adds a subtle tartness and vibrant red hue that is traditional in Middle Eastern-style potato salads. Whisk the ingredients together until fully emulsified, creating a smooth, flavorful dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—adding more lemon juice for brightness or extra olive oil for richness can help balance the flavors.

Once the potatoes have cooled slightly, add them to the bowl with the dressing. Be gentle when tossing so that the potatoes remain intact. Add thinly sliced red onion, fresh parsley, and dill to the bowl as well. The red onion adds a mild pungency and crispness, while parsley and dill contribute fresh, herbaceous notes that elevate the dish. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly so that the potatoes and vegetables are evenly coated with the tangy, aromatic dressing.

For an optional touch of creaminess and richness, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad. Feta adds a salty, tangy dimension that complements the bright, citrusy dressing and the earthy potatoes beautifully. You can also garnish with extra parsley or a light drizzle of olive oil for presentation and flavor.

After assembling, allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling gives the flavors time to meld, letting the sumac, herbs, and tangy dressing penetrate the potatoes for a more cohesive, flavorful dish. This salad can also be served at room temperature, making it a versatile option for picnics, potlucks, or casual meals.

When serving, use a wide, shallow dish or platter to showcase the vibrant colors of the potatoes, herbs, and optional feta. This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired spread. The combination of tender potatoes, zesty dressing, fresh herbs, and optional cheese creates a salad that is refreshing, flavorful, and satisfying in every bite.

For best results, use fresh, high-quality olive oil and fresh herbs. Be gentle when mixing to preserve the texture of the potatoes, and adjust the acidity of the dressing to your taste. This Sumac Potato Salad is a bright, colorful, and easy-to-make side dish that brings a fresh, tangy twist to any meal.

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Tips for Perfect Sumac Potato Salad

• Cook potatoes carefully: Avoid overcooking to prevent them from becoming mushy. Firm-yet-tender potatoes hold the dressing well.

• Balance flavors: Adjust lemon juice or sumac to taste for a brighter or more tangy salad.

• Make ahead: This salad tastes even better after resting for a few hours as the flavors meld.

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Serving Suggestions and Variations

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, or as part of a picnic spread. For added texture, mix in chopped celery, radishes, or green beans. Swap parsley for cilantro or mint for a fresh twist, or sprinkle a few toasted pine nuts for crunch.

For a creamy variation, you can add a spoonful of Greek yogurt to the dressing while keeping the bright sumac flavor intact. This potato salad is flexible, easy to customize, and always crowd-pleasing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Yes! While baby potatoes are convenient and naturally bite-sized, you can absolutely use regular potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Simply cut them into evenly sized pieces so they cook evenly. Adjust the cooking time depending on the size of the pieces—larger chunks may require a few extra minutes to become tender, while smaller pieces will cook faster. Be careful not to overcook them, as you want the potatoes to hold their shape for the salad and avoid becoming mushy. Properly cooked potatoes will have a creamy, firm texture that pairs beautifully with the tangy sumac dressing and fresh herbs.

2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Sumac Potato Salad actually benefits from a little resting time, as the flavors meld together and intensify. You can prepare the salad a few hours or even overnight and store it in the refrigerator. If you’re prepping ahead, it’s a good idea to add delicate ingredients like fresh herbs, crumbled feta, or any tender vegetables just before serving. This ensures they remain vibrant and maintain their texture. Chilling the salad in advance makes it a perfect option for potlucks, picnics, or as a make-ahead side dish for weeknight dinners.

3. What if I don’t have sumac?
Sumac provides a distinctive, tangy, citrusy flavor that is hard to replicate exactly, but you can make a good substitute if needed. A combination of lemon zest and a pinch of paprika works well to mimic its bright, slightly tart taste. While this won’t completely replicate sumac’s unique flavor, it will give the salad a refreshing acidity and subtle depth. Alternatively, a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also enhance the tanginess of the salad if sumac isn’t available.

4. Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Sumac Potato Salad is very versatile and can accommodate a variety of additional vegetables for extra color, texture, and nutrition. Chopped cucumber, roasted red peppers, green beans, or even cherry tomatoes make excellent additions. Adding vegetables not only increases the volume and variety of the salad but also brings more freshness and crunch, complementing the soft potatoes and tangy dressing. You can mix and match based on what’s in season or what you have on hand to create your own personalized version of this vibrant, flavorful salad.

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Final Thoughts

Fresh Sumac Potato Salad is a vibrant, tangy, and refreshing dish that turns the classic potato salad into a summer favorite. The combination of tender potatoes, bright herbs, and the unique flavor of sumac makes every bite delightful and flavorful. Its balance of textures and flavors appeals to all ages, making it a crowd-pleaser at picnics, barbecues, or family dinners.

The best part of this recipe is its versatility. You can adjust the level of tanginess, add extra vegetables, or sprinkle with feta for richness. The salad is light yet satisfying, making it perfect for hot summer days when you want something healthy, flavorful, and refreshing. With minimal prep and bold, bright flavors, this Fresh Sumac Potato Salad is destined to become a go-to dish for your summer gatherings and weeknight meals alike.

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