Easy Italian Potato Salad

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 20 min.

Makes

10 servings

Updated: Nov. 15, 2023
You'll want to take this simple-to-assemble potato salad to all your picnics and outings. It's always on the menu when my tomato plants yield a bumper crop. Feel free to improvise by adding other fresh vegetables.
Easy Italian Potato Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 6 medium red potatoes, cooked and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 3 to 4 plum tomatoes, quartered
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 3 to 4 fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 jar (5-3/4 ounces) pimiento-stuffed olives, drained and halved
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate until serving.
Easy Italian Potato Salad Tips

Should you peel the potatoes before cooking them?

Red potatoes do not need to be peeled for potato salad recipes. The skin is thin and tender enough to eat, but you can peel them if you prefer. Just make sure you're using the potato peeler the right way.

What's the best way to cook potatoes for potato salad?

The goal for cooking potatoes for potato salad is to not overcook them because you want them to hold their shape and to absorb a minimal amount of water. Cook them whole in boiling water until just tender. When cool enough to handle, cut as directed.

What can you serve with Italian potato salad?

Italian potato salad is delicious with grilled steak recipes, roasted chicken or baked fish. It's very versatile and pairs well with lots of main dishes.

How far in advance can you make Italian potato salad?

You can make it ahead, but it tastes best within a day or so of assembling. Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

—Peggy Woodward, Taste of Home Senior Food Editor

Nutrition Facts

3/4 cup: 170 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 638mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch.